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.
The Algarve Region
The Algarve
A feast for the soul and the senses, the warm, rich waters of the Atlantic grace the Algarve shoreline. Overhead is clear and blue, birds in leisurely flight break the skyline and the cool, onshore breeze touches the skin. The aroma is a fresh sea air, tinged with the scent of wild flowers and the soundtrack is almost purposeful – Mother Nature in all her guises – at work and at play. Welcome, you are home.
But the Algarve is also home to a unique history and culture much of which resides in its tangled, cobbled streets and walkways, that almost seem preserved, belonging maybe to another time, but brimming with traditional craftsmen and bustling with the activity of large open markets that form the centerpiece of daily life.
Renowned for its distinctive Portuguese architecture, the Algarve has its own beat, time has its own tempo and café side terraces are a place for hushed gossip, quiet conversation and maybe profound thought.
Restaurants are relaxed. No standing on ceremony, the atmosphere is hearty and warm, the traditional Algarve cuisine pays tribute to nature’s fresh harvest of fish and shell-fish including such dishes as caldeirada de peixe (fish-stew) or cataplana de amêijoas (clams steamed in a copper pan)
Or you can enjoy the traditional mountain food of stewed chickpeas and cabbage. The range of choices will also include the famous regional delicacies, such as figs, almonds, carobs and the brandy made from the locally grown medronho (arbutus-berry), distilled up in the hills in old copper stills.
Beyond the coast, the Algarve terrain is a mix of plateaux and plains. Locals tend the fields and in many ways town and village life has stood still, untouched by worldly distractions. Here, tradition dies hard and local craftspeople ply their centuries old trade across a broad canvas in pottery, brass, linen and jute.
Worlds apart, yet only a step away from the tranquil peace of the inland region, the Algarve night comes alive, with the full gambit of nightly entertainment, including bars, discos, marinas and casinos.
And the morning brings a new day – of promise and pleasure – of sunshine and shade – perfect for enjoying all the facilities that the area has to offer – on the sea or by the shore.
The Algarve – And tomorrow is just another day!