Algarve - apparently there are islands off the coast? Anyone been?

[elisenbrunnen]

I've been told (and checked on Google maps) that there are small islands/sand bars off the coast ofthe Algarve.

Some of them have houses, but don't seem to have Hotels (and no cars!). They look absolutely divine; anyone been? Is it easy to get to them? I've found a 'ferry' but not sure where it goes to/from or how easy it it to get to from Faro airport?

Are you thinking of the eastern side? We stay in Fuseta/Santa Luzia and there are small isles to which you get a ferry for the day and just...relax. I think i know the one that looks like it has houses on, but never been to that one.

It is a stunning part of the Algarve -right on the Ria Formosa - we always see flamingos and all sorts of other birds and wildlife. Highly recommended

yes If you’re referring to the Ria Formosa then it’s very easy to catch a ferry or small boat across to the “islands” or sand bars. Tavira Island is probably one of my favourites.

yes I think it's the eastern side - think it's call Ilha de Culatro, I'm looking at Airbnb now but not sure how easy it is to get to!
Might be better to stay on the 'mainland' and get daytrips over?

Yes. I honestly don't know if there are actual places to stay on them

Ah yes! Just seen it. I dont know this one!

From what I've seen, there is a ferry from Olhao to the islands. how easy is Olhao from Faro airport?

I haven't been to the algarve before, but looks lovely.

Thre is also an Airbnb on the end of the island - it's a lighthouse!

Shared bathroom tho.

We’re going to Olhao in June. It’s about 15 minutes from Faro airport very easy to get to. There is a marina and it’s very easy to get a boat over to the beach.

My husband and his mate stayed on Armona last year. The ferries are easy and regular from Olhão but there are limited rental properties available

it is idyllic with no cars on the island

We live in the algarve so it’s not far for us

So I have booked a beautiful looking place in Luz de Tavira, looks like there is a bus or train to it? Does the train go direct from the Airport?

@Costacoffeeplease - how fab to live there! I can't wait - haven't been on a plane since 2019!

We’ve been here nearly 20 years now 😊

The train doesn’t go direct from the airport, you’d need to get a taxi. You’d be better booking a transfer direct to your accommodation

Some photos of Armona

We got a little boat to one from Olhao, there were about 10 people, the guide (English ex-RSPCA officer if I remember rightly) showed us around the island then we had lunch in a restaurant on the beach. It was absolutely beautiful, I would really recommend doing it. Going east from Faro instead of west is so different to the rest of the Algarve, the beaches are amazing, there is one you can get a little train to.

The islands are beautiful. Some lovely restaurants there and just a lovely place to relax. Because it’s east of Faro I don’t think you get as many tourists which is an absolute bonus.

You can get a bus from the airport into Faro, where you can get a train asking the coast to tavira. It's all pretty easy and cheap.

We were thinking of this area for April next yr, what's the temperature like then?

April can be a bit cool and showery, or it can be lovely, you take a bit of a chance that time of year

Thanks so much for everyone's help! I think we'll try to get public transport from the airport to faro and then the train/bus to Santa Luzia. We've got all day - flight lands at 9 and check-in is at 3!

A transfer one way is about £35, so we might do that on way back.

@Costacoffeeplease looks absolutely beautiful! How lucky are you

Santa Luzia is LOVELY. We're going back to Fuseta next month. Have a brilliant time

So Santa Luzia was beautiful! We got a bus from Faro airport to the city, then waited 1.5 hours for a bus to Tavira - this went right past Santa Luzia so we got off there!

About 15 minute walk to our accommodation, where we left the bags and went into the village for lunch (and Vinho Verde! Why cant we get that here? I've missed it) It was all so quiet, and sunny, and lovely.
Went into Tavira one day, got the ferry to the island. Went to Olhao another day, also ferried across to Armona island for the day.

Apart from the mosquitos, it was a perfect stay. Would like to go back in Spring.

Reminds me of our friends who were looking to buy a property with a holiday let and thought they were going to an island just off Portugal. They found themselves in The Azores 😂

So pleased you loved santa luzia. We're back to fuseta for the second time this year at the end of the month!! That whole area is so lovely