Culatra Island in Ria Formosa (Algarve, Portugal)

Culatra Island is one of the 5 barrier islands that delimits Ria Formosa and it has 3 settlements: Culatra, Hangares and Farol.

Culatra is a rich and fertile place with a huge diversity in fauna and flora.

The natural banks of bivalve seafood farms are the economy core for the resident community in the island having as primary sources of sustainment fishing and shellfish farming.

Besides the great climate and natural richness Culatra Island has also to offer its visitors excellent gastronomy, cultural entertainment and the typical celebrations of the island such as “Island Day Celebration”, “Patron Saint of Seamen Celebration” among others.

The fishing community has established in the island since mid XIX century with the settlement of fishermen coming from various parts of the country looking to sustain themselves and their families with fishing and shellfish farming.

Little by little they built their habitats, small wooden huts at first and creating their own way of living that was passed along the years by fathers to sons.

Their way of living is based on fishing and shellfish farming and the daily tasks have long been established. The men dedicate themselves to fishing, repairing the fishing nets and looking after the clam and oyster farms. The women dedicate themselves predominantly to the shell fish farms, mainly clams.

But there is much to see and learn about this island than that…

Join us on our Natura Tour for a wonderful boat trip in Ria Formosa with departures from Olhão and discover this natural, social and cultural treasure in the Algarve (South of Portugal).