Ilha da Culatra
Ilha da Culatra
4.5
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The area
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Restaurants
224 within 3 miles
Attractions
98 within 6 miles
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- florenceg689119 contributionsWe went to Farol near the lighthouse with the ferry , which on the return took many more passengers than reason! Who counts the number of people? Worrying... About Farol beach in Culatra: it takes about 10 minutes to reach it, passing by very nice typical houses. The beach is not very big but it is guarded, there are toilets and a bar/restaurant nearby.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 14, 2024
- jeff29620Locquirec, France35 contributionsBeautiful Superb and amazing destination On arrival in culatra, follow the footbridge at the exit of the village that takes you across the island to arrive on the ocean side, then along the beach about 3 km to arrive on farol. Near deserted beach in its center, blue and turquoise sea.. Really beautiful roof as the 2 villagesVisited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 25, 2024
- Carol CFareham, United Kingdom172 contributions2 Lovely meals one Cataplan & one pork. Nice visit for adults. The walk to the beach too long for us so turned back, we’re in our 60s. The small town was delightful. We went there three times, travelling on the very reasonably priced ferry. We usually go to Farol, visited there twice this year but not much going on. We saw people pouring off the ferry to this small town. So thought we’d give it a go, what a pleasant surprise. Plenty of restaurants & bars to visit.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
- John_RosaSintra, Portugal20 contributionsSimply magnificent! The village of Culatra breathes the simplicity of a fishing village. From the small typical and modest houses, to those people, everything here struck me by its typical essence, which has not yet “worn” nor lost its glow by tourism. The beach is to lose breath!! Crystalline water where you do not think twice before entering (hot water, like nowhere else in Portugal!!). Infinite area to lose sight of, with space for everyone (greater crowd in the guarded part, bars and sun loungers). For some privacy I advise you to walk away from this area. However, they do not contain bars or other services. Take the garbage back in your own bag because you will have nowhere to deposit it (except in the guarded part). Couldn't have asked for a better beach day! Portugal has so much to offer! I loved! Repeat!Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
969 reviews
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284
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florence
Brest, France26 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
To see 1 day and 1 night Maximum
Island supposedly preserved but not over the entire part
Lots of walking to get to the beach 1.3 km
We had rented accommodation on the church square: very noisy in the evening, garbage collection with
The tractor at 5:30 a.m. and the planes flying over from 6 a.m.
You can also take the boat from Faro for €4 per trip but the resident of the island does not necessarily tell us this.
Island supposedly preserved but not over the entire part
Lots of walking to get to the beach 1.3 km
We had rented accommodation on the church square: very noisy in the evening, garbage collection with
The tractor at 5:30 a.m. and the planes flying over from 6 a.m.
You can also take the boat from Faro for €4 per trip but the resident of the island does not necessarily tell us this.

Written June 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca B
60 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Stunning beach reached by a ferry from Alhoa. Took about 20 mins and ferries run regularly.
Walk to the other side of the island from the ferry to a stunning beach. There are beds & umbrellas to rent at 20 euros for 2 beds. It’s about a 15-20 walk but we’ll worth it. A huge expanse of white sand. Toilet block at each side of the island and a lovely beach bar at the side we went to that did food and had a lovely ambience. Would definitely come back, well worth the packed ferry back at 715pm. Last one is at 8pm.
Walk to the other side of the island from the ferry to a stunning beach. There are beds & umbrellas to rent at 20 euros for 2 beds. It’s about a 15-20 walk but we’ll worth it. A huge expanse of white sand. Toilet block at each side of the island and a lovely beach bar at the side we went to that did food and had a lovely ambience. Would definitely come back, well worth the packed ferry back at 715pm. Last one is at 8pm.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redkite
21 contributions
Aug 2022
Gorgeous place and beach, went just to Farol as too hot to walk far when we were there. Take cash to pay for the ferry - the kiosk didn't accept cards when we were there.
Restaurants a little pricer than on the mainland as you'd expect, so worth bring provisions with you.
Restaurants a little pricer than on the mainland as you'd expect, so worth bring provisions with you.
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma
Staines, UK11 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I visited both Armona and Culatra during my trip to Olhão and Culatra was my favourite. It was a 30 minute ferry journey and once on the island, it was 20-minutes walk to the beach (Praia) and this walk went through some wonderful views. Once arriving on the beach it was so nice, and practically empty. There is a small bar type place on the actual beach. I bought myself a peach ice tea and sat and enjoyed the view. I would recommend this trip. The ferry return ticket is only €3,70 as well
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
María A
56 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
It is worth taking the ferry in Olhao and spending the day on this island. It is a small paradise. You can take a sandwich or eat at one of their restaurants. Not expensive by the way and with very good quality. We ate a finger-licking cataplana at Maresia

Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madaboutangling
Northampton, UK365 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The best island trip! Take the public ferry from Olhao to Culatra village then walk through the village onto the boardwalk to the sea. Then head towards the lighthouse along the stunningly beautiful beach for an hour then chill out at the very cool Maramais beach bar before walking down to the ferry to return to Olhao. Suggest the 11am out and 4pm back.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
70ava
Beijing, China1,015 contributions
Jul 2021
A great beach with good facilities. relatively easy to reach. the village is inviting with good reasonably priced restaurants. You can walk from there to the Farol village, which beach is much less inviting. Chairs and sun canopy on the beach are 15 Euros for 2. Lovely place.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madaboutangling
Northampton, UK365 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a wonderful day out. Park along the front by the market that is also worth visiting. Buy a return ticket to Farol on the island for just over 4 Euros. Get off at Culatra stop after a 30 minute attractive trip across the lagoon then walk through the village across the boardwalk to the beach. You can then walk through the surf for an hour on the beautiful beach towards the lighthouse where there is a chilled out beach bar called Maramais with great views over the beach. Here there are great drinks and snacks - the sandwiches are huge. You can hire sun beds if you wish. Then a ten minute walk down to the jetty and a lovely boat trip back. The 11am out to Culatra and the 4pm back from Farol runs all year. See timetable in photos.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
Lurgan, UK14 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Brilliant day out. As suggested by previous contributor we got ferry to Farol which left Olhau at 11am. We walked along an almost deserted beach for most of an hour and stopped at the end of the boardwalk for a snack and a swim. Got ferry back from Culatra at 3.30
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveParis73
London, UK90 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Ended up in Culatra by mistake! Meant to go to Armona. Apparently there is a beach but didnt find it so sat in a 'somewhat' cafe near the pier waiting for the ferry back to Olhao. Wasnt much to do as everything looked closed and had a wait of about 90 mins for the ferry. Shame i didnt find the beach but saw pictures of it but Armona definitely worth visiting.
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bom dia. Alguém tem algum contato para alojamento na ilha da culatra que possa fornecer? Obrigado
Written August 4, 2021
Algum contacto para alugar casa na Ilha de 22 ou 23-08-2020 por uma semana? 2 Adultos e 2 crianças (13 e 8 anos)? Obg
Written March 1, 2020
Per una visita ad un'isola "deserta", secondo voi è meglio ilha culatra o ilha Deserta?
Written March 1, 2020
Decisamente direi ilha deserta è molto piccola con una distesa di sabbia fine e acqua trasparente è il completo relax. Se invece cercate qualcosa di più dinamico a culatra vi aspetta una lunga passerella anche solo per raggiungere la spiaggia.
Sono sicuramente entrambe bellissime e caratteristiche la prima è veramente deserta la seconda ha un minimo di vita in più.
Written April 13, 2020
Hola. Sabéis si admiten perros en el ferry y en la isla?
Written August 26, 2019
Si admiten en transportan. Si no puede ser que tenga problemas. Depende del que toca los billetes.
Hace una semana viaje y vi sin transportan. Perro pequeñito.
Written September 3, 2020
A praia tem restaurante? Ou fica muito distante para quem está na praia?
Written July 22, 2019
Hi
yes there are a few places to eat by the harbour and on the way to the far side of the island, and a good snack bar on the far side
Written August 5, 2019
Hi we’d like to finish our holiday on the island with lunch and a swim before flying home at the weekend, can we get a shower on a beach/bar/restaurant or anywhere before flying home that night?
We will pay for the pleasure. Cheers
Written July 11, 2019
Buenas! Sabéis si hay muchas algas en culatra/farol?
Can anyone tell if there are dirty or seeweed in culatra o farol?
En fuseta hay muchas y el agua no es como otros años pasados.
Mil gracias
Written August 20, 2018
Hi Belen
When we visited in May the sea around Culatra was clear of seaweed.
Regards, john
Written August 21, 2018
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