Olhão is the centre of the Ria Formosa National Park and you can visit their visitors centre just outside the city centre where you can walk a real nice 3km walking trail and you will see and learn a lot about the Ria Formosa.
The Ria Formosa is 60km of amazing well kept secrets, a beautiful labyrinth of lagoons separated from the sea by a coastal dune system which is broken up by various natural inlets. It is one of the most important nature reserves in the network of wetlands that links Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The Ria has an enormous variety of natural habitats that provide refuge, feeding and breeding areas for an infinite number of flora and fauna and is a haven for birds.
The Islands Culatra, Farol & Armona
Hop on a ferry to the islands of Culatra (& Farol) or Armona and discover these wonderful islands. Ferries leave at the town end of the pier. Trip takes 10 and 30 minutes and tickets costs € 3,10 for adults and € 1,60 for children (return).
Armona is the smaller island with holiday homes, few bars and restaurants. On Culatra there is a fishing village and on the other end you will find Farol, where the lighthouse stands.
Hike along one of the beautiful beaches or just relax and swim in the cristal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
See videos in last chapter on this site.
Visit the website: Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.