Covering over 18,000 hectares along the coastline, Ria Formosa is one of the most breathtaking attractions in the Algarve. A designated Nature Park since 1987, it’s the largest wetland in the South of Portugal — and it is full of beautiful landscapes to explore.
The team at Lands have been running tours in Ria Formosa for almost two decades, so we know this region like the back of our hands. Even so, we can’t help but be awed by its magnificence every time we go on one of our Ria Formosa Boat Trips.
This beautiful nature park is a must-see during your holiday in Algarve. To help you with your visit to this protected area, we have selected 10 must-see landscapes in the Ria Formosa and some of their best viewing points. If you’d like any further advice on visiting the Algarve, please get in touch with our expert team.
1. See Ria Formosa from the Skies
Nothing beats seeing Ria Formosa from the skies. You’ll be absolutely awe-struck by its sheer size and complexity. As you make your descent over Faro Airport, you’ll likely travel over this expansive wetland, giving you a clear view of its diverse ecosystems.
Ria Formosa is formed of an estuarine-lagoon system of marshes, inlets, and channels, protected by robust sand belts. To learn more about this incredible wetland, read our blog, How Big is Ria Formosa? You’ll gain a renewed appreciation for its scale!
2. View the Ria Formosa From the Top of the Cathedral of Faro
For a truly unique view of Ria Formosa, we always recommend climbing to the top of the bell tower of the Cathedral of Faro. Located in the Old Town, the cathedral offers a panoramic view of the wetland. While you’ll have to climb a few steps to the top, it’s well worth raising your heart rate!
People who are not residents will have to pay a small entrance fee, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular vistas of Faro and the Ria Formosa. Touring the interiors of the cathedral is also a highlight, as you’ll get to admire the incredible Baroque art.
3. Watch the Sunset at the Marina of Faro
There are few better places to catch the sunset over Ria Formosa than from the Faro Marina. The floating platform on the dockside, designed for boat mooring, offers the best seats in town for a show at twilight. There are also plenty of restaurants here, so you can enjoy a delectable dinner with drinks at the same time! Make sure to bring your camera — you won’t want to miss the spectacular scenery.
For an even more special experience, we also offer Sunset Ria Formosa Boat Trips departing from the Faro Marina. Want something a bit more intimate? You can also book our Private Sunset Boat Tour from Faro for a magical outing.
4. Visit the Cacela Velha in the Algarve
Cacela Velha is an unspoilt village overlooking the lagoon, and its nearby beach has recently become known as one of the most beautiful in the region.
Located in the easternmost area of Ria Formosa, this whitewashed village is a reminder of how the Algarve must have looked half a century ago. Take your time to enjoy the exhilarating views from the clifftop before heading down to the golden sands of Praia da Fábrica. This beach formed in 2010 when a sandbar opened up, creating a wonderful new attraction at Ria Formosa!
5. See the Otherworldly Salt Marshes of the Ria Formosa
The stunning marshlands of Ria Formosa are one of the richest and most productive of all ecosystems on Earth. They are continuously covered and uncovered by the rising and falling tide, and attract an incredible diversity of life. You’ll find a wide variety of plant species here, some of which are even used for culinary purposes. Learn more about the abundant biodiversity with our Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Ria Formosa, or see the marshes up close with a Ria Formosa Kayaking Tour from Faro.
6. Climb the Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse for Spectacular Scenery
Located on the island of Culatra, the Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse measures 33 feet high, providing one of the most spectacular views of Ria Formosa. You’ll have to climb over 200 steps to the top, but you’ll be treated to unparalleled scenery. To cool down after your trek, hop into the ocean and swim beneath the lighthouse!
7. Sail to Barra da Armona in Fuzeta
For a truly secluded experience of Ria Formosa, head to Barra da Armona. Only accessible by boat, here you can enjoy unspoilt nature, numerous bird life, and beaches with vast stretches of sand and crystalline waters. Forming part of the eastern section of Ria Formosa, the island of Armona is only permanently inhabited by about 50 people, making this a truly pristine section of the park.
8. Walk the Streets of Tavira
Tavira is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the Algarve. The Gilão River, which runs through Ria Formosa, cuts through this picturesque village. Stroll along the streets and discover intriguing historical attractions, such as the medieval Castle of Tavira, and walk across the Old Bridge for views straight down the river. You can admire beaches separated by the coastal lagoon of Ria Formosa and orchard-covered hills on the outskirts of this lovely town.
9. Relax on Barril Beach
Barril is an idyllic beach in the Algarve located on the island of Tavira, and is one of the most famous in the region. This expansive stretch of coastline offers numerous places to sit back and soak up the atmosphere of Ria Formosa. It’s also known for its unique memorial, the Cemetery of Anchors, which honours the small tuna fishing community who once called this area home.
10. Discover the Salinas of the Ria Formosa
The geography and climate of the Algarve are perfect for one of its natural resources: sea salt. Originally salt marshes, these large rectangular saltpans (salinas in Portuguese) are still producing salt today. These areas are a favourite feeding site for wading birds. It’s also in the salinas where we can see the Greater Flamingo and many other species. Find out what else you can see with our guide to Birdwatching in the Algarve.
With so many incredible landscapes to experience in Ria Formosa, we hope we can guide you along during your journey with our solar-powered Boat Trips in Ria Formosa and Activities from Faro. There are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful part of the world in an environmentally friendly manner.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any of our experiences! We look forward to welcoming you to the Algarve.
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