News: Culatara Island

Island is a part of Faro Municipality, located in Ria Formosa, is in front of Olhão city, a place where we can catch the boat to go to this Island.

Culatra Island is one of the barrier islands which protect the ria Formosa, as well as Barreta Island (Desert Island), Armona, Tavira, and Cabanas.
An Island that shelter 1000 inhabitants where, for the most part, dedicate themselves to fishing and tourism.

This Island is formed by three population centers, Culatra itself, which shelters predominantly fishermen, and in the summer season, many tourists, and also the Hangares and the Farol, then in summer also become the home of many tourists.

This Island is constituted by a wide coast about 6km of length and a width that varies between 100m to 900m dependent on the tide. Along the coast, it’s possible to walk from Culatra to the core of Farol, while we enjoy and perhaps dive into the clear and transparent waters.

Is reported that, initially, this Island served as a refuge for people with leprosy and other contagious diseases. In this way, it’s said that the survivors then formed the Culatrense people and culture.

In 1998, during the I World War, the construction of Naval Aviation Center was begun, directed to the anti-submarine war. In spite of its purpose, this center was used as an infrastructure to support the field firing range of the Navy.

The Culatra Island has been developing so well, that attracted a lot of tourists who exchange their cities for the Island. Endowed with Restaurants where we can taste the typical food of Algarve, like grilled fish, stew and seafood, a school that assures the education until the 6th grade, a social center, a post office, a ward and, more recently, a helicopter landing strip.

Unlike Farol Island, the coast of Culatra is a little more distant, taking about 20 minutes from one side to the coast.

If you are looking for peace and tranquility, away from the stress of the city, Culatra Island is a perfect choice. However, if do you prefer only to get to know this Island for a few hours, you can take advantage of the “Volta Às Ilhas” a tour provided by the Passeios Ria Formosa, so you don´t only end up knowing Culatra Island as well Farol Island, Hangares and the Armona Island, and it’s in Culatra that the lunch stop occurs.