Now that the good weather has finally settled in the south of Portugal, I invite you to take a trip to a beach on an enchanting island: Ilha do Farol.
Located in Faro, on the west side of a barrier island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. On the east side is Ilha da Culatra. The different names distinguish the small fishing communities located on the two parts of the island. The closest to Faro is Ilha do Farol (Lighthouse Island), whose name reveals the existence of a lighthouse.
🚥 HOW TO GO
The journey takes between 30 and 40 minutes on the ferry.
Tickets are bought at the Porta Nova pier, next to the walls of Faro's historic center, a few minutes from the marina. Boarding takes place at this pier (for those in Faro, Olhão is also possible).
🚢 GO
The ferries have a covered part and an outdoor part - I suggest you stay outside to enjoy the views and take photos.
We say goodbye to the Porta Nova pier. You can see part of the walls of the historic center.
As we move away from Faro, we can contemplate the Ria Formosa Natural Park and have a panoramic view of the city.
Headlight in sight. We're starting to get closer to our destination.
⚓️ ARRIVING
As soon as we arrive, we can feel the first sand with Olhão in the background.
Clean water begins to transmit peace and serenity.
One of the first images upon arriving on the island. A huge anchor with the lighthouse behind it.
The Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse is a Portuguese lighthouse located on Culatra Island, in the city and district of Faro, opposite Olhão in the Algarve. It stands about 2,500 meters ENE of Cabo de Santa Maria and is separated from it by Barra Nova, a channel whose definitive opening, in the first quarter of the 20th century, to serve the ports of Faro and Olhão, caused the island of Cabo de Santa Maria to be divided into two parts - Culatra and Barreta. It's a white, conical tower with an outer skeleton made of reinforced concrete, formed by a conical mesh of pillars and beams. Red lighthouse and balcony. Erected in 1851, it is 50 meters high. (In Wikipedia)
🏖 BEACH
The island has 6 kilometers of soft, white sand and clear water, a paradise for families. There are concession areas with thatches and sun loungers for rent during the bathing season, with restaurants and bars to support the beach.
🏡 HOUSES
White, blue and yellow predominate in the houses of this picturesque village, which divide their activities between fishing and tourism. In the summer, many are rented out to tourists. To get to the beach and back, you have to cross the village.
🚢 THE RETURN
Time to catch the last ferry to Faro.
When we return to Faro pier we are surprised by a beautiful sunset.
📸 I USED
I don't like using expensive, professional equipment on the beach. I always resort to my Redmi 11 PRO smartphone and my compact Leica D-LUX 4.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)