Pearl of the Algarve
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons, and 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's 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 them.
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
This entire nature reserve Ria Formosa consists further of sandbanks, salt pans, wetlands, white beaches, and dunes with plants and animals. It can actually be compared to our Wadden Sea area.
Our little 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 hikers
For birdwatchers this breeding and migratory bird area is very interesting. There are many different species of birds to spot. The most famous, for us, are 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 they 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. In the town Olhão on the boulevard we regularly go to a French café to eat oysters. These oysters are cultivated in the lagoon from which you look out.
Dolphins spotting 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 are also found here. In our garden we have seen them twice this summer. One even fell out of the tree on top of Martin's shoulder! They are rather 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 Olhão, about 10 kilometres from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other animal species.
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, raised funds. With this money seahorses are released into the protected area of Ria Formosa where boating and fishing are forbidden.
Even the German television gave attention to this reintroduction of seahorses and everything involved. A nice joint international initiative! Read more about the seahorses.
Also enjoy all this beauty in the east Algarve, near Spain?
Want to experience what East Algarve has to offer? Click here for more information. Perhaps we’ll see you in beautiful Portugal.
Welcome!
Photo: fishing huts Fuseta
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