The Eastern Algarve is more than just sun, sea and sand!
When you think of the Algarve in southern Portugal, you picture sun, sea and beach. But there is more! In the eastern part of the Algarve, namely between Faro and Tavira, lies a 60‑kilometer long belt of islands and islets with a lagoon behind it.
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons, migratory birds can be spotted in this beautiful and unique nature reserve Ria Formosa in sunny Algarve. From our Guesthouse we look over the fishing village Fuseta, the Atlantic Ocean and this unique lagoon! Distance to beach and sea is 8 kilometres!
Photo: salt pans near Tavira
Pearl of the Algarve
This entire nature reserve Ria Formosa, also called the Pearl of the Algarve, further consists of sandbanks, salt pans, marshes, white beaches and dunes with plants and about 1 500 species of animals.
You can actually compare it to our Dutch Wadden Sea area. With a special app you can precisely see when it is safe to walk across to one of the islands before the tide rises again.
Unique environment for birdwatchers and walkers
For birdwatchers, this breeding and migratory bird area is very interesting. There are more than 200 different species of birds to spot. The most familiar to us seem to be storks, flamingos, and herons, but there are also rare and local species to discover.
When it gets dark, we see in the distance the little fishing boats in the Atlantic Ocean catching octopus with bright lights. Every morning these are sold fresh in the market halls in the various seaside villages.
Fish and shellfish here are far fresher (and tastier) than in Ria Formosa. On the boulevard in the village of Olhao we often go to a French cafe to eat oysters. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon from which this restaurant on the boulevard overlooks.
Dolphins spotting in the Algarve
In the lagoon you also find freshwater turtles, seahorses, and dolphins. With boat excursions you can, with a bit of luck, especially in spring, spot dolphins.
Chameleons
Chameleons are also present. They are rather rare in Europe and are beautiful to see, especially their special very slow way of moving. But good, in this way he can sneak up on his prey very well. If you happen to encounter one on a path, feel free to help him before he gets run over!
In our garden we have already seen them several times. Our caravan is under two large alfarrobabomen whose ripe pods regularly fall down. A chameleon fell from the tree and landed on Maarten’s shoulder! A bit scary when such a big pod starts to walk!
The visitor centre Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, part of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, is located on the edge of the lively village of Olhao. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other species.
Photo: chameleon in our garden
Seahorses
What we didn’t know is that Ria Formosa hosts the largest community of seahorses. Unfortunately the seahorse population has drastically decreased over the last 20 years due to environmental changes, illegal fishing, or excessive shipping traffic. In another blog I come across this peculiar little fish again!
Also enjoy all this beauty in the east of Algarve, near Spain?
Want to experience for yourself that the Algarve indeed is more than sun, sea, and beach? You can do so at our Boutique Hotel Guesthouse Moncarapacho. The booking site is open! Welcome!
Photos: blooming yucca, agave, and palm in our young Mediterranean garden
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