Departure - Olhão

2-hour Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with a 30-minute stop for sightseeing.

Olhão — Deserta Island — Farol Island (30 min stop) — Olhão.

See the essentials of the Ria Formosa with a ride nearby Olhão, taking the opportunity to visit two of the main barrier islands, Armona Island (passing through Barra da Armona) and Culatra Island, where we will stop for 30 minutes.

• Olhão:

There are indications that the Olhão territory is populated since prehistoric times. The proximity to the inlet and the abundance of water and fish led to the establishment of the first fishermen. The development of the inshore and offshore fishing activity and the development of the commercial trades led to a great development of the town, which in 1695, was known by Nossa Senhora do Rosário from Olhão. During the French occupation of the Algarve, in 1808, the Olhão residents started a major uprising against the invaders, which led to the expulsion of them of our territory. Since that time Olhão was known as Olhão Restoration village. The small fishing village had great economic, social and urban development, in 1985 was elevated to the city, getting known for the Olhão Restoration city. There are remains of land of fishermen and canning industrials, but the crisis in the sector has led to the increase of tourism as an economic alternative.

• Deserta or Barreta Island:

8 km long and 70-700 m width. Has very low human occupation. To the east along the Ria Formosa lagoon, you will find some huts with small fishing storage, a restaurant and a beach with concession next to the bar Faro-Olhão. It has a wooden walkway that runs along the side of the lagoon and ends at the sea coast beach.

• Farol (Lighthouse) island:

The lighthouse was built in 1851 giving the name to this population that developed later around forming a village. Now the village has a high occupational index but rather seasonal. It is a fishing village made up of modest houses, sandy streets and holiday’s accommodations facing the estuary. Tourism is now one of the main industries.