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.
A Igreja do Carmo
18th-century Baroque church featuring the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel constructed from the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks.
B Castle of Tavira
The Castle of Tavira is a medieval castle located in the parish of Santiago, Tavira municipality, Faro district of Portugal.
Tavira
Ferry terminal providing boat transport across the Gilão River to the beaches of Tavira Island.
D Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo is a church in Tavira, Portugal. It is classified as a National Monument.
E Igreja de Santiago
13th-century church built on the site of a former mosque, located in Tavira's historic Santiago district.
F Igreja da Misericórdia de Tavira
16th-century Renaissance church notable for its carved stone portal and interior walls lined with blue and white azulejo tiles.
G Capela de Nossa Senhora da Consolação
Small religious hermitage located near the castle, featuring traditional Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture.
H Ponte Antiga sobre o Rio Gilão
Seven-arched stone bridge spanning the Gilão River. While known as the Roman Bridge, the current structure dates largely from the 17th century.
I Praia do Barril
Beach on Tavira Island famous for the Anchor Cemetery, a memorial of hundreds of rusted anchors left by former tuna fishing fleets.
Praia da Ilha da Barreta
Uninhabited barrier island at the southernmost point of continental Portugal, accessible only by boat and characterized by expansive sand dunes.
K Praia da Ilha de Faro
Sandy beach on the Ancão Peninsula, accessible by bridge and situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa lagoon.
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