Pearl of the Algarve
Seahorses, dolphins, flamingos, chameleons, and migratory birds can be spotted in the beautiful and unique natural area of Ria Formosa in the sunny Algarve, where Boutique Guesthouse-Moncarapacho is located.
East Algarve in Portugal
When you think of the Algarve, you imagine sun, sea, and beach. But there's more! In the eastern part of the Algarve, between Faro and Tavira, lies a 60-kilometer belt of islands and peninsulas with a lagoon behind them.
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
This entire nature reserve consists of sandbanks, salt pans, marshes, white beaches, and dunes with plants and animals. It can actually be compared to our Wadden Sea.
Our village of Moncarapacho is located near this protected natural area of Ria Formosa. From our plot, we overlook the fishing village of Fuseta, the Atlantic Ocean, and this unique lagoon.
A 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 well-known for us laypeople are storks, flamingos, and herons.
When it's dark, we see small fishing boats in the distance on the Atlantic Ocean with bright lights catching octopuses. Every morning, these are sold fresh in the market halls of the various seaside villages.
You won't find fish and shellfish fresher (or tastier) than in the Ria Formosa. In the village of Olhao on the boulevard, we often go to a French café to eat oysters. These oysters are farmed in the lagoon that you overlook.
Spotting Dolphins in the Algarve
In the lagoon, you can also find freshwater turtles, seahorses, and dolphins. With boat tours, you can, with a bit of luck, especially in the spring, spot these dolphins.
Chameleons are also found here. We have seen them twice in our garden this summer. One even fell out of a tree onto Maarten's shoulder! They are quite rare and beautiful to see, especially their unique way of moving.
The Parque Natural de Ria Formosa Visitor Center, part of the Ria Formosa Nature 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.
Seahorses in the Algarve
What we didn't know is that Ria Formosa is home to the largest community of seahorses. Unfortunately, the seahorse population has drastically decreased over the past 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 into a protected area of Ria Formosa where sailing and fishing are prohibited.
Even the German news paid attention to this relocation of seahorses and everything that comes with it. A beautiful joint international initiative! Read more about the seahorses.
Want to enjoy all this beauty in the east of the Algarve, near Spain? Do you want to experience what the eastern Algarve has to offer? Click here for more information. Maybe we'll see you in beautiful Portugal.
Bem vindo or welcome!
Photo: Fisherman's houses Fuseta
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