Ria Formosa Nature Park

Nature Reserve · Faro District, 🇵🇹 Portugal

Area 178 km²

Time zone Europe/Lisbon

Official website www.icnf.pt/cogestao/cgparquenaturaldariaformosa

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Featured Lists

Kris / CC-BY-SA

Ria Formosa Nature Park Unmissables

This selection highlights the diverse landmarks within the Ria Formosa Nature Park, ranging from Faro's historic religious sites to the barrier islands of Tavira. Key features include the 18th-century Igreja do Carmo with its bone chapel and the medieval Castle of Tavira. The park's natural landscape is showcased through the sand dunes of Ilha da Barreta and the unique Anchor Cemetery at Praia do Barril, while the architecture of the Gilão River bridges reflects the region's Roman and 17th-century heritage.

11 places

Mussklprozz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Algarve's Hidden Gems

Explore the Ria Formosa region through its historic architecture and coastal landscapes. This selection includes Faro’s 18th-century Igreja do Carmo, known for its bone chapel, and the medieval Castle of Tavira. Coastal sites feature Praia do Barril, distinguished by its anchor cemetery, and the uninhabited Ilha da Barreta. Religious heritage is represented by the Ermida de São Sebastião and the 16th-century Igreja Matriz de São Pedro, offering insight into the area's recovery after the 1755 earthquake and its maritime history.

6 places

BiiJii / CC BY-SA 3.0

Coastal Gems

This collection spans the barrier islands and peninsulas of the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the eastern Algarve. Stretching from Faro to Manta Rota, these beaches are characterized by vast sandy dunes, calm lagoon waters, and Atlantic surf. Notable features include the historic anchor cemetery at Praia do Barril, accessible via a narrow-gauge train, and the uninhabited stretches of Ilha Deserta. Several locations offer designated nudist areas and Blue Flag certified waters, accessible by ferry or pedestrian bridges.

14 places

Cayetano - / CC BY-SA 2.0

Tavira's Historical Treasures

Tavira’s architectural landscape spans centuries, featuring the medieval Castle of Tavira and the multi-arched bridge crossing the Gilão River. The collection includes coastal fortifications like the 16th-century Fort Santo António and the Fortress of Cacela. Religious heritage is represented by the National Monument of Santa Maria do Castelo and converted monastic sites like the Convento das Bernardas. Beyond the city center, the Quinta de Marim preserves Roman ruins, while the Arraial Ferreira Neto highlights the region's traditional tuna fishing infrastructure.

14 places

Ricardo Filipe Pereira / CC BY-SA 4.0

Historic Religious Sites

Explore the religious heritage of the eastern Algarve, spanning from Faro to the historic town of Tavira and the coastal village of Cacela Velha. These sites showcase a range of architectural styles, including 16th-century Manueline portals, Renaissance facades, and ornate Baroque interiors. Many of these churches and chapels were reconstructed following the 1755 earthquake, offering insights into the region's resilience and its deep-rooted cultural history within the Ria Formosa landscape.

12 places