The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking treasures, spanning nearly 18,000 hectares and five municipalities. Its maze of islands, beaches, and lagoons creates a captivating natural spectacle. But the towns that dot its edges are equally beguiling. From bustling market towns to sleepy fishing villages, each has its own personality and stories to tell.
Here at Formosamar, we’re based in the town of Faro, the starting point of our boat trips to Ria Formosa. For a truly immersive experience of the region, we recommend exploring both the Ria Formosa and its surrounding locales. Read our guide to learn more about the charming towns near Ria Formosa, and feel free to contact us with any questions about our boat tours.
Faro: The Gateway to Ria Formosa
While it may be the capital of the Algarve, Faro is far more than just an arrival point. This city has been inhabited since Roman times, with plentiful historic and cultural sites to explore today. Inside its medieval walls lies a charming old town of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and sunny cafés. The Arco da Vila offers a photogenic welcome, while the Cathedral of Faro rewards visitors with panoramic views from its tower. Read our guide to the 10 Best Faro Sights and Landmarks to learn more!
At the bustling Faro Marina, you’ll find an array of bars and restaurants alongside the tranquil waters. You’ll also find Formosamar, where we launch our boat trips into the magnificent Ria Formosa. We offer a range of exciting excursions, including our Dolphin Watching Boat Trip from Faro and our Sunset Boat Trip from Faro. If you want to explore the Ria Formosa, there’s no better place to start than Faro!
Olhão: A Bustling Market Town
Lively and authentic, Olhão is a feast for the senses. Its waterfront is dominated by the Mercado de Olhão, two red-brick market halls where stalls overflow with fresh fish, fruit, and local delicacies. This market has been at the center of life in Olhão for over a century, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Algarve culture.
Walking the streets of Olhão, you’ll discover its unique cubist architecture and Moorish-inspired houses. Olhão is also home to the Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim (Marim Environmental Education Center). Here, you can engage with an informative exhibition about the Ria Formosa, detailing everything from its geomorphology to its archeological history.
Fuseta: A Laid-Back Beach Escape
Small, colourful, and wonderfully relaxed, Fuseta is the Algarve at its most easygoing. Located between Faro and Tavira, Fuseta remains a working fishing village. It has a sandy town beach perfect for families, as well as a short ferry ride to Ilha da Fuseta, where turquoise waters lap at the shores.
Praia de Fuseta offers a long stretch of blissful beach to explore. The waters offer the perfect conditions for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as kite surfing when the wind picks up. With food bars on the beach, you can easily spend the day here. If you’re looking for more of the best coastal locations in the region, read our guide to the Best Beach Villages in the Algarve.
Luz de Tavira: Historic Tranquillity by the Sea
A short drive from Tavira, Luz de Tavira is a peaceful town surrounded by orchards and quiet stretches of coastline. The atmosphere here is one of slow, authentic living. Its whitewashed church, Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Luz, is a local landmark dating back to the 16th century. Another unique landmark is the Aires Tower, which was built in the eighth century during the Islamic period and served as a coastal watchtower.
Santa Luzia: The Octopus Capital of Portugal
Known as the “Capital do Polvo” (Octopus Capital), Santa Luzia is a fishing village with a delicious specialty. Local fishermen continue to harness traditional methods, using clay pots to capture the molluscs. From the sea to the streets, dozens of restaurants serve octopus in every imaginable style, from grilled to roasted and stewed in aromatic sauces.
Beyond the food, Santa Luzia is a great jumping-off point for exploring Praia do Barril on Ilha de Tavira. A touristic train takes you across the salt marshes to the beach, passing the famous “anchor cemetery,” which serves as a tribute to the village’s tuna fishing history.
Tavira: A Picture-Perfect Riverside Town
Regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve, Tavira is a blend of Moorish heritage and timeless charm. The picturesque Old Bridge spans the Gilão River, connecting streets lined with tiled façades, boutique shops, and hidden courtyards. Above it all, the medieval Castle of Tavira offers sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops.
From Tavira, ferries whisk you to Ilha de Tavira, an 11-kilometre stretch of golden sand and one of the islands of Ria Formosa. With plentiful amenities and restaurants, it’s the perfect place for a day at the beach.
See Ria Formosa from a New Perspective
Whether you’re drawn to Faro’s historic elegance, Tavira’s beauty, or Fuseta’s laid-back charm, these towns are all linked by the Ria Formosa. And the best way to explore this region is by boat. Formosamar offers eco-friendly Faro Boat Trips to Ria Formosa and Private Boat Charters in the Algarve that let you explore the park’s hidden corners, spot its rare birds, and enjoy Portugal from a fresh perspective. If you have any questions about our trips, don’t hesitate to contact us.
