Ria Formosa

This bridge crosses the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve which is a lagoon covering some 18,000 hectares lying between the mainland and the Atlantic. The other side if the dunes is the sea with huge Atlantic breakers.

The reserve borders the golf course, and with over 20,000 birds wintering there it is a haven for bird watchers. The lagoon is tidal and shellfish farming takes place in the muddy shallows.

It is also home to some endangered species such as the chameleon and the seahorse, not forgetting the Portugese Water Dog which looks a bit like a shaggy labradoodle!