Olhão

Located about 5 miles east of Faro, the beaches near this Ria Formosa port town are frequented by huge flocks of migratory birds as they travel south for the winter months. So many pass through the area, it has received a nature reserve designation. A ferry post, located near the municipal gardens, offers schedules and sells tickets for the boats that carry visitors to the areas islands, where they enjoy the beaches and bird watching.

Ilha da Armona offers fine, isolated beaches along with cafes and villas, just east of Olhão, and Ilha da Culatra, reached by ferry, features old fashioned fishing communities and enjoyable beaches.