The main highlight of the municipality is Ria Formosa which extends through the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António, covering an area from Ancão river to the beach of Manta Rota.
Ria Formosa is bordered to the South by a barrier of sandy islands known as peninsula of Ancão (Faro beach), Barreta island, Culatra island, Armona island, Tavira island, Cabanas island and peninsula of Cacela.
Ria Formosa is the starting point for water sports and the practice of Birdwatcing mainly in the channel of Faro.

The gastronomy is marked by the influence of the Romans and the Arabs in the region and also by the proximity to Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean. Main courses are based on fish, seafood and products of the countryside.
Desserts are based on nuts such as almonds and figs and also carob cakes.