Pearl of the Algarve
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons, migratory birds can be spotted in the beautiful and unique nature reserve Ria Formosa in sunny Algarve, where Boutique Hotel Guesthouse-Moncarapacho is located.
East Algarve in Portugal
When you think of Algarve, you picture sun, sea and beach. But there is more! In the eastern part of Algarve lies, between Faro and Tavira, a 60‑kilometer long belt of islands and islets with a lagoon behind it.
Nature Reserve Ria Formosa
This entire nature reserve Ria Formosa also consists of sandbanks, salt pans, marshes, white beaches and dunes with plants and animals. You can actually compare it to our Wadden Sea area.
Our village Moncarapacho lies near this protected nature reserve Ria Formosa. From our plot we look at the fishing village Fuseta, the Atlantic Ocean and this unique lagoon.
Unique environment for birdwatchers and walkers
For birdwatchers this breeding and migratory bird area is very interesting. There are many different species of birds to spot. The most familiar to us seem to be storks, flamingos and herons.
When it gets dark, we see in the distance the small fishing boats on the Atlantic Ocean catching octopus with bright lights. Every morning these are sold fresh in the market halls in the various seaside villages.
Much fresher (and tastier) than in Ria Formosa you cannot get fish and shellfish. On the boulevard in the town Olhao we regularly go to a French café to eat oysters. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon you overlook.
Spotting dolphins in 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 these dolphins.
Chameleons also appear here. In our garden we have seen them twice this summer. One even fell from the tree on top of Martin's shoulder! They are quite rare and are beautiful to see, especially their special way of moving.
The visitor centre Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, part of the Ria Formosa nature park, lies on the edge of the lively town Olhao. About 10 kilometres from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other species of animals.
Seahorses in Algarve
What we did not 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.
Our German neighbours told us that they, together with other members of the local rotary club, are raising funds. With this money seahorses are released into the protected area of Ria Formosa where boating and fishing are prohibited.
On the German news even attention was given to this reintroduction of seahorses and everything that comes with it. A nice joint international initiative! Read here more about the seahorses.
Also enjoy all this beauty in the east of Algarve, near Spain?
Do you want to experience what East Algarve has to offer? Book your holiday now on our booking site on this website!
Bem vindo or welkom!
Photo: salt extraction in Tavira
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