Quinta de Marim

Category: Nature > Park

District: Faro > Olhão > Quelfes > Quinta de Marim

Location

Located in the Quinta de Marim area, in the town of Quelfes, Olhão, this property stretches along the right bank of the Ribeira do Marim, in harmony with the vast landscape of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Its position, approximately one kilometre from the Ria Formosa, provides a unique transitional environment between the interior and the coast, framed by a protected natural landscape. The absence of vehicle traffic within its premises ensures an environment of serenity and closeness to nature.

A Natural Mosaic

Quinta de Marim is a representative example of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It encompasses diverse environments, from extensive pine forests and coastal dunes to vast areas of salt marshes and mudflats. A walking trail, approximately three kilometres long, invites exploration of these varied ecosystems. The diversity of habitats attracts a remarkable variety of fauna, making this location a point of interest for observing aquatic and terrestrial birds. Species such as the discreet purple swamphen or the chameleon inhabit this conservation area. The environmental centre of the Ria Formosa Natural Park also operates on the property. There is a small observatory next to a pond, allowing for closer observation of wildlife.

Echoes of a Roman Past

In addition to its natural richness, Quinta de Marim is a site of great historical and archaeological importance. Here lie the remains of the Roman Villa of Quinta de Marim, one of the most significant Roman finds in the Algarve. This ancient complex, inhabited between the 2nd and 5th centuries, included not only a residence and baths, but also warehouses, a temple, and several burial areas. One of the highlights are the ancient fish-salting tanks, or cetariae, which bear witness to the economic activity of the era. The discovery of ceramic fragments, jewellery, and coins offers a glimpse into daily life and commercial practices of yesteryear.

The Mill and the Landscape

Within the property, there is a tide mill, a peculiar construction and one of the rare examples of its kind in the region. More than an architectural element, the mill offers a strategic point to contemplate the surroundings. From its terrace, the perspective opens up to a panoramic view over the vast expanse of channels and islands of the Ria Formosa, revealing the beauty and complexity of this coastal ecosystem. This location is ideal for appreciating the interaction between the terrestrial and marine landscapes, in a setting of great natural beauty.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt