Quinta Marim, headquarters of the Ria FormosaQuinta Marim, near Olhao is the main centre or headquarters of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Here you'll find the Environmental Education Centre of Marim which is about 150 Acres in size with a number of visitor attractions. Quinta Marim Visitor CentreQuinta Marim has a very good, if not a little lifeless, purpose built visitor centre which hosts various exhibitions and lectures. It also has an aquarium and a library. The centre sells books and gives away leaflets about nature conservation and the Ria Formosa area in general.There is a restaurant come cafe in the Quinta de Marim Visitor Centre, and while not cheap, cooks up some decent food. However, if you'd rather eat 'al-fresco', there are designated picnic zones you can use. Below are some of
the places to visit here and some things to see along the way, some more
interesting than others.
Nature TrailsOut of the midday summer sun, Quinta Marim has a rather enjoyable nature trail to walk round. A pleasant stroll will take a couple of hours and take you through the dunes and salt marshes. It is sign-posted and there are information boards to help with your nature education.Tidal Mill
One of the buildings worth a visit is the Tidal Mill, one of only a handful
still around in Portugal. Although tidal mills date back to the 13th Century,
this one was built in the mid 19th Century. It was apparently in operation until
the 70s. However, it has now been restored and I'm told does indeed work. It works by
harnessing the incoming tide and generates power as the water escapes on the outgoing tide.
On the roof is a small cafe, where you can sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the magnificent views. Water DogsAlthough looking nothing like a duck, the Portuguese Water Dog, does have webbed feet, and was used in the fishing industry in this area, years ago. At one point it was nearly extinct but has now been saved. There is a breeding kennel here, where they played their part. If you'd like to see what goes on or learn more, the kennels are open to the public.Tuna Fishing BoatYou won't catch anything for your dinner, but you can take a trip around the Ria Formosa lagoons in a restored old tuna fishing boat. This can be found moored at the jetty.Roman Salting TanksTake a look at the Roman salting tanks. There are five of them, and they were originally used for salting fish before distribution.NoraA Nora is a traditional well. Interesting to see as part of your visit, but don't come here just for this.Joao Lucio’s HouseJoao Lucio was a well known poet. Son of a landowner, he built a house
next to the river. He won't be in as he died in 1918 of pneumonia.
Recuperation Centre for BirdsThere's a hospital for sick and injured birds. You can have a peak at them using CCTV.Quinta Marim - Getting ThereBy Car: leave Olhao east on N125 and follow the signs to the "Ria Formosa". Turn right to Camping Olhao, and continue for a couple of hundred metres across the railway and the entrance is poorly signed on the left.By Bus: be aware that you must take a local Olhao bus to Olhao campsite. It’s a 3min. walk over the train tracks to the park’s main gates. You'll be givem a map marked with a route and you'll be directed to the car park, if you've come by car Quinta Marim Contact InformationReception is open:Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am-6pm Visitors centre is open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm. Contact Tel: 289 704 134
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