Katy's Guidebook

This is the closest island. Again it can be accessed by ferry or water taxi. Ferry is under 10 minutes. Here you will again find multiple beaches and restaurants situated just at the ferry terminal however, my favourite beach is a wonderful 1 mile walk along a straight path, follow the crowd of the ferry if your worried). Along this mile walk are bars and restaurants dotted. At the end of the path you come to a wooden board walk, if you continue along the board walk you come to a junction, if you go straight you reach a great public beach with life guards and a public toilet. If you turn left and follow the boardwalk you come to Camaleao a beach bar and restaurant who have a great lunchtime menu as well as amazing cocktails. They own the adjoining beach and will charge you for using the beach beds. There is a very chilled and relaxing vibe in Camaleao and was voted in top 10 beach bars in Europe by The Guardian. There is also a wonderful article in The Guardian written by a Scottish Journalist who stayed on Armona Island during the Covid-19 pandemic, this article gives a wonderful insight to the unique people of Armona. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/apr/03/lockdown-life-on-armona-island-algarve-portugal Remember to leave in plenty of time for the ferry - in the height of summer there can be long queues and additional ferries will be put on. You could always get a water taxi and breeze past the crowds!

20 minute ferry through Ria Formosa - timetabled all day in summer. Ferry timetable is in the house. Many restaurants and bars. There is a beautiful lighthouse to visit. My favourite place to rest is at Maramais - a beach and beach bar run by Carla and her team. You can rent beds and be served cocktails on the beach. There is a good menu of fresh food as well as ice creams and frozen cocktails. There is also a public beach next door which provides water sport equipment in the summer. You can walk a 3 mile round trip to the neighbouring Island of Culatra and grab a beer at Mohle Leste beach bar. Should you decide to stay on the island late I recommend you head to A do Joao - more info in restaurants section on this. You can catch last ferry home on simply order a water taxi which will be waiting for you at the pier.

The island has an extensive sandy beach on its ocean side, while on the lagoon side is 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.[3] Access through the dunes is facilitated by several raised wooden walkways to access the main beach of Praia da Culatra.

Visiting the Markets on Saturday morning is already a tradition for people from Olhão and tourists. It is on this day that the open-air market takes place, where the county's small producers sell what they have harvested from their gardens. In the street market you can find a little bit of everything… Onions, potatoes, herbs, homemade cakes, seasonal fruit, ornamental plants are sold at the local farmers' stalls. It is on Saturday morning that the markets are the most 'moving', thanks to the hustle and bustle that one lives outside, right next to the Ria Formosa. The color in these days is special and an unparalleled attraction in the Algarve region. Despite the large number of visitors, the authenticity of a truly traditional market is clearly visible here!

4 Islands (almost) reached by ferry or private water taxi. Armona ( Nearest) 10 mins ferry. My favourite beach is at the other end. Walk though the village for a mile on the boardwalk. You will pass bars and restaurants en route - all good. Stop off for a beer on the way. The boardwalk becomes simple decks, follow this to the sea, where you arrive at Camaleao Beach bar. Chilled vibe. They run the beach beds and once you are set up will collect a fee. €20 alternatively- lie on a beach blanket for free. Culatra Island (actually an extension of Farol or vice versa) Again reach this by ferry or water taxis. 15 minutes by ferry via the Ria Formosa. Once more to reach beach walk through town following signs to Praia. The beach bar is open all year round here. Molhe Leste Beach and lounge bar. Farol Island - reached by ferry or water taxi. 20 minutes by ferry, a lovely boat trip through the Ria Formosa. Here follow the signs to Farol light house. Beyond the light house are two beaches. If you wish a sun bed there will be a cost, again you can lie on a beach blanket like the locals. Great beach bar and restaurant called MaraMais run by Carla. This is where we spend the summer. Furthest island is Deserta Island (also known as Barrett Island) Ferry only goes to this island in the summer season but it can be reached by a water taxi all year round. There is a beach with beds and life guitarist but this is only available in summer season. There is an amazing restaurant on this small island called Estamine. Open daily. This can be booked on their website.