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 the Algarve, you picture sun, sea and beach. But there's more! In the eastern part of the Algarve, between Faro and Tavira, there is a 60 kilometre long belt of islands and skerries with a lagoon behind them.

Nature Reserve Ria Formosa
This entire nature reserve Ria Formosa also consists of sandbanks, salt pans, mudflats, white beaches and dunes with plants and animals. You can actually compare it with our Wadden Sea area.

Our little village Moncarapacho lies near this protected nature reserve Ria Formosa. From our plot we look towards the fishing village Fuseta, the Atlantic Ocean and this unique lagoon.

Unique setting 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.

You can't get fish and shellfish fresher (and tastier) than in Ria Formosa. On the boulevard in the town of Olhao we regularly go to a French cafe to eat oysters. These oysters are cultivated in the lagoon from which you look out.

Spotting dolphins in the Algarve
In the lagoon you also find freshwater turtles, seahorses and dolphins. With boat excursions you may spot these dolphins with a bit of luck, especially in spring.

Chameleons are also present here. In our garden we have seen them twice this summer. One even fell from the tree onto Martin's shoulder! They are quite rare and beautiful to see, especially their special way of moving.

The visitor centre Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, part of the Ria Formosa nature park, is located on the edge of the lively town of Olhao. About 10 kilometres from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other animal species.

Seahorses in the Algarve
What we did not know is that Ria Formosa hosts the largest community of seahorses. Unfortunately, the seahorse population has drastically declined 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, were raising funds. With this money seahorses are released in a protected area of Ria Formosa where boating and fishing is forbidden.

The German television even gave attention 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?
If you want to experience what the east Algarve has to offer from 1 July 2025, book your holiday now on our booking site!

Welcome!

Photo: salt extraction in Tavira

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