The Environment

Natural Park

Ria Formosa is a protected area and an official Nature Park, established as per Decree-Law nº 373/87 of the 9th December, 1987.

Ria Formosa wetlands are of vital importance as a habitat for many aquatic bird species. In addition to its ornithological significance and importance as their winter sanctuary, the Ria Formosa provides shelter and feeding grounds for several aquatic and migratory species, as well as being a region of great botanical interest, including areas of sclerophyllous scrubland, salt marsh and dune vegetation, which must be preserved.

The protected area spreads throughout the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real Sto. António and totals some 18.400 ha.

Protection & Education

Nature conservation is a matter to which Quinta do Lago developers pay special attention, since the beginning of the development. To mantain the delicate ecological balance a strict low density building policy of eight percent of the total state is observed. The properties are carefully integrated into the natural landscape, nestling at lakeside, secluded by woodland or flanking the golf courses, and never with more than two floors.

Quinta do Lago, SA has assumed an active position towards education and sensibilization of the comunity, promoting activities and events amongst guests, constructors and above all amongst the younger people. The main purpose of this policy is to make people aware of the great importance of protecting natural resources.

Nature Trails

Besides the resident fauna, hundreds of rare species, some endangered ones, live in Quinta do Lago or use this region to nest or to feed and rest on their migratory journeys.
To inform our property owners and visitors Quinta do Lago has created two Nature Trails, where several species can be observed, allowing them to share with the diverse forms of life, unforgettable moments of rare natural beauty, at dawn or under the warm and mystic light of sunset.

Quinta do Lago Trail

The round trip takes about 40 minutes.

The Quinta do Lago trail was established for visitors who may be more interested in the plant life of the two distinct ecosystems: woods and salt marshland. This trail is about 2.3km (1.4 miles) long and has two stopping points where there are illustrated information boards in Portuguese and English.
The route is marked by posts painted with an orange stripe.

São Lourenço

It takes about one hour to walk the trail.
This trail has been made especially to call visitor’s attention to two different types of wetland: salt marshes and freshwater lakes, as well as to salting tanks dating from the Roman period. The São Lourenço trail is about 3.2km (2 miles) long and has several stations, or stops, with posts painted with a blue stripe. Some locations also have illustrated information boards in English and Portuguese. The trail is the same going and returning (between the beach carpark and the Roman ruins) and we recommend that, on the return trip, you take the chance to look more closely at the whole surroundings. You will be surprised at the number of details you may have missed on the outward leg.