Along the eastern coastline of the Algarve, a series of barrier islands form a natural boundary separating the sea from the lagoons. Within this untouched haven known as the Ria Formosa, life unfolds according to the ebb and flow of tidal movements and the graceful flight of pink flamingos.
Across more than 60 kilometers, these golden sandy areas protect a remarkable wetland habitat. Barreta to Tavira Each island boasts its distinct personality. Dive into an genuine Portuguese experience, far from the crowded holiday spots.
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The land of desert beaches
One after another, the islands of the Ria Formosa present their pristine, breathtaking shores. At Barreta, dubbed the 'Desert Island,' the spotless white sands appear boundless – just as its sole restaurant, Estaminé , breaks this solitude facing the ocean.
Tavira Island also boasts rugged scenery: At Barril, numerous rusted anchors embedded in the sand serve as relics from tuna fishing’s heyday, whereas to the west lies the secluded nudist beach of Homem Nu.
Further north, Cabanas stretches out in a narrow ribbon of sand for 7km, where a handful of restaurants offer a welcome break. On Culatra, the beaches are still wild, in keeping with the island fishermen’s way of life.
Between lagoon and ocean: a haven of wildlife
The Ria Formosa, a UNESCO-classified biosphere reserve , is home to over 300 species of birds. In the calm waters of the lagoon, purple herons and sickle ibises waltz in graceful arabesques. From November to March, pink flamingos join in this aquatic ballet, their elegant silhouettes like a flurry of colourful spots on the wetland horizon.
Between the sandbanks, the glorious sultana hen, the park's emblem, sports her proud blue and black plumage through the reedbeds. Beneath the crystal-clear surface, octopus and cuttlefish swim alongside two species of seahorse, while in the coastal pinewoods, the chameleons blend into the landscape. Otters and genets add to this exceptional mosaic of biodiversity.
Life in the island villages
In the Culatra Island, home to one thousand residents, people uphold their traditional lifestyle. This village stays vibrant throughout the entire year, maintaining the essence of a fishing town with its church, school, sandy paths, and cats reveling in what seems like cat heaven.
The modest whitewashed houses, occasionally adorned with vibrant hues, feature a straightforward, conventional design, incorporating subtle elements of Moorish inspiration. Near Armona The fishermen’s homes feature gardens adorned with shells and pieces of driftwood. This portrays a lifestyle that is straightforward (and equally refined) amidst nature’s forces.
Gently moving in sync with nature's rhythm
Lacking automobiles entirely imparts a particular serene cadence. The emphasis here is on gentle transportation methods, allowing movement via bicycle, on foot, by boat, or using a kayak. Wooden pathways meander through the sand dunes, safeguarding this delicate ecosystem; in Culatra, these routes traverse the fishing hamlet before venturing toward the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
In the lagoon, loud motors have been supplanted by solar-powered vessels that quietly navigate between islands, allowing for undisturbed observation of local fauna. This quiet transformation serves the cause of enhancing biodiversity.
The islands’ heritage
The island offers numerous activities aligned with its natural rhythms. Stroll through the calm waters of the lagoon and discover an abundance of treasures like cockles, clams, and razor clams—perfect ingredients for a delicious seafood meal. The scenery is marked by meticulously arranged salt pans where traditional salt collection continues.
On the water, formerly utilized for tuna fishing, these traditional vessels now ferry tourists through a network of canals during a three-hour journey. At the quaint waterfront eateries in Culatra and Tavira, dishes like pork rice and fish stew underscore how closely tied daily culinary choices remain with the ocean, which serves as an essential wellspring of sustenance.
A gateway to paradise
From Faro From Olhão or Tavira, ferries maintain connections to these untouched islands, keeping them linked to the mainland. Within 15 to 45 minutes, you find yourself transported to another realm—the untamed Algarve that cherishes its distinctiveness.
Based on how long you plan to stay, you can opt for various minimalistic accommodations that harmonize with the surroundings. These options include refurbished fishers' huts in Armona as well as campgrounds in Tavira. This offers an opportunity to experience life closely connected to the remarkable natural setting, away from the usual conveniences found in typical resort areas.
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