The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a place in the Algarve you really should visit. There's more than enough here to fill a day, or several.
It stretches along the coast between Faro and Tavira and going by boat is by far the best way to make the most of it.
A boat trip on the Ria Formosa
We took a trip around the lagoon, setting off from Olhão with the company Natura Algarve and enjoyed a very different Algarve from the one you find in busier places like Albufeira or Vilamoura.
Culatra. Photo: VPD, Guiajando
We left Olhão Marina heading for Culatra Island, a little paradise that makes you think you've somehow arrived in the Caribbean.
Fewer than 300 people live on the island. There are a couple of restaurants, a small church, a health centre and a school.
Our guide tells us all about local history, culture and wildlife, and it's obvious he loves his job and this stretch of coast.
The Natura boat pulls up on the lagoon side so we can cool off with a swim. Then we carry on to the harbour at Culatra for a traditional meal with fish that couldn't possibly be fresher.
Back in Olhão the guide tells us about the tuna and oyster farms. We realise the three-hour trip is coming to an end, and the truth is we could happily carry on.
By the time we get back, we're already keen to do it again.
The folks at Natura Algarve run several trips. As well as this one, which takes you out to Culatra Island they run trips dedicated to birdwatching, dolphins, seahorses and marine life.
We loved the service, which is why we recommend it.
