Ilha da Culatra – the #1 guide

Ilha da Culatra is one of the Algarve’s most authentic and peaceful escapes. It is a car-free island near Olhão, where life moves slowly and nature takes center stage. Surrounded by the clear waters of Ria Formosa and home to traditional fishing villages, it offers white-sand beaches, warm hospitality, and a rare sense of calm. Even if it’s just for a day, Culatra feels like discovering the Algarve before the rest of the world did.

In this article you will find:

• What makes Ilha da Culatra unique
• Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
• Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
• Practical advice on getting there and avoiding the crowds
• Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby

Why visit Ilha da Culatra

• Untouched, car-free island life – no traffic, no stress. Just you, the Atlantic, and the soft sound of waves. Ilha da Culatra is one of the last places in the Algarve where everything moves at a human pace.
• A real fishing village, not a tourist simulation – walk past lobster traps, watch fishermen mending their nets, and dine on seafood that was likely caught that same morning. This is authenticity you can taste.
• Kilometres of golden sand without the crowds – most visitors don’t walk more than 5 minutes from the ferry pier. You can have an entire stretch of beach to yourself by simply walking a little further. Even in August.
• Perfect for beach walks and shell hunting – the beach stretches all the way from Farol to Culatra. Whether you’re into long walks, sunrise solitude, or collecting shells with the kids, it doesn’t get better.
• Part of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park – expect crystal-clear water, diverse birdlife, and thriving marine ecosystems. It’s not just a beach, it’s a front-row seat to one of Portugal’s most beautiful nature reserves.

Are you looking for a good reason to book your flight to the Algarve? Then watch the short video below. It gives you a glimpse of the beach on Culatra Island.

 

The island

Ilha da Culatra is one of the islands that separates the sea from the natural park of Ria Formosa. The island is about 6 kilometres long. The width of Culatra Island ranges from 100 to 900 metres. The island is permanently inhabited by around 1000 people, who mainly live from fishing and tourism.

Ilha da Culatra consists of three parts:

• Culatra (on the northern banks). Culatra is a small fishing village that is mainly inhabited by fishermen.
• Farol (in the west). Farol is a small village with a lighthouse (Farol means lighthouse in Portuguese). This part of the island is sometimes called Ilha do Farol (Farol Island). This name suggests it is another island than Ilha da Culatra, but actually it is a different part of the same island. Culatra and Farol are the only villages on the island.
• Hângares. This is named after an old hangar for marine seaplanes. Hângares is a more quiet area, with very little infrastructure and few tourists.

All three of these parts have a great beach. In that sense they are quite comparable to one another. It is easy to reach Culatra and Farol by ferry. However, if you want to go to Hângares, you will have to walk there. There are no roads for vehicles on the island. It is only possible to explore the island by foot, on wooden paths.

There are some idyllic small fishermen houses on the island. Seeing them gives you an idea of how the local fishermen live. If you want to see the traditional Portuguese fishermen lifestyle, this is the place to be.

The following video depicts the beauty of Ilha da Culatra:

 

What to expect at the beach

Ilha da Culatra is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area of Faro/Olhão. The beach of Culatra Island stretches from Farol all the way to Culatra and then even further. Basically, it is one huge beach.

The beach is situated on the side of the ocean and is surrounded by dunes. This is very different from the cliff backed beaches that you can find in other parts of the Algarve.

The beach is quite sandy and the sand is fine. The sea water here is transparent and exceptionally clean. This is great for diving and snorkeling. You will be able to see a nice variety of flora and fauna underwater. Waves are generally small, but can be rougher on some days. Be warned that the water near the island can be quite cold.

If you can, make sure to stay for the sunset, which is really beautiful from the island. However, also make sure you don’t miss the last boat back to the mainland.

Culatra Island is mainly visited by Portuguese families for a day trip, but also by some tourists who are looking for a more quiet beach. The beaches of Culatra Island are not so crowded as many of the beaches on the mainland. This is because the island can only be reached by ferry. This is great if you don’t like to share a beach with thousands of others. You will always have enough space on this beach.

Most of the people arriving on Farol stay on the beach near the village of Farol. And most of the people arriving in Culatra, stay on the part of the beach following the boardwalk. If you are willing to walk a bit, you will find yourself alone on the beach, even in the summer.

The beach is popular all year round, but attracts more people in the summer. However, Ilha da Culatra and Farol are also great to visit in the winter.

Sea life

There are many interesting sea creatures living in this area. For example there are dolphin watching tours in the Ria Formosa. Occasionally you will be able to spot dolphins while sitting on the beach. A couple of years ago there were even people who spotted and photographed orcas near Ilha da Culatra.

Beach walks

The beach on Ilha da Culatra stretches for several kilometres. The beach reaches as far as the eye can see. This makes the island perfect for long beach walks. You can also collect many shells along the way.

Ilha da Culatra is a great place for hiking. In fact, you can walk from the village of Culatra all the way to the village of Farol. There are two ways to do this: along the beach, or on a wooden path in the dunes. The walk is about 4 kilometres. You will see a variety of vegetation and wildlife and will truly appreciate the beauty of this island. You can for example arrive on Culatra, walk to the beach, and then walk along the sea to the west, all the way to Farol. There you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and take the return ferry to Olhão.

Our tips

Want to experience Ilha da Culatra like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:

• Arrive on the first ferry and head away from the crowds. Most people stop near the beach boardwalk. Instead, turn left when you reach the sand and walk 10–15 minutes. You’ll have postcard views and total tranquility, even in July.
• Walk from Culatra to Farol through the dunes, then ferry back from Farol. This 4km walk is one of the best on the Algarve coast. You will pass colorful fishermen houses, untouched nature, and end at a lighthouse with seafood restaurants waiting.
• Bring cash and your own snacks in the off-season. Some cafes shut down in winter, and there are no ATMs on the island. Come prepared, especially if you want to wander beyond the villages.
• Photograph the traditional fishermen’s houses in golden hour. Their color, detail, and charm pop best in soft sunset light. Just don’t miss the ferry!
• Stay for sunset, but not too long. The sunset here is next-level magical. But double-check the last ferry time. Miss it, and you’re either sleeping on the sand or begging a fisherman for a late-night lift.

How to get there

Ilha da Culatra can only be reached by ferry. It is not possible to reach the island by car. There are also organized boat trips to Culatra Island, but they are more expensive. It is better to take the ferry. You can decide for yourself if you want to take the ferry to the village of Culatra or the village of Farol (both are situated on Culatra Island). The ferry departs from Olhão or Faro:

• Departing from Olhão, the journey takes about 30 minutes to Culatra and 45 minutes to Farol.
• Departing from Faro, the journey takes about 30 minutes to Farol or 40 minutes to Culatra.

You can buy the tickets for the ferry at the docking station. Tickets cost around € 5 per person for a round trip. You can also find the timetable of the ferry here. Make sure to check when the last ferry leaves Culatra. After all, you don’t want to be stuck on the island after the last ferry has left.

During the journey itself you will be able to see the natural park of Ria Formosa. The ferry ride is very relaxing. Chances are you will see different kinds of birds during the journey, including flamingos.

Walking to the beach on arrival

When you arrive in Culatra, you will have to walk quite a bit to get to the beach. The walk is around 20 minutes. This can be hard if you are travelling with small kids. You will first walk through the small village of Culatra. You will find several seafood restaurants and a supermarket here. After the village you will have to follow a long boardwalk to get to the beach. Just follow the sound of the sea and you won’t be disappointed.

Best restaurants on the island

There are several restaurants and cafes on the island. The fish in the seafood restaurants is so fresh, you can sometimes see the fishermen bring the fish straight to the kitchen. Be warned that some restaurants and bars may be closed during the low season. Our favourite restaurant on Culatra Island is A Taska da Culatra. This Portuguese restaurant in the village of Culatra specializes in fresh fish and seafood. It is a great place to have lunch.

Best hotels nearby

While there are no hotels directly on Culatra Island, staying nearby is incredibly convenient, and just as charming. The best option is to stay in Olhão, right by the harbour where you catch the boat to the island. We’ve handpicked the top hotels in this prime location to make your trip smooth, scenic, and unforgettable. Book one of our favourites below for the perfect stay just steps from the ferry:

• Real Marina Residence. These luxury apartments are very spacious and comfortable. The property has a nice swimming pool on the rooftop.
• Apartamentos Sol & Ria. These modern apartments offer everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. Clean rooms and great location. There is a penthouse apartment on the top floor, which is especially wonderful.
• Real Marina Hotel & Spa. This 5 star hotel is truly amazing. Several swimming pools and many welness facilities. Beautiful rooms and wonderful staff, that will go the extra mile to make your stay as perfect as possible.

Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.

 

Top excursions nearby

Ilha da Culatra is an unforgettable day trip, but why stop there? If you’re staying near Olhão, you’re in the perfect spot to experience even more. From stunning boat tours through the breathtaking Ria Formosa to unique local adventures, there’s so much more waiting for you. These top-rated excursions will turn a great holiday into an extraordinary one. Don’t miss out. Book one of our recommended experiences below and make every moment count:

 

Beach facilities

You can find most of the facilities on the island around the villages of Culatra and Farol. For example, there is an eco bar on the beach. However, we recommend you to bring your own food and drinks if you visit the island for a day trip.

Facilities in Ilha da Culatra:

• Restaurant: yes
• Bar/club: no
• Toilet: yes
• Shower: yes
• Water sports: no
• Sunbeds: yes
• Parking: no, the island is not accessible by car
• Lifeguards: yes
• Blue Flag beach: yes