Eastern Algarve - Ria Formosa
Image gallery of the Ria Formosa in the Eastern Algarve with a chain of islands and peninsulas seperating the unique lagoon system from the Atlantic Ocean
Ria Formosa: Cabanas de Tavira
Aerial view to the holiday resort situated opposite the Culatra island and the quay for the ferry boats, the only connection to the mainland.
Ria Formosa: Ilha de Cabanas
The island Ilha de Cabanas is stretching from the golf course Quinta da Ria to Quatros Agua in Tavira. The beach Praia do Lacé, is situated on the eastermost edge. In the foreground you can see the Peninsula of Cacela
Tavira: Quatro Aguas
Sea salt basins at Quatro Aguas near Tavira. The name means "Four waters", because at this point the lagoons of the islands of Tavira and Cabanas come together with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gilão river. The method of sea salt production in the Algarve by evaporation of sea water goes back to the Phoeniciens.
Pedras d'El Rei
Pedestrian bridge leading to the island Ilha de Tavira and the Barril beach.
Olhão: Pier
The Quay is located at the end of the promenade near the fishing port. This is the place where the ferry boats, excursions and water taxis to the Ria Formosa and its islands embark.
Olhão: Taxi boats
These taxi boats commuting between Olhao and the islands of the Ria Formosa are the fastest way to get to the neighbouring islands Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona.
Ecotour: Ilha Deserta
The lonely shore of island, located between the Faro Island in the west and the Culatra Island lives up to its name "desert island".
Ilha de Tavira: Ilha das Cabanas
View from the eastern corner of the Ilha da Tavira to the neighbouring island Ilha das Cabanas
Ilha de Faro: Water sports
Ilha de Faro is located opposite the Faro International Aiport. The lagoon of the Ria Formosa, separating the island from the mainland, is an excellent area for many kinds of water sports.
Ilha de Faro: Bridge
A one lane bridge is connecting the island with the mainland near the airport.
Ilha da Culatra Oyster banks
Oyster banks on the lagoon side shore of the Culatra Island. Fresh oysters from the grill (ostras al vapor) are a local delicacy.
Ilha da Culatra: Farol
The lighthouse (farol) marks the navigation route to Faro and Olhão between the Ilha Deserta and the Ilha da Culatra; that's why the island is also called Ilha do Farol.