Ria Formosa and Olhão

DISCOVER PARADISE: RIA FORMOSA

One of the best things to do in Olhão is without a doubt to take a boat tour through Ria Formosa Natural Park to explore the islands and marine life.

Ria Formosa boat tours typically take you to one or two islands where you can have lunch at a restaurant, go for a walk, or chill at the beach. The most frequented islands are Culatra Island, Armona Island, and Tavira island, though the latter is a little further away.

During the summer months, you’ll most likely go for a swim from the boat too, and many offer snorkeling as part of the tour.

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLANDS?

Access to the islands is by boat only. The main connection is from Olhão dock. Small ferries operate the route every couple of hours on most days. Alternatively, you can hire a water taxi from Olhão. You can buy the tickets for the ferries at an office at the dock in Olhão.

If you’re arriving by one of the ferries, you need to make sure to check for the last sailing of the day. As it can be an expensive mistake to miss it. The water taxis are available but charge around €25-30 for a one-way trip.

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DISCOVER PARADISE: RIA FORMOSA

One of the best things to do in Olhão is without a doubt to take a boat tour through Ria Formosa Natural Park to explore the islands and marine life.

During the summer months, you’ll most likely go for a swim from the boat too, and many offer snorkeling as part of the tour.

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLANDS?

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Ilha da Armona

Ilha da Armona is the closest island to Olhão. Things to do on the island include walking around the dedicated paths across the dunes, relaxing on the beach, and wandering the streets of what used to be a fisherman settlement.

Today, Ilha da Armona is the most popular island in the natural park for tourists to stay the night. Holiday homes line the paved streets and you find all the needed facilities on the beach, which is one of the most beautiful Algarve beaches.

The around 50 people that live permanently on the island live mainly on fishing and tourism.

Ilha da Armona

The around 50 people that live permanently on the island live mainly on fishing and tourism.

culatra island

The island has an extensive sandy beach on its ocean side, while the lagoon side is used for anchorage for yachts and boats. Throughout the island is a range of protected sand dunes that are part of the protected area of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Access through the dunes is by several raised wooden walkways to access the main beach of Praia da Culatra. On the western tip of the island is the historic lighthouse of Farol Santa Maria.

In Culatra there are restaurants specializing in the famous razor clam rice or the caldeirada fish stews that so successfully combine the many types of fish that prosper in the waters here.

culatra island

In Culatra there are restaurants specializing in the famous razor clam rice or the caldeirada fish stews that so successfully combine the many types of fish that prosper in the waters here.

Ilha Deserta

Ilha Deserta (also known as Ilha da Barreta) is an island near Faro. Literally, Ilha Deserta means Deserted Island. This pretty much describes the island, since there are no people who live on this island permanently. The island is famous for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It is truly a paradise in the Algarve.

There are few places where we can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, among other genuinely Algarvian specialties, with a deserted island and the vast ocean as a backdrop. Estaminé restaurant is the only restaurant in Ilha Deserta and it has the perfect conditions to make a memorable meal.