Things to see and do Olhão

It would be a great omission not to visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park during a stay in the Algarve, and almost impossible, it must be said.... It has all the qualities for beautiful walks: pristine and sublime beaches, picturesque islands on which many fishermen have been settled for years, a unique ecosystem, a unique flora and population of atypical birds (observable especially in spring and autumn, during migration periods). Researchers from all over the world are interested in this area, studying the variation of currents and channels. Here, the dunes are not necessarily formed by the wind as is the case elsewhere....

It is in fact a large marsh that extends from Vale de Lobo to Tavira, covering the coasts of Quinta do Lago, Faro, Olhão, Fuzeta and Santa Luzia, among others. Recognized as a natural park since 1987, Ria Formosa extends over some 60 kilometres and covers just over 18,000 hectares. Dunes protect the coast and inland marshes from the roughness of the Atlantic Ocean, which, during severe storms, does not hesitate to wipe out some sandbanks with houses, as was the case in winter 2009-2010. The lagoon is much wider at Faro than at Tavira. The authorities recognize five islands: Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira Island and Cabanas Island for those who want to feel alone in the world.