Pearl of the Algarve
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons and migratory birds can be spotted in the beautiful and unique nature reserve Ria Formosa in the sunny Algarve, where our future Boutique Guesthouse-Moncarapacho is located.
Eastern Algarve in Portugal
When you think of the Algarve, you have an image of sun, sea and beach. But there's more! In the eastern part of the Algarve, between Faro and Tavira, there is a 60 kilometer long belt of islands and peninsulas with a lagoon behind them.
If you want to experience for yourself what the eastern Algarve has to offer from 2025, don't forget to take a look at our attractive anticipation discount offer!
Ria Formosa nature reserve
This entire Ria Formosa nature reserve also consists of sandbanks, salt pans, swamps, white beaches and dunes with plants and animals. You can actually compare it with our Wadden area.
Our village of Moncarapacho is located near this protected nature reserve Ria Formosa. From our plot we look out over the fishing village of Fuseta, the Atlantic Ocean and this unique lagoon.
Photo: Fuseta fishermen's houses 
Unique environment for bird watchers and hikers
This breeding and migratory bird area is very interesting for bird watchers. 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. These are sold fresh every morning in the market halls in the various seaside villages.
You can't get much fresher (and tastier) fish and shellfish than in the Ria Formosa. In the village of Olhao on the boulevard we regularly eat oysters at a French cafe. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon you overlook.
Spotting dolphins in the Algarve
In the lagoon you will also find freshwater turtles, seahorses and dolphins. With boat excursions you can, with a bit of luck, spot these dolphins, especially in the spring.
Chameleons are also found here. We have seen them in our garden twice this summer. One even fell from the tree on top of 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 center, part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, is located on the edge of the lively village of Olhao. About 10 kilometers from us. Here you can spot these chameleons and many other animal species.
Photo: chameleon in our garden 
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 over the last 20 years due to environmental changes, illegal fishing or excessive shipping traffic.
Our German neighbors told us that they, together with other members of the local Rotary club, are raising funds. With this money, seahorses are released in a protected area of the Ria Formosa where sailing and fishing are prohibited.
The German news even paid attention to this relocation of seahorses and everything that comes with it. A great joint international initiative! Read more about the seahorses .
Would you also like to enjoy all this beauty in the east of the Algarve, near Spain?
This is possible at our future Boutique Guesthouse-Moncarapacho. We have a very nice discount promotion during the construction period in 2024, where you can stay with us from 2025 for 20%-40% of the normal price. Read more about the anticipation support discount promotion . Perhaps we will see you in beautiful Portugal.
Bem vindo or welcome!
This is our own website with the best price. Click here for our accommodations or ask us your question.
