The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a natural park located in the southern part of Faro. The park is formed by lagoons, islands and spits that stretch for 60 km along the Atlantic coast with a total area of ​​18,400 hectares.

The park occupies a particularly important place in the life of birds: many of their rare species bear chicks here, others spend the winter here, and in addition, migratory birds rest and gain new strength in this area. The fertile environment also serves as a breeding ground for all kinds of fish and shellfish.

Guides offer boat trips from Olhão. You can also hire a fishing boat or a sailboat. The central building of the park is located to the east of Olhão. A well-planned walking tour is offered here, during which they will talk about various aspects of the natural environment in the lagoon: salt marshes where salt is mined, sand dunes, pine groves and agricultural traditions. Some traditional buildings, including a tidal mill and a typical farm, have been restored, and there are also Roman ruins in the area.