The tidal mill at Quinta de Marim
This is the perfect Algarve walk when it’s too nice to be indoors, but not warm enough to sit on a beach. Doesn’t that boardwalk call to you? It does to me.
Quinta de Marim is part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. A 3 km trail leads through the pines and around the salt marshes, taking in the lovely old tidal mill en route. The main purpose of the reserve is conservation and education. The best option is to buy a map for a couple of euros and go at your own pace, but a guided tour is also available for advanced bookings.
No putting out to sea in this, I don’t think!
In the distance you can see the island of Armona
But for me, the tidal mill is the highlight of the reserve
It sits proudly on the water
Looking out to sea
The views from the roof are captivating
Sky and sea blend into one
In a bird watcher’s paradise
A place where the spirit soars
I had never come across the concept of a tidal mill before and so was pleased that, inside the mill, display boards explain how it works.
Light floods in, illuminating the mill stones
The ebb and flow of tide is what makes the mill work
I had never seen anything quite like it before
In season I believe the mill operates a small cafe, but it was closed when I was there. The rest of the reserve incorporates salinas (or salt pans), a traditional farmhouse, a bird hospital and several hides for birdwatching. Traditionally Portuguese water poodles were kept here- a special breed with webbed toes, once used in the fishing process. These days they are most often seen in public demonstrations.
A Portuguese water poodle in action
The reserve is close to Olhao Camping, and is signed off the E125 just before you reach Olhao, if you’re approaching from the east.
restlessjo 
All nice, but the trail pic is awesome!
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You’d like it there! In the Winter when there are no mozquitos and not many people 🙂
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😀 I am sure I would. I will have to book it some day…
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Another stunning series! And your love for the Algarve shines through. I would jump on that plane with you and Kathryn in a heartbeat 🙂
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It’s a hard place to not love, Madhu. Thank you so much for your encouragement. 🙂
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This makes me want to jump on a plane! Lovely !
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Let’s jump together! 🙂
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Let’s go Jo anytime.!!
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Looks like a lovely place for a stroll. And I love Portuguese water dogs. I think they have more energy than my dog, which is alarming on some levels since I’ve been playing fetch with Miles all morning.
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It was wonderfully peaceful, TBM. Would be a terrible spot for mozquitos in the Summer, though 😦
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Love the look to your blog! Pretty photos galore 🙂 We are sisters with a sea between 🙂 HUGS
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What a lovely way to put it, Eunice 🙂 I have some beautiful sisters on here that I’ll never meet, but it really doesn’t matter. Look after yourself, and get those health issues sorted.
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Will do! It is a pretty place we share here 🙂
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Lovely place to spend the day.
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It really was, Milka 🙂
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Thanks for the explanation of the tidal mill! I was hoping to read about its function. And the place looks like an ideal spot for bird watching.
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I would have supplied more details, Kate, but I was a little uncertain and didn’t want to get it wrong. I saw lots of birds wading and skimming the water. Idyllic, really 🙂
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I would have a photography field day there! Nice photos Jo!
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I wasn’t in any hurry to leave, Jodi 🙂 Many thanks! Life busy with you? I’ll come catch up a bit later.
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What a lovely walk that was Jo. Great shots hon and thanks for the tour. 😀 *hugs*
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Thanks a lot, Sonel 🙂
I’m fighting a battle with myself over the header. Part of me really likes the stark look, which then focuses more on the photos, but the photo header is very eye pleasing. I’m also told that if you view it on an iPhone it really needs the header pic, but I don’t have one (you would guess that, wouldn’t you? 🙂 so I can’t tell. Big hugs in return.
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I love walking on boardwalks Jo … the anticipation that they lead somewhere important like your gorgeous mill is part of that … thanks for refreshing and informative tour!
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You’re very welcome, Christine 🙂 I’ll have to start drawing you maps soon. Where exactly will you be staying?
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