Environment

One of the last unspoilt coastal zones in Europe

Special attention is paid to the environment at Quinta do Lago because 18.4 hectares of the Ria Formosa Natural Park falls within its boundaries. This tidal inlet is the UNESCO protected home of migratory birds and a wetland of world importance. It is one of the last unspoilt coastal zones in Europe. Quinta do Lago has created two nature trails, which have been designed to enhance awareness of the environment value of the area.

The Ria Formosa is a lagoon separated from the sea by a coastal dune system, which is broken up by various natural and artificial inlets. It includes a narrow strip of land and a series of coastal dunes running almost parallel to the mainland, formed by peninsulas and sandy barried-islands which serve to protect the salt marshes, channels and islets.

The Ria Formosa is a protected area carrying the status of 'Natural Reserve'. It was legally established as such in 1987 with its own management plan and with the objectives of preserving the lagoon system, fauna, flora and migratory species, thus contributing to its economic, social and cultural progress. This protected area extends through the districts of Loulé, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António covering an area of approx. 18,400 hectares along 60 kilometres of coastline.