The beautiful and ever changing Ria Formosa
A National Park by the beach, with a rich and varied ecosystem
The Ria Formosa is an absolutely gorgeous natural reserve on the Algarve. It was classified as a National Park in 1987 and it is a rare case of a preserved nature reserve amidst a tourist resort. The area, which comprises around 45 thousand acres or 18 thousand hectares, is a sanctuary for birds (many stop here in the migration path from South Africa), chameleons and seahorses (which is very random, I know).
On the left side of the bank, hotels and private luxury homes fill the available lots, while on the right pristine dunes separate the ria from the beach itself. In the middle, life proliferates, with fish, crabs and different types of birds. I can only identify seagulls and herons, but it is a paradise for bird watchers as it harbours over 20.000 different species throughout the year. Unfortunately, I lack the patience and eyesight for such an activity, although it gives me great pleasure every time I see a bird other than the blasted seagull, of which I get quite enough everyday, thank you. There are some bird hides along the way, which allow to lie in wait to see several different beautiful species. You can find more information and suggested hiking routes here.
This is quite the cliché, but Nature really is ever changing and ever surprising. The Ria is so different in the morning from the afternoon, the tide goes out, fishes just disappear from view, crabs start partying, the birds change, even the air smells different. The colors also change, as with the tide out, there’s generally more mud visible, with sort of dampens the dreamy color palette.
My favorite is clearly the sunset, the golden palette, the high tide (although tides vary and sometimes it will be out in the afternoon), the little ducks bottoms up in the water, the birds going to their nests… The sense of accomplishment of a day well spent, rested, salty (as in had an ocean dip, not the feeling), hopefully not sunburnt but just happy there’s more to not do the following day.
Other features along the Ria are some salt flats, empty or full, which can be just magical at the right time. And the sprawling and evergreen golf course that neighbours with the wooden walkways that cover the length of the Ria, giving access to beaches, golf courses, restaurants and car parks, all quietly tucked away from view (well, most of them anyway). If you continue on the Ludo hiking trail, you can reach the Faro airport by foot (which is a little crazy, but it is a small airport all things considered), and the Faro beach a little further out.
Hope you enjoyed this brief journey to the Algarve, Ria Formosa is definitely one of its most magical places. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and have a spare battery and memory card on your camera, because you’ll definitely take a lot of photos. Also, if you go in the summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, as the sun is very strong (you may not feel it in the moment, as it is usually a little windy and it cools you down, but I promise you will feel it later).
I have posted more photos and videos of this beautiful place on my Instagram, so do check it out.
If you have any questions or want to add something, feel free to comment the post or send me a message. Looking forward to hearing from you!