Integrated in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Culatra Island is one of the barrier islands that separate the sea from the Ria. Being only accessible by boat from Olhão, there are no motor vehicles here, reigning peace and tranquility in an environment conducive to those who want to rest in a spacious beach, bathed by a calm sea. Its clear waters provide visibility of about 15 meters, ideal for scuba divers. 

In Culatra, a former fishing village, there are a few restaurants specializing in the famous razor clam rice or caldeirada, which mixes the many varieties of fish that abound here.

 



The  Culatra Island  is a Portuguese island located in the Ria Formosa, in the Algarve, in front of Olhão, although administratively belonging to the municipality of Faro (Faro Union of Parishes (Sé e São Pedro)). It is part of the set of barrier islands that delimit the Ria Formosa. It has three population centers: Culatra, mostly inhabited by fishermen but also by some tourists in the summer; Hangars; and Lighthouse, occupied mainly in summer by tourists. The island has a coastline of a few kilometers of beach, being the most frequented area of Culatra.

In 1918, on the occasion of World War I, a Naval Aviation Center for anti-submarine fighting began to be built on the island. Although partially built and used, at the end of the war the center was never officially activated, and its facilities were used as support infrastructures for a navy shooting range installed there.

 

The western part of the island is also known as Lighthouse Island. The lighthouse that guides the boats gives its name to Farol Beach. Access to the island is by boat from Faro (during the summer season only) and Olhão (all year round) and has basic infrastructure. The small village on the island consists of fishermans houses and holiday accommodation facing the ria.

 

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