The Ria Formosa lagoon, located in the Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a system of barrier islands that connects to the sea through six inlets.

Part of the system is a 170 km² protected natural area, but Ria Formosa also plays an important role in the region's economy.

Beyond the tourist use the system also supports other economic activities like seafood farms (including grooved carpet shell harvesting) and the port of Faro.

Little villages and towns in the area, such as Cabanas de Tavira, have a large number of bars, cafés and restaurants which are located along the riverfront and are also dotted around a couple of blocks inland.

Ria Formosa is located in the southernmost portion of the Algarve and continental Portugal and has a mild climate, with sunny days all year round.