Updated October 2026 • 6 min read
The Ria Formosa is a lagoon protected by a chain of sandy barrier islands along the eastern Algarve, between Faro and Cacela Velha. The islands have long Atlantic beaches with no roads behind them, reached only by boat. Choose Ilha Deserta for the emptiest beaches and the southernmost point of mainland Portugal, Culatra and Farol for fishing villages and a lighthouse, Armona for a short ferry from Olhão, and Ilha de Tavira for the most facilities. Public ferries leave from Faro and Olhão, and boat tours combine several islands in a day.
This guide compares the islands, explains how to get to each one and covers the boat tours you can book.
The Ria Formosa Islands at a Glance
| Island | Boats from | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilha Deserta (Barreta) | Faro, Porta Nova pier | Empty beaches, nature | Uninhabited, one restaurant, Cabo de Santa Maria |
| Culatra | Olhão and Faro | Fishing village, quiet beach | Car-free, boardwalk across the dunes to the beach |
| Farol | Olhão and Faro (same boats as Culatra) | Lighthouse, livelier beach | Restaurants and a beach bar |
| Armona | Olhão (about 15 minutes) and Fuseta | Short trip, calm water by the pier | Village, four beaches, water sports |
| Ilha de Tavira | Tavira centre and Quatro Águas | Most facilities, families | Restaurants, campsite, Praia do Barril |
What Is the Ria Formosa?
The Ria Formosa is a lagoon of channels, salt marshes and sandbanks sheltered from the Atlantic by barrier islands, including Barreta (Deserta), Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cacela. It has been a natural park since 1978, and in 2010 it was voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It is also an important stop for migrating birds.
Nature guide
The Islands
Ilha Deserta (Ilha da Barreta)
The only uninhabited island in the Ria Formosa, about 7 km long, with around 11 km of quiet beaches and dunes, wooden walkways and a naturist area. On its south side is Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. Facilities are minimal: the Estaminé restaurant, in the island's only building, serves coffee and meals, so book ahead in summer and bring water and shade. Ferries leave from the Porta Nova pier in Faro, and the crossing takes about 35 minutes.
Culatra
Culatra is about 6 to 7 km long and home to around 700 people in three communities: Culatra, Hangares and Farol. There are no cars. From the fishing village of Culatra, a boardwalk of about 1 km crosses the dunes to Praia da Culatra, a long, quiet Blue Flag beach with lifeguards in summer. Ferries run all year from Olhão and Faro, and the Olhão boat stops at Hangares and Farol on the way.
Farol
Farol, at the western end of Culatra, takes its name from the Cabo de Santa Maria lighthouse. Its beach is the liveliest on the island, with a beach bar and several restaurants. You can walk the 2.5 to 3.5 km between Farol and Culatra along the beach or through the dunes, passing the old naval outpost of Hangares.
Armona
The closest island to Olhão, about 15 minutes by ferry, with a small village and four beaches: calm, sheltered water near the pier and a wilder beach on the ocean side. It is a good choice for families and for water sports, with kayaking, paddleboarding and kitesurfing lessons. Boats also cross to the eastern end of the island from Fuseta.
Ilha de Tavira
The liveliest of the islands, with more than 11 km of sandy beaches, several restaurants, a campsite and water sports. Boats leave from central Tavira and from the Quatro Águas quay. At its western end is Praia do Barril, reached on foot or by a small train from Pedras d'El Rei, with its anchor cemetery behind the beach.
Tavira and Faro
How to Get to the Ria Formosa Islands
- Public ferries: run from Olhão to Armona, Culatra and Farol, and from Faro to Culatra, Farol and Ilha Deserta. Timetables change by season, so check the last boat back before you set off.
- Water taxis: available in Faro and Olhão for private crossings and for islands with few ferries.
- Boat tours: the easiest way to see several islands in one day, with time on the beaches.
- From Tavira: boats to Ilha de Tavira leave from the town centre and Quatro Águas.
RIA FORMOSA 3 ISLANDS TOUR
A boat tour from Olhão through the Ria Formosa lagoon, stopping at three islands, including Armona or Deserta and Culatra.
See the islands tour →More Ria Formosa boat trips
Which Island Should You Choose?
- For empty beaches: Ilha Deserta.
- For a village and a long, quiet beach: Culatra.
- For restaurants and a lively beach: Farol or Ilha de Tavira.
- For the shortest crossing: Armona from Olhão.
- For families: Armona's sheltered water by the pier, or Praia do Barril on Ilha de Tavira.
Tips for Visiting the Islands
- Shade: there is little natural shade. Bring a parasol or rent one, plus a hat and sunscreen.
- Water and food: carry water, especially on Ilha Deserta, where there is only one restaurant.
- Last boat: missing the last ferry means an expensive water taxi. Check the time when you arrive.
- Season: ferries run all year, but there are fewer departures outside summer.
- Respect the dunes: stay on the boardwalks and paths, since the dunes protect the lagoon.
ALGARVE ESSENTIAL PACKAGE
Flights, hotel and airport transfers in the Algarve, with time to add a day on the Ria Formosa islands.
See the Algarve package →Plan it your way
Custom Your Trip
Tell our local travel advisors which towns, dates and experiences you want and we build the Algarve trip around you, a day on the islands included.
Start your custom trip →Limited time
Portugal Packages On Sale
Flights, hotels and rental car bundled at reduced prices. See every package currently on sale and book while it lasts.
Book now →Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Ria Formosa islands?
By boat only. Public ferries leave from Faro and Olhão, boats to Ilha de Tavira leave from Tavira, and water taxis and boat tours run from Faro and Olhão.
Which is the best Ria Formosa island to visit?
For empty beaches, Ilha Deserta. For a car-free fishing village, Culatra. For the shortest crossing, Armona. For the most facilities, Ilha de Tavira.
How long is the ferry to Ilha Deserta?
About 35 minutes from the Porta Nova pier in Faro.
Are there cars on Culatra?
No. People get around on foot, and a boardwalk crosses the dunes from the village to the beach.
What is the southernmost point of mainland Portugal?
Cabo de Santa Maria, on Ilha da Barreta (Ilha Deserta), in the Ria Formosa near Faro.
Can you visit several islands in one day?
Yes, on a boat tour from Olhão or Faro, which stops at two or three islands with time on the beach.
