The south of Portugal holds natural secrets that can be visited at any time on the calendar. There is an island protected by the serene waters of the ria that invites you to moments of pure contemplation away from the crowds. The great attraction of this Algarve island is a 46 meter high tower that rewards the most adventurous visitors with a completely breathtaking 360º view.
This coastal refuge is known as Ilha do Farol, although geographically it belongs to the sandy expanse of the neighboring village of Culatra. This discovery is shared through the Viaje Comigo portal, a digital diary focused on tourism itineraries that designates this island as “a piece of paradise”. The charm of this destination located in the municipality of Faro changes drastically depending on the season chosen for the crossing.
The historical landmark that guides navigators
The imposing structure that gives the town its name is the Cabo de Santa Maria lighthouse. This maritime signaling building was erected in 1851 to assist all vessels. The building dominates the flat landscape and serves as a fundamental orientation point for those navigating the south coast.
The same source indicates that the climb to the top requires some physical preparation to overcome the more than 200 steps of the internal staircase. The gates open to curious onlookers usually on Wednesdays, between 2pm and 5pm in summer and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm in winter, explains the . The reward at the top compensates for the muscular effort with a clear panorama over the ocean and the adjacent nature reserve.
Navigation options through the waters of the ria
Access to this piece of land surrounded by water is exclusively by sea from two main cities. The trip can start at Cais da Porta Nova in Faro or via the public railways departing from Olhão. The aforementioned source explains that there are also maritime taxi services for those who prefer not to be tied to the schedules of regular vessels.
The daytime crossing offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa before setting foot on dry land. Once at your destination, one of the most popular walking routes involves walking for around an hour along the sand to the neighboring village. The visitor can then take the boat back from this second sheltered stop.
The necessary planning for low seasons
Visiting outside of the summer season requires some logistical preparation from travelers who decide to stay overnight there. The seasonal closure of the only supermarket forces temporary residents to carry a very well-structured list of supplies. The alternative for last minute shopping is to walk to Culatra or take the boat back to the city.
The Viaje Comigo portal also explains that the center of Olhão appears as a perfect strategic base for exploring these sandy barriers. The historic area of the fishing town offers traditional accommodation options within walking distance of the passenger pick-up service. This central location allows you to experience the typical Algarve environment and have easy pedestrian access to local markets.
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