In addition to being a protected wetland replete with the likes of flamingos and all manner of birdlife, Ria Formosa Natural Park boasts some spectacular sandbar islands to boot. This day trip takes you to see four such islands up close – Farol, Deserta, Culatra and Armona.
The ferry will cast off from Olhão and take you gliding across this unique coastal lagoon, where marshes and wetlands thrive next to saltpans, dunes and barrier islands. During the journey to your first stop, Farol Island, you'll have the chance to spot the birdlife this natural park is famed for, then you'll skirt by the lighthouse which stands guard over it all.
Next you'll see Deserta Island, which as its name suggests, seems just like a desert island with its large empty swathes of sand. You'll head over to Culatra Island where you'll have free time for lunch before hopping over to Armona Island, known for its white-sand beaches.
Boat cruise