Vilamoura Environmental Park

Vilamoura Environmental Park is a green area of around 200 hectares within Vilamoura, in the parish of Quarteira and the municipality of Loulé, in the Algarve. It lies close to the Quarteira stream and brings together reedbeds, lakes, cereal fields and non-irrigated orchards, in contrast with the resort, marina and golf courses around it. Its purpose is to protect and show the local fauna and flora.

The nature trail is just over five kilometres long. It starts near the banks of the Quarteira stream, where the riverside vegetation is dense, passes the equestrian centre and enters farmland planted with wheat, barley, rye and maize, among carob, almond, fig and olive trees. Further on come the wetlands, with wide stands of reeds, bulrushes and rushes.

Two bird hides stand along the route, one in the farmland and one beside the Vilamoura reedbed, each with guides showing the species that may be seen. The park attracts birds all year, including purple heron, little bittern, purple swamphen and marsh harrier. Visitors are asked not to remove plants or disturb animals, to take their litter home, not to light fires and to keep dogs on a lead.

The paths are flat dirt tracks suitable for walking and cycling, and they can be muddy after rain. There is a car park off the Albufeira road, on the edge of Quarteira. Bring binoculars, water and sun protection, as much of the terrain is open.