Designated in 1978 (Nature Reserve), 1987 (Nature Park)

Ria Formosa is a barrier island system comprising five islands, two peninsulas and six inlets stretching along 60 km of the Algarve coastline. The Park includes parts of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António municipalities. This protected area covers a vast and complex system of dunes, inlets, salt marshes, mudflats, sand flats and a small mainland area. The salt marshes contain dense halophyte vegetation, including cord grass Spartina maritima and meadows of seagrasses (Zostera noltii, Zostera marina and Cymodocea nodosa). The dunes’ flora includes species such as marram grass Ammophila arenaria and Armeria pungens, adapted to strong winds, high salinity and moving sands. The lagoon has high primary production and supports numerous animal species, especially birds. In Ria Formosa one can find birds such as the red knot Calidris canutus, turnstone Arenaria interpres and purple gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio, which nest in the Ludo area and at the Marim Environmental Education Centre. A large number of marine species, including fish, molluscs and crabs, find shelter and food in this area, especially early in their lives. The chameleon Chamaeleo chamaeleon, which in Portugal can only be found in the Algarve, is the best-known reptile in the Nature Park.

The rich natural resources, the temperate climate and the unique geographical setting of Ria Formosa have led to the development of important economic activities such as fish farming, shellfish farming and salt extraction. Tourism is also a significant economic activity in the region.

There is considerable testimony to the presence of many human cultures in the Nature Park, including archaeological sites and religious and military buildings such as medieval churches, watchtowers and fortifications. The influence of the Moors can still be seen in the local culture, architecture, agricultural technology and language –  many of the Portuguese names for fish, such as atum (tuna, from Arabic al-tun), sável (shad, from shabal) and even amêijoa (clams, from al-majjah), attest to the origins of Portugal’s seafood cuisine.

The Marim Environmental Education Centre and Nature Park headquarters, near the city of Olhão, includes a bird observatory, a bird recovery centre, a tidemill and Roman ruins.