Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

This extensive coastal lagoon covers an area of around 18,400 hectares, stretching for 60 kilometres from Praia do Ancão (Loulé) to Praia da Manta Rota (Vila Real St. António).

The lagoon is protected from the sea by five barrier islands and two peninsulas: the Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas islands, and the Ancão and Cacela peninsulas. It is these dune bodies that allow for the existence of an estuarine ecosystem of high ecological value.

It has been classified as a Ramsar Site since 1980, a Natural Park since 1987, a Site of Community Interest since 1998 and a Special Protection Area for Birds since 1999, the latter under the Natura 2000 Network.

Its immense natural value is associated with a large presence of water birds, as well as numerous natural habitats and many other species of fauna and flora, including national endemics (e.g. Alcar-do-algarve).