The Algarve’s Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is one of Portugal’s most beautiful natural sites. Situated between Faro and Cacela Velha, it makes a great day trip from Faro.
The park is home to a myriad of birds, plant species, and crustaceans. Wide marshes and salty areas make great habitats for many types of Portuguese wildlife, but the park is best known for its avian species.
The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa’s location makes it a major stopping point in bird migration routes between Europe and Africa, and many European birds spend their winters there. As such, visitors can see everything from the Wigeon to the Purple Gallinule.
Additionally, plant species like the endemic Sea Lavender and the beautiful but parasitic broomrape wildflowers can be seen in the park.
Visitors to Faro can take boat tours of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa to see the wildlife up close. Alternately, there are hiking trails throughout the park, most of which leave from the visitor center near Olhao.
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