13 November 2026
The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon that runs along the coast east of our resorts, with salt marshes, channels, pine woods and barrier islands. It became a natural park in 1987, and its western end lies right beside Quinta do Lago. Two easy trails start almost on the doorstep of our villas, and they make a lovely morning out for walkers, families and anyone with a pair of binoculars. The São Lourenço trail This is the trail most of our guests try first. According to the natural park authority, the ICNF, it is: Length: around 3 km, there and back on the same path Time: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours at a gentle pace Difficulty: easy, and open to walkers and mountain bikes Start: opposite the wooden bridge that links Quinta do Lago with the Ancão peninsula and the beach The path is waymarked and passes through salt marsh, umbrella pine woods and a freshwater lagoon. There are two bird hides along the way. On the lagoon, look out for coots, moorhens, little grebes, ducks and the striking purple swamphen. Waders feed on the stretch between the marsh and the golf course, and hoopoes and Iberian magpies are often seen in the pines. At the end of the trail are the remains of Roman fish-salting tanks, dating from around the 2nd century AD. The ground is flat and sandy, which makes it a good choice for children. Our Quinta do Lago resort guide has more on the resort around it. The Ludo trails A little further east, towards Faro, the Ludo area has two waymarked routes that cross each other: the Caminho do Ludo and the Salinas do Ludo route through the salt pans. Both are easy and flat, and both are open to walkers and bikes. There is a bird hide along the way. The landscape here is wider and more open: salt pans, tidal creeks, reed beds and patches of pine. This is the place for flamingos and spoonbills, along with herons, ducks and waders, depending on the season. Flamingos are seen in small numbers all year, with bigger flocks usually from around October to March, which makes late autumn and winter a very good time to go. The Ludo routes are longer than São Lourenço, and there is very little shade, so they suit older children and keen walkers best. Sections are sometimes closed, so follow the signs on the day. You are also close to Faro Airport here, and children usually love watching the planes come in low overhead. What to take Binoculars, and a bird guide or app if you have one Water and snacks, as there are few facilities along the paths A hat and sun cream, even in winter Comfortable shoes for sand and gravel Walking with children Turn it into a game: who can spot the first flamingo, heron or hoopoe? Start with São Lourenço, which is shorter and has the lagoon and hides close together, and save Ludo for when everyone has their walking legs. Mornings are usually calmer and better for birds. Please follow the park code: stay on the marked paths, keep your distance from the birds and do not pick plants. When to go The trails are open all year. Winter and early spring are especially good for water birds, and the cooler weather makes walking more comfortable. Our guide to Algarve weather by month will help you plan. Local tip from our team If you are staying in Quinta do Lago or Dunas Douradas, don't miss the chance to explore the Ria Formosa on foot. We would start with the São Lourenço trail, especially if you are walking with children: it is fairly short, flat and has lovely views over the lagoon, with plenty of birdlife along the way, and you may even spot flamingos. When the tide is out, look at the mud by the water for fiddler crabs popping out of their burrows, each waving one oversized claw. Children love them. It is also popular with joggers and cyclists, so it makes a great spot for an early morning run or bike ride. For the best experience, head out in the morning, when it is cooler and the birds are more active. It's a wonderful way to discover a quieter, more natural side of the Algarve, just minutes from your villa. Stay close to the trails Our villas in Quinta do Lago and Dunas Douradas are the closest to these walks. For a winter break, have a look at our Quinta do Lago villas with a heated pool, perfect after a morning outdoors. For help choosing, contact our team in Almancil.