Our selection of island escapes — yours to discover

The Ria Formosa is home to three breathtaking barrier islands — Armona, Culatra, and Farol — each with its own charm. All are accessible by ferry or private water taxi from the Olhão pier.

You'll find beach bars and small restaurants on every island, perfect for a relaxed lunch with your feet in the sand. Or, if you prefer a more independent adventure, feel free to use the beach equipment provided in your house: a cooler backpack with reusable ice blocks in the freezer, sun umbrellas, a set of beach rackets, and beach towels — everything you need for a perfect day by the sea.

By ferry from Olhão

We recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid queues at the pier — especially during the summer months. The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of these islands are well worth the short journey. Total change of scenery guaranteed.

• Armona – 15-minute ferry ride

• Culatra – 30-minute ferry ride

• Farol – 40-minute ferry ride

By private water taxi

If you’d rather enjoy a more flexible and private ride, you can take a water taxi directly from the Olhão pier to Armona, Culatra, or Farol. It’s the perfect option if you want to leave early, return at sunset, or simply avoid the crowds.

Ilha da Culatra — timeless island life on the edge of the Ria Formosa

Located just off the coast, about 10 km from Faro and 6 km from Olhão, Ilha da Culatra is a stunning barrier island in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. At its western tip lies Ilha do Farol — not a separate island as the name suggests, but part of the same sandy strip. Together, they offer miles of white sand beaches with crystal-clear water and a sense of freedom and isolation rarely found on the mainland.

When you arrive by ferry, you're welcomed by a charming fishing village, still fully active and authentic. The island’s pace is slow and serene, with no cars — just narrow sandy paths, rustic houses, and the occasional three-wheeled Piaggio or small tractor humming by. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and let time pause.

In the heart of the village, you’ll find the modest Igreja da Culatra, the local church frequented by the island community. Around it, a few informational panels tell the story of island life through old photographs — a quiet reminder of Culatra’s deep cultural roots.

The main reason visitors come here, though, is for the island’s star attraction: Praia da Culatra. This vast, wild beach stretches endlessly to the west, offering peace, open space, and a connection to nature. If you walk east instead, you’ll reach Praia da Ilha do Farol, equally beautiful and slightly livelier.

To access the beach, you'll cross the island via a 1-kilometer wooden walkway, winding between fishermen’s homes, the local school, and a few charming improvised gardens. It’s a peaceful journey, punctuated by birdsong and the scent of sea air.

Praia da Culatra is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it’s known for its clean waters, well-maintained facilities, and safe swimming conditions. Lifeguards are present during the day, and public restrooms are available, making it ideal for a relaxing day at the beach, whether you’re alone, as a couple, or with family.

Culatra remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it one of the most authentic and peaceful destinations in the Algarve. It's a place where island life still follows the rhythm of tides and tradition, and where the simple beauty of the natural world takes center stage.

Ilha do Farol — a guiding light at the edge of the world

Located about 6 km from Faro and 10 km from Olhão, Ilha do Farol is a small seaside community on a barrier island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Despite the name, Ilha do Farol isn’t a separate island — it’s actually part of Ilha da Culatra, forming a single, continuous stretch of sand about 6 km long. Here, you’ll find vast white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful, almost desert island feel.

But don’t head straight to the beach — the village of Farol is worth exploring. Nestled around the iconic lighthouse, it’s filled with charming homes, flower-filled gardens, and a handful of inviting cafés, all under the watchful eye of the "farol", or lighthouse.

Just below the lighthouse lies the island’s main beach. This is a safe, supervised swimming area, with a beach bar and sunbeds for rent. The atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed, though due to the island’s remoteness, some amenities may be a bit more expensive.

The lighthouse itself is a piece of Portuguese maritime history. First lit in 1851, the original structure was said to be the very first lighthouse built in Portugal. It was modernized in 1949, when it was electrified and equipped with a radio beacon. Today, it stands 46 meters tall, emitting four white flashes every 17 seconds, visible from over 25 nautical miles away.

Farol’s story is also one of transformation. In the early 20th century, a channel was opened to give ships access to Faro and Olhão, splitting what was once a much larger island — Ilha da Santa Maria — into two: Ilha da Culatra and, across the channel, Ilha da Barreta, now better known as Ilha Deserta. The lighthouse kept the name of the original island, Santa Maria, preserving a historical connection that endures to this day.

On the opposite shore, you’ll find Cabo de Santa Maria, marking the southernmost point of mainland Portugal — a final link between the land and the vastness of the Atlantic.