Page 29 - Guest Manual 2021

Villa Vermonte – Guest Information

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Just east of Quinta do Lago, the ocean beach goes
offshore and becomes a series of narrow dune
islands. These create, on their landward side, an
inland fresh and saltwater system of estuary, lagoon,
islands, channels and marshes which form the 18,400
hectare Rio Formosa Natural Park.

The park is an international haven for rare and
endangered, nesting and migrating birds and includes
60 kms of one of southern Europe's last unspoilt
coastlines. These large expanses of water, abundant
in marine life, foster a rich eco-system, allowing many plants, insects and animals to
prosper.

In recognition of its importance to European ecology, the Ria Formosa has been named a
'wetland of world interest’ by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. It has
been declared a protected area by the Portuguese government.

The principal aims of the Rio Formosa authorities are to protect
the landscape and the fauna, flora and vegetation that
characterize the park. The authorities work closely with Quinta do
Lago to ensure that tourism is promoted and quality development
maintained without upsetting the delicate ecological balance.

Nature Trails
For those of you who are interested to see some of this area,
there are 2 signed nature trails starting from the car park at the
Quinta do Lago beach, before crossing the boardwalk. They have
a number of information boards along each trail, two bird
watching hides and some Roman ruins.

There are also other areas of the Ria Formosa worth visiting including the nearby salt
flats. You can also take boat trips from Faro harbour around some of the islands of the
Ria Formosa for those who would like to see more by sea.

Nature Guides

We have left two guides is in the letter rack on the desk in the lounge
which hopefully will still be there.

A guide to the bird life, which also includes a map, and a guide to the
nature trails.

If you want to buy a copy of these or get other guides these are on sale
in the Quinta do Lago post office or the Quinta do Lago Security building
at the “Q” roundabout.

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