Pearl of the Algarve
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons, migratory birds can be spotted in the beautiful and unique nature reserve Ria Formosa in the sunny Algarve, where Boutique Guesthouse-Moncarapacho is located. Open 1 July 2025.
Eastern Algarve in Portugal
When you think of the Algarve, you have an image of sun, sea and beach. But there is more! In the eastern part of the Algarve, between Faro and Tavira, lies a 60 kilometre long belt of islands and peninsulas with a lagoon behind it.
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
This entire nature reserve Ria Formosa consists of sandbanks, salt pans, marshes, white beaches and dunes with plants and animals. You can actually compare it with our Wadden area.
Our village Moncarapacho is located 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 bird watchers and hikers
For birdwatchers this breeding and migratory bird area is very interesting. There are many different types of birds to spot. The most famous for us laymen are the storks, flamingos and herons.
When it is 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 villages by the sea.
You can't get fish and shellfish much fresher (and tastier) than in the Ria Formosa. On the boulevard in the town of Olhao we regularly go to a French café to eat oysters. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon that you look out on.
Dolphin spotting in the Algarve
In the lagoon you will also find freshwater turtles, seahorses and dolphins. With a bit of luck, especially in spring, you can spot these dolphins on boat excursions.
Chameleons are also found here. In our garden we have seen them twice this summer. One even fell out of the tree on Maarten's shoulder! They are quite rare and are beautiful to see, especially their special way of moving.
The Parque Natural de Ria Formosa Visitor Centre, part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, is located on the edge of the lively village of Olhao. About 10 kilometres from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other species.
Seahorses in the Algarve
What we didn't know is that the Ria Formosa is home to the largest community of seahorses. Unfortunately, the seahorse population has declined drastically in 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 a protected area of the Ria Formosa where boating and fishing are prohibited.
The German news even paid attention to this relocation of seahorses and everything that comes with it. A nice joint international initiative! Read more about the seahorses here .
Would you also like to enjoy all this beauty in the eastern Algarve, near Spain?
If you want to experience what the eastern Algarve has to offer from July 1st 2025, don't forget to check out our opening offer ! Perhaps we will see you in beautiful Portugal.
Bem vindo or welcome!
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