Discover Ilha do Faro

Between the island and the main land there are lagoons, salt pans and marshes.These form part of the Ria Formosa natural park and are a haven for bird life. Bird watchers (and indeed birds!) come from around the world to these peaceful waters and even if you're not an expert its fun to watch the birds going about their daily lives. If you peer down to the waters edge you'll soon spot lots of little scurrying crabs and other intriguing water creatures. At certain times of the year you can also watch the local people harvesting shell fish.

If you've ever flown into Faro you may have noticed the Ilha do Faro and the lagoons around it as it is close to the airport. Luckily the wildlife seem oblivious to the aeroplanes frequently taking off and landing and I do not find the noise too obtrusive. If you're walking from Quinta do Lago you should park in the beach car park, then walk to the left edging round the golf course. You'll find yourself on a little pathway and there are boards offering information on the local wildlife. Just follow this path through the salt pans until you come to some large gates at the far end, from there turn right and cross the bridge to Ilha do Faro. You can then return the same way or you can walk all the way back along the beach.