The council of Faro comprises two different areas, the Coastline, where the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is located and the Barrocal, featuring hills and valleys where you may still find some Algarvian endemic flora.

In Faro’s coastline you may visit the Ria Formosa Nature Park, created by the Law Decree nº373/87 of 8th December and considered one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.

The Park consists of a Ria and a Lagoon system, with a dune sand cord of two peninsulas and five islands that protect the wide marshlands, channels and islets.

Annually, many migratory bird species, coming from the north of Europe, choose this important ecosystem to stay during the winter. You may observe species such as Flamingos, Common Terns, Little Terns, Pied Avocets, Widgeons and Finches amongst others.

You may also find several Tourist Companies specialized in ecotourism, that offer birdwatching tours along with boat and kayak tours in the Ria Formosa; guided trail or bike tours are also available.

You may also discover several other green areas in the city such as Manuel Bivar Garden, Alameda João de Deus Garden and High School Garden (Mata do Liceu).