Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon system along the Algarve with barrier islands, saltwater channels, mudflats, and dune formations. The area spreads across several thousand hectares, offering diverse habitats with shallow shores and marsh areas.

The area was designated as a protected national park in 1976 and later became a Ramsar site. This recognition marked the beginning of systematic protection for the ecosystem.

Local fishermen work the lagoon waters using methods passed down through generations, shaping daily life in this coastal area. Their cultivation of clams and oysters remains woven into the rhythm of the community.

The site is easily accessible from Faro and offers various ways to explore such as boat tours and walking paths. Visiting at low tide shows the lagoon's features and channels most clearly.

The lagoon holds one of Europe's largest seahorse populations, thriving in the protected waters. These delicate creatures are hard to spot, but their presence indicates the ecosystem's health.

Location: Faro

Inception: May 9, 1978

Operator: Câmara Municipal de Silves, auto de cessão de 19 Novembro 1940

Part of: Gulf of Cádiz

GPS coordinates: 36.98330,-7.91667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29