Faro is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the beautiful sandbars islands that skirt this protected region. The Ria Formosa is a series of salt water lagoons and waterways that extend from Faro in the west to Tavira in the east, and are a haven for birdlife and saltwater aquatic life. The natural park designation does not only protect wildlife but also the small fishing communities that rely on traditional and sustainable fishing methods that otherwise would be lost to mass development. A boat tour of this fragile ecosystem and equally precarious lifestyle will be a highlight of any visit to Faro, and will combine nature, pristine beaches and an insight to the heritage of the region.
