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 have an image of sun, sea and beach. But there is more! In the eastern part of Algarve lies a 60-kilometre-long belt of islands and skerries with a lagoon behind it.
Nature reserve Ria Formosa
This whole nature reserve Ria Formosa further 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 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 they are sold fresh in the market halls in the various seaside villages.
Much fresher (and tastier) than in Ria Formosa you cannot find fish and shellfish. In the village Olhão on the boulevard we often go to a French café to eat oysters. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon you overlook.
Dolphins spotting in Algarve
In the lagoon you also find freshwater turtles, seahorses and dolphins. With boat trips you can, with a little 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 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 village Olhão, about 10 kilometres from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other species.
Seahorses in Algarve
What we did not know is that Ria Formosa hosts the largest community of seahorses. Unfortunately the seahorse population has decreased 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, raise funds. With this money seahorses are released into a protected area of Ria Formosa where sailing and fishing are forbidden.
The German TV even paid attention to this relocation of seahorses and everything that comes with it. A nice joint international initiative! Read more about the seahorses.
Also enjoy all this beauty in the east of Algarve, near Spain?
Do you want to experience what the East Algarve has to offer yourself? Perhaps we see you in beautiful Portugal.
Bem vindo or welkom!
Photo: fishermen's huts Fuseta
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