The tourist development in the Algarve represented an important element of change offering significant economic advantages and opportunities for tourism and other sectors. However, the environmental impacts and their social implication are not always ideally perceived. The present study refers to an analysis of Ria Formosa's uses of tourism in Faro, with an associated evaluation of possible environmental impact registers. The results reinforce the need to evaluate the possible negative impacts in this region. Among the most relevant points observed is the continued use of one‑use plastic both by the resident and the tourist population. Besides the positive perception of tourism by the interviewees, we observed an increase in negative environmental impact as a result of diverse activities. In conclusion, managing waste and awareness programmes for both the resident and the tourist population are key factors for sustainable tourism and a respectful relationship with Faro's environment and local culture.