ODEMIRA:

Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
The Natural Park of Southeast Alentejano and Costa Vicentina is the best-conserved coastal area in Europe, with several unique species of flora and fauna. This explains its popularity among zoologists and botanists, who flock to it from all over the world. 
The landscape is characterised by sharp cliffs, which have become symbolic of the park. Over the course of time, erosion by the wind and sea has given them several different shapes and colours.
Many species of bird are found in the park, such as the rare Osprey, but the most interesting birds are the white storks, as the park is the only place in the world where these birds nest in seaside cliffs.
Another interesting feature are the otters, as this is the only place in Portugal and one of the last in Europe where it is possible to find these animals in their natural habitat. The area’s flora includes the largest concentrations of the country’s main species. There are endemic species that only exist here, such as the Biscutella Vicentina flower and the Plantago Almogravensis plant.
The park’s beaches, very much in demand with surfing fans, are among the country’s best. Their variety is enormous, ranging from extensive stretches of sand to small coves set between rocks and cliffs. Some of the region’s beaches, among others, are Porto Covo, Malhão, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana and Amado Beach. Visitors with energy who don’t mind a bit of a trek will find many semi-virgin beaches, but access to them is not always easy.
In the extreme southeast of the park, don’t miss the Cabo de San Vicente lighthouse (“Faro”), which lends its name to this region of the coast and also, very nearby, the Punta de Sagres, which was the location of the famous Escuela Náutica (Nautical School) founded by Prince Henry in the 15th century.  
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto, 32 - 7630-174 Odemira
Tel.: +351 283 322 735
Fax: +351 283 322 830
E-mail: pnsacv.od@icn.pt

OLHAO:

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Wetlands of international importance, the Ria Formosa estuary is a labyrinth of canals, islands, salt marshes and sand banks that extends across 60 km of the Algarvian coastal region between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota.
This diversity of ecosystems attracts a varied range of fauna including numerous species of bird. One of the rarest is the Purple Gallinule, a symbol of the Natural Park, which cannot be found anywhere else in the country. If you would like to admire this colourful bird and find out all about this protected area, start your visit in the Ambiental de Marim Educational Centre, where they will advise you on the best paths to take and the best spots for hiding yourself in order to observe the day-to-day life of different animal species. The park also organises tours in a traditional boat that was formerly used for tuna fishing.
One of the most agreeable species that can be found in the park is the Portuguese water dog, a rare breed of dog with long curly hair who helped fishermen in their labour on the fishing boats, throwing themselves in the water to catch the fish that had been left trapped in the nets.
Fishing, salt extraction and shellfish collection are the traditional activities of the towns along the ria, whose people, with wisdom and art, go on to create delicious gastronomic specialities such as fish soup or shellfish rice, which can be sampled in the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere of the seaside restaurants.
If you are a sun or sea lover, you will find veritable paradises on the islands that dot the Ria Formosa. Starting from east to west you will find the islands of Tavira, Armona, Culatra, Farol and La Barreta, with long, uncrowded beaches. To finish off your trip, visit Cacela Velha, a small and traditional village set over a cliff, with dazzling scenery where the blues of the estuary, the sea and the sky seem to blend into one.

Address: Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim, Quelfes, 8700-225 Olhão
Tel.: +351 289 704 134 /5
Fax: +351 289 704 165
E-mail: pnrf@icn.pt