The Algarve makes you dream with its wonderful landscapes, its climate or its atypical gastronomy? Discover now its magnificent natural park: La Ria Formosa, a small hidden paradise of unspoilt flora and fauna. Villanovo reveals to you the secrets of this excursion as well as these five islands, all different and indispensable for a stay full of memories. Whether you go on an organized excursion or on your own to some of the islands, you won't regret making the detour.
Stretching for more than 60 kilometres, the Ria Formosa lagoon is a true labyrinth of saltwater waterways and sandbanks that form a barrier between the land and the Atlantic Ocean. The latter thus extends from Faro in the west to Tavira in the east. Considered a nature reserve in 1978, the Ria Formosa has been classified as a natural park since 1987 in order to preserve its lagoon system and its fauna and flora. Indeed, thanks to its ecological system and the richness of its biodiversity, this site represents a true haven of peace for many animal and plant species that have found a home here for many years. Among these different species, there are hundreds of bird species such as the cormorant, heron or egret, mainly during the migratory periods in spring and autumn.
The lagoon of Ria Formosa is also affected by the tides, which thus reveal large areas of sand depending on the time of day. Thanks to these tides many activities have developed such as fishing, oyster farming and salt marshes, offering typical gastronomic products of the lagoon.
As tourism in this region is developed, there are many options for visiting the Ria Formosa, whether it is on an organized excursion, by bus boat or taxi boat (a little more expensive) to visit the islands independently. Among the islands of the lagoon you will find :
The island of Armona which is made up of a small fishing village where a local population lives. You will be able to admire the two beaches of the island as well as the fishermen's boats there.
Deserta Island which as its name indicates is an almost deserted island... Except for its only inhabitant Mr. Alves who decided to come to live in his fishermen's huts to be closer to his activity. The island also has a large sandy beach of 8 kilometers.
The island of Culatra offers the visit of three fishing villages which makes it the most important island to admire the fishing activity. Inhabited since 1880 it counts today between 750 and 1000 inhabitants as well as a restaurant.
The island of Farol has the peculiarity of having the lighthouse of the Ria Formosa as well as a small village. The island is mainly residential and appreciated for its small and colourful secondary houses.
Finally, the island of Tavira known for its dynamism welcomes many houses and four beaches including the very beautiful beach of Barril with its small fishermen's houses but also the beach of the naked man officially recognized for naturism. The island offers many services such as restaurants, bars and camping.
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