Faro is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park and its beautiful sandbars islands that skirt this protected region.
The Ria Formosa is a series of salt water lagoons and waterways that extend over 18 thousand hectare, a heaven for birdlife and saltwater aquatic life. The endangered specie of the seahorses takes refuge here as the biggest remaining community in Europe.
The Eastern Algarve, territory for a diversity of bird species.
330 bird-species have been regularly recorded in Portugal from which 270 can be seen in the Eastern Algarve throughout a year, plus possible vagrants and rarities.
The Ria Formosa headquarters are located in the fishing capital Olhão.
Olhão has a magnificent beach village called Fuseta, and this is exactly the location of our Loft.
Expect great views over the saltpans and regular visits of flamingo's, which can be seen from the outdoor terrace but also the indoor jacuzzi!
Relax all year round and enjoy the view in one of the Algarve's most wanted properties!
In Fuseta, the natural park designation does not only protect wildlife but also the small fishing communities, which rely on traditional and sustainable fishing methods that otherwise would be lost to mass development.
You will find a daily fresh food market where the fishermen sell their fresh catch of the day and loads of restaurants grilling fresh fish from the morning arrivals.
Somewhere-Special offers accommodation right where the natural magic happens.
When you are coming back home after an amazing day out, enjoy some more painting like panorama views of the Ria Formosa from your sofa, or from the terrace enjoying a glass of wine. Reading a book with the sound of the wind and the local birds is so relaxing, what more can you ask?
Hungry? Prepare your fresh fish on the BBQ. Have some unique Ria Formosa seafood that you can buy from the fishermen where they work, just at the end of the street.
The Ria Formosa is a fabulous place to enjoy in the water, especially because of the tidal system, making sandy islands appear and disappear every 6 hours.
The sunsets are marvelous and highly recommendable to be viewed from the water, giving a full mind blowing and colorful experience.
The beach is beautiful, gold and sandy, with dunes and plants, and outside the peak season it is very quiet. During the summer you will be invited by locals having beach picnics of fresh fish and all year round you see many active fishermen.
Whilst you are staying at Somewhere-Special, you are in a perfect place to make bike trips around the area:
From Pinheiro to Barril beach (5km), to Tavira (11km) or even until the boarder to Spain (30km). In the other direction you can go easily to Fuseta (5km) or Olhao (15km)
Take the bike instead of the car for a day full of natural adventure!
There is a designated cycle path through the Ria Formosa just 500m from the houses in Pinheiro, which runs along the whole coast of the Algarve and is part of the international Eurovelo 1 route. You might see some of the bike-packers along the routes, however they usually prefer using the faster roads.
Make your holidays really special... try electric biking!
SWS would like to help making a change in holiday transportation habits. Have you ever tried an electric bicycle? We believe once you have tried this, you will love it. Don’t believe it? Only one way to find out...
We believe that changing your means of transport during your holidays towards an eco-friendly alternative will also help you to switch in your everyday life.
You can use the electric bike to go further or faster to your destination, bring extra kilos and not worry about uphills. It also makes the trip more comfortable in case of strong sun (you will sweat less and the higher speed will keep you surprisingly fresh!)
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