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Vale
do Lobo is bordered by two national parks of outstanding natural
beauty, and is flanked by a 5 kilometre long sandy beach, with majestic
sandstone cliffs.
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Ecology
Some
two thirds of the Algarve coastline is protected for its ecological
interest, particularly the Eastern section from Quinta do
Lago (adjacent to Vale do Lobo) all the way to Vila Real at
the Spanish border. This section, falling within two nature
reserves has an expanse of wetlands, lagoons and saltpans
that support a hugely diverse eco-system.
The
nearest, the Ria Formosa, covers approximately 17,000 hectares
of wetland wilderness, and is a stopping off place for many
migratory birds en route to and from Africa, as well as a
nesting place for numerous other species, including storks,
herons, flamingos, grebes, sand pipers and so on.
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Ria
Formosa |
Ria
Formosa & San Lorenzo Golf Course |
Nature
Reserve Walks
There
are two simple but extremely pleasant walks that start in
Quinta do Lago. Follow the road all the way through Quinta
do Lago to the car park at the very end. There is a noticeboard
here that details the two walks, one of which takes you to
the Roman fish salting works (ruins). However one can venture
further through the lagoons and saltpans that stretch to the
East towards Faro. One can also cross what is reputed to be
the longest footbridge in Europe to reach the glorious sandy
beach at Quinta do Lago.
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Some
153 species will keep any keen ornithologist busy for the whole
of their holiday! With over 400 different plant species and fish,
molluscs, and amphibians too numerous to mention, the area is a
marvellous gateway to the world of fauna and flora that exists in
the Algarve.
Beaches
The
beaches at Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago are both within easy
reach, but venture further afield and you can find wonderful coves
(such as at Praia do Marinho, East of Carvoeiro). There are too
many to mention!
Beach at Quinta
do Lago
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