Ria Formosa Natural park is a natural wonder in Portugal and one of the most beautiful, natural attractions in Algarve.
Faro is one of the best locations to explore the Parque Natural Da Ria Formosa, with boat tours, island hopping trips and ferry services departing from the harbour.
We stayed in Conrad Algarve, which is a super convenient base for active families and couples. we hired a hike from the hotel reception and cycled along Río Formosa, stopping for a delicious seafood lunch along the way. Conrad is conveniently located within Quinta Do Lago’s two thousand acres of staggering Ria Formosa Natural Parkland, with shuttle access to the unspoilt beaches, golfing facilities and breath-taking Algarve coast.
Ria Formosa in Portuguese means ‘Beautiful River’. It is considered one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders Of Portugal’, it has been a protected natural park since 1987.
Many birds use this reserve as a migratory stopover between Europe and Africa, which means the most stunning flocks can be spotted periodically flying overhead.
The best seasons are spring and autumn when the birds migrate to and from Europe. Visitors are likely to spot purple herons, egrets, white storks, flamingos and many other bird. Endangered species like seahorses and chameleons can also be spotted. Numerous beaches can be found within the Natural Park.
We reached the Algarve coast by bike, but it can also be accessed by taking the complementary shuttle bus (operates seasonally and is weather permitting), to Maria’s beach, which is serviced by Conrad Algarve. Laid back vibes and amazing views, this is what a beach restaurant experience is all about, combined with very good food and friendly service. It’s perfect for chilling at the end of the day; we stayed to watch the most beautiful sunset.
Not much comes close to Praia Da Quinta Do Lago during the sunset.
Gigi’s Beach bar Quinta do Lago is also a favourite. We cycled from Conrad, exploring Río Formosa, and stopped for another magical sunset.
An amazing atmosphere and a restaurant you will not forget. We love the rooftop for views. The food Is delicious and fresh, prepared on an open Grill. The best grilled fish we have tasted.
Apart from sunbathing, swimming, surfing and cycling, Faro is also a dream holiday for hikers. There are 336 named mountains in Faro. The highest and the most prominent mountain being Foia. We hired a car and drove about one hour to Monchique, a picturesque, small town in northern Algarve.
The weather In Monchique Is mostly colder than in the coastal area of the Algarve so we made sure to pack a warm hoodie and socks, but we hiked in trainers.
Due to its location in the mountain range of Serra De Monchique, it has remarkable views, at 450 meters above sea, it is located in a valley between the two highest peaks in the Algarve.
We bought pastries in a local café and hiked about twenty minutes from the town centre to the abandoned Franciscan Monastery, which was reduced to a shell by the 1755 earthquake.
Monchique Is also a spa town, as early as Roman Times the ‘Sacred Waters’ of the town were believed to have curative, magical powers. One legend is if you drink from the ‘Fountain Of Love’, an ancient font in the forest, you will fall in love with life.
Mount Foia is the highest peak in the Algarve, and the guardian of the Serra De Monchique mountain chain. Our walk from Monchique to Foia and back (10.6km) was a leisurely one, and we enjoyed our
hike, stopped for pictures of eucalyptus and cork trees, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Monchique is unique in that it doesn’t suffer from seasonality. We love to escape the summer heat and enjoy cooler weather. There are several sign posted routes to the top, the most popular usual hike being via Algarvana Hiking Route, which tracks 6km each way, and takes around six hours. At the highest point in Algarve, 902 meters above the sea, you are rewarded with 360° views and the most amazing observation point at a high altitude.
There is a small local café with local wine, coffee and delicatessen, and there are toilet facilities in the newer building that features local artists and craftspeople.
The Algarve is located on the Atlantic Ocean and not in Mediterranean and it is one of the sunniest reason in Europe.
Email us if you have questions about a dream Algarve holiday.
