Here's our selection of places. We'll let you discover them. Every beach has one or more small bars and restaurants. Otherwise, don't hesitate to use the beach equipment provided in your house (ice-box backpack with ice blocks in the freezer, parasols, set of rackets, beach towels...).

Accessible by ferry from Olhão pier

Armona, Culatra and Farol, 3 magnificent natural islands in the Ria Formosa. We advise you to buy your tickets in advance to avoid queuing when you want to get there. The beaches are all magnificent, with turquoise waters and white sand. A change of scenery guaranteed.

- Armona: 15-minute ferry ride

- Culatra: 30-minute ferry ride

- Farol: 40-minute ferry ride

Accessible by water cab from Olhão pier

If you prefer to travel privately to the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol, you can take a private water cab. 

Armona

Ilha da Armona is an island located opposite Olhão. The island is known for its many kilometers of unspoiled beach. It is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is 9 km long and up to 1 km wide. Around 100 people live there permanently, mainly fishing and tourism.

There are no cars on the island and the beach is very clean. You can also find many shells on the beach. If you like pure nature, you will love this place.

In fact, Ilha da Armona beach can be divided into two parts:

Praia da Armona Ría. This is the part that faces the continent and the Ria. When you take the ferry you arrive in this area. Although you can find many bars and restaurants in this area, we recommend going to Praia da Armona Mar.

Praia da Armona Mar. This is the beach that faces the ocean. The beach is very large and extends as far as the eye can see. This is the best part of Armona Island.

The sea water is very clean and almost transparent. It's a wonderful place to swim. At low tide, you can even see several fish in the shallow waters. However, the water can be quite cold on the Atlantic Ocean side. On the mainland side, the waters are relatively warm.

When you arrive by ferry, you walk straight down the main street of Armona. The main street consists of several restaurants, bars and shops. You can buy food/drinks or vacation items there before going to the beach. After these restaurants you will see several vacation homes. You pass by the pretty houses to get to the beach. Bougainvillea, hibiscus, oleanders. It is the only island that is so flowery. After 1.5km, you will see a wooden footbridge which will take you to the beach.

If you're willing to walk a bit, you'll have the beach almost to yourself. There is plenty of space. It's a perfect place to get away from the crowded beaches of the Algarve mainland. The island is visited by both locals and tourists.

Culatra

Ilha da Culatra is a beautiful barrier island located on the edge of the Ria Formosa, approximately 10 km from Faro and 6 km from Olhão.

Also on the west end of the island is Ilha do Farol. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is not a separate island. Culatra is widely known as a secluded island paradise, with almost tropical white sand beaches stretching in both directions. Tourism is very little developed there, which makes it a fantastic place to discover.

When you disembark in Culatra, you will find yourself facing a small fishing village, a real village still in activity. It is made up of small paths, rustic houses and a few small cafes. As there are no cars on the island, it is a very relaxing place to explore and where life seems to take a break. You will still find a few tractors and three-wheeled Piaggios driving around the small streets. Entering the village, you discover the Igreja da Culatra. It is a simple church attended by the island community. Around the church there are information boards showing photos of life in the past.

The main reason to travel to the island is the incredible Praia da Culatra, located in the south of the island. It is a vast white sand beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. The most isolated and wild part is at the western end, but if you head east you will find Praia da Ilha do Farol. To get to the beach, you will first have to cross the island and its dunes on a kilometer-long wooden promenade between fishermen's houses, the school and a few pretty improvised gardens here and there.

As a Blue Flag beach, it is known for its well-maintained facilities, cleanliness and easy access. There are accessible toilets and during the day swimming is supervised. So you can do it safely in crystal clear water. 

Farol

Ilha do Farol is a small community located on a barrier island on the edge of the Ria Formosa about 6 km from Faro and 10 km from Olhão. Ilha do Farol as it is locally called, is actually located on Ilha da Culatra. Although the names suggest that they are separate islands, they are two different parts of the same 6 km long island. With vast white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a desert island feel.

But that doesn't mean you should ignore the small village and head straight to the beach. In the village of Farol you will find charming houses, beautiful gardens and a few small cafes, all under the magnificent lighthouse.

Just under the farol (which means lighthouse in Portuguese), you will find the large beach. There is a beach bar with lounge chair rentals. It is a supervised and safe place to swim. Unfortunately, due to its remoteness, some facilities can be expensive.

The lighthouse on this part of the island was first put into operation in 1851, but the current structure is somewhat newer. The original structure is believed to have been the first lighthouse built in Portugal. It was modernized in 1949, when it was electrified and a maritime radio beacon installed. Today it stands 46 m high. Now fully modernized, the lighthouse emits four bursts of light in a 17-second cycle and has a range of more than 25 nautical miles.

The canal which provides access to the Ria Formosa was opened at the beginning of the 20th century to allow better access to the ports of Faro and Olhão. This is when the islands of Culatra and across the channel, Barreta, were created. As before, they were connected and part of a much longer island called Ilha da Santa Maria. When the island was divided, the inhabitants created Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Barreta (known locally as Ilha da Deserta). This is where the lighthouse gets its original island name: Ilha da Santa Maria. Officially, it is now on Ilha da Culatra. This is also why, on the other side of the canal, you will find the southernmost point of mainland Portugal, Cabo de Santa Maria.