Optimum birdwatching

The Ria Formosa Natural Park, covering an area of 18,000 hectares, is a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site, recognized for its international importance as a wetland. Stretching for 60 kilometers along the Algarve coast, it is famous for its exceptional biodiversity.

Its variety of landscapes, including lagoons, salt marshes, swamps, sand dunes and beaches, creates a great diversity of habitats, attracting a multitude of bird species throughout the year. Over 200 species have been observed in this natural sanctuary!

It's home to over 20,000 waterfowl, especially in winter. Birdwatching at Olhão takes place all year round.

Some of the most interesting species often seen in the Ria Formosa are the red-necked grebe (podiceps nigricollis), the white spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) and the pink flamingo (roseus phoenicopterus), seagull (limosa lapponica), Mediterranean gull (Larus melanocephalus), cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), little heron (egretta garzeta), great blue heron (Ardea cinerea), white stork (ciconia ciconia), among others.

The Ria Formosa is a crucial point for migratory birds.

Join a small group and enjoy a unique and authentic experience, accompanied by a local guide who will introduce you to the traditions, history, culture and nature of the wonderful Ria Formosa. In addition to all the knowledge and fun, enjoy lunch at your mother's home, where she prepares her unique and traditional cuisine, in a fisherman's house on the island of Culatra, where you'll have the opportunity to taste fresh and tasty specialties from our Ria Formosa.