Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (The Ria Formosa National Park) is one of the natural wonders of
Portugal and indeed a very special area for all Algarvians.
It was formed as a Natural Park in 1987 but of course it has evolved over many thousands of years. It covers approximately 18,000 hectares and is made of 5 barrier islands and 2 peninsulas that enclose a system of tidal lagoons.
It extends along the leeward coast of the Algarve through the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.