Ilha da Armona – the #1 guide
Just off the coast of Olhão lies Ilha da Armona, one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets. This long, sandy barrier island is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and offers the kind of peaceful escape most visitors only dream of. With no cars, miles of white sand, and calm, shallow waters, it’s the perfect day trip for those seeking nature, quiet, and wide open space. Whether you’re here for a few hours or the whole day, this guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Ilha da Armona unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on getting there and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Ilha da Armona
- Unspoiled natural beauty – with miles of white sand, sand dunes, and clear turquoise water, the island feels untouched and wild.
- No cars, no noise – accessible only by boat, Armona offers true peace and quiet. No traffic, no stress, just nature.
- Amazing beach walks – endless shoreline means you can walk for hours without seeing another person.
- Perfect for a full-day escape – restaurants, a beach bar, and sunbed rentals let you stay all day in comfort.
- Great for swimming and shell hunting – shallow, clear water on one side and ocean waves on the other make it ideal for both swimmers and beachcombers.
Get a glimpse of the beauty of Armona Island by watching the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Ilha da Armona is famous for its beautiful beach. The beach consists of fine white sand, stretching for many kilometres. There are no cars on the island and the beach is very clean. You can also find many shells on the beach. If you love pure nature, you will be fond of this place.
Actually, the beach on Ilha da Armona can be divided into two parts:
- Praia da Armona Ría. This is the part that faces the mainland and the river. When you take the boat to Ilha da Armona, you arrive in this area. Although you can find plenty of bars and restaurants in this area, we recommend to go to Praia da Armona Mar.
- Praia da Armona Mar. This is the beach that faces the ocean. The beach is very big and stretches as far as the eye can see. This is the best part of Armona Island.
The sea water is very clean and almost transparent. It is a wonderful place to swim. During low tide you can even see several fishes in the shallow water. However, the water can be quite cold on the side of the Atlantic Ocean. On the side of the mainland, the sea water is relatively warm.
When you arrive by ferry, you walk straight into the main street of Ilha da Armona. The main street consists of several restaurants, bars and shops. Here you can buy food/drinks or holiday gear before going to the beach. After those restaurants you will see several holiday houses. There is also a camping site nearby. Walk past the pretty houses to get to the beach. You will see a wooden boardwalk, which takes you to the beach.
When you are on Armona Island, make sure to stay for the sunset as well. The sunset here is beautiful. Just make sure you don’t miss the last boat back to the mainland.
Ilha da Armona is a popular island, but it is not overcrowded. In fact, the beach is relatively quiet, even in the height of summer. If you are willing to walk a bit, you will have the beach almost for yourself. There is plenty of space. It is a perfect place to get away from the crowded beaches of the mainland of the Algarve. The island is visited both by locals and by tourists. Armona Island is very peaceful and is a perfect place to relax. This is why Ilha da Armona is a popular daytrip destination from Olhão.
Boardwalk to the beach
When you arrive on Armona Island, walk through the village and then take the boardwalk. This wooden boardwalk brings you straight to the Atlantic side of Ilha da Armona, which has the best beach. This footpath is about 1,5 kilometres and the walk to the beach takes about 20 minutes.
Beach bar
There is a beach bar on Armona Island, called Camaleão. It is a great place to have a drink, eat an icecream and enjoy the sun. They also serve food, although prices are slightly expensive.
Beach walks
The size of Ilha da Armona makes it perfect for long beach walks. The wooden boardwalk to the beach is on the western part of Ilha da Armona. From here, you can walk all the way to the eastern part of Ilha da Armona, which is also known as Ilha da Fuseta. The beach here is called Praia da Fuseta. You can walk for many kilometres, until you will be alone on the beach. Even though Ilha da Fuseta sounds like a different island, it is just a part of Armona Island.
Our tips
Want to experience Ilha da Armona like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Sit on the left side of the ferry. You’ll get the best views of Ria Formosa’s sandbanks and wildlife on the way out from Olhão. It’s a small detail that makes the ride much more memorable.
- Bring cash. Many places on the island still don’t accept cards. Don’t rely on an ATM: there isn’t one.
- Buy supplies in Olhão first. Prices for sunscreen, snacks, and water are much higher on the island, if you can even find them. Stock up before boarding the ferry.
- Bring shade. There’s zero natural cover on the beach. If you’re not renting a parasol, a lightweight umbrella or beach tent is a game-changer.
- Sunsets are unreal. Walk back to the Ria side for golden hour with a drink at Camaleão Beach Bar. But set an alarm so you don’t miss the last ferry, there’s no backup.
The island
Ilha da Armona is part of the natural park of Ria Formosa. The island is 9 kilometres in length and up to 1 kilometre wide. There are about 50 people who live on Ilha da Armona permanently. They live mainly from fishing and tourism. Ilha da Armona attracts quite a few visitors, due to its paradise beach. The island is also highly rated on TripAdvisor.
Ria Formosa
Since Ilha da Armona is part of the natural park of Ria Formosa, you will be able to see many different kinds of wildlife on the island. Armona Island is especially good for birdwatching. You can see many different bird species on the island.
Best restaurants on the island
There are several restaurants on Ilha da Armona. Most of them are located in the small village near the ferry dock. They are all open during the high season. During low season, only some of them are open. The food on the island is not that expensive, considering the fact that most of the food is brought from the mainland every day. The restaurants right on the island are:
- Armona 4. This is a good restaurant with a nice atmosphere. The service is good and it is a great to watch the sunset.
- Restaurante Santo António. This restaurant is located near the boardwalk towards the beach. The place gets good reviews.
- Restaurante Carlos Bar. This is a nice restaurant, located right across the ferry dock.
- Restaurante Tolinhas. The food is good, but the restaurant gets mixed reviews because of its service.
How to get there
Ilha da Armona can only be reached by boat. You can choose between the regular ferry and a private speedboat. The regular ferry departs from Olhão, Faro or Ilha da Culatra. The journey through the Ria Formosa takes about 20 minutes from Olhão. There are several ferries every day. During high season there are ferries almost every hour. Make sure to check the timetable at the ferry dock in Olhão beforehand. A ticket for the regular ferry costs € 1,85 each way. So for less than 4 euros you can enjoy a day in paradise. A private speedboat costs about 25 euros one way, and can take up to 5 people. When you arrive on Ilha da Armona, walk through the village and take the boardwalk to reach the beach.
Best hotels near the island
Looking for a great place to stay near Ilha da Armona? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- Villas Marim. This modern villa has a nice swimming pool and plenty of space around it to enjoy your day outside. Very comfortable and spacious.
- Orbitur Ilha de Armona. This holiday home is located right on Armona Island, near the beach. If you truly want to enjoy the island for multiple days, this is your place to stay.
- Real Marina Hotel & Spa. This 5 star luxury hotel is located near the marina of Olhão. It has several swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a fitness centre and other facilities to make your holiday in the Algarve extraordinary.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Top excursions nearby
Armona Island is a stunning day trip on its own, but why stop there? The Olhão region is packed with unforgettable experiences. Cruise through the wild beauty of Ria Formosa, go birdwatching in a natural paradise, or step inside a traditional cork factory for a glimpse of Portugal’s heritage. These aren’t just add-ons: they’re the kind of moments that turn a beach day into a highlight of your holiday. Below are our top-rated excursions near Olhão. Handpicked, trusted, and worth every second.
FAQ
You can only reach Armona by boat. Regular ferries depart from the Olhão marina, and there are also private water taxis available.
The ferry ride takes about 15–20 minutes from Olhão. It’s a scenic journey through the Ria Formosa lagoon system.
Yes, several restaurants and bars are located near the village and ferry dock. Many serve fresh seafood and Portuguese dishes.
There are a few small shops selling snacks, drinks, beach gear, and souvenirs. However, selection is limited, so bring essentials with you.
Yes, there are holiday rentals, villas, and a campsite on the island. Book in advance, especially in summer.
Ilha da Armona has long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is clean, quiet, and perfect for relaxing or walking.
Absolutely. The waters are calm and shallow near the mainland side, and slightly cooler on the ocean side. Both are great for swimming.
Not usually. Even in high season, you can find quiet spots by walking a bit further along the beach.
You can try windsurfing or kitesurfing near the island, though rentals are limited. For more equipment or guided activities, check with tour operators in Olhão.
Natural shade is limited, so it’s best to bring your own umbrella or rent one from a beach vendor.
Yes! The Ria Formosa is rich in birdlife, including flamingos, herons, and wading birds. You might also see crabs, clams, and small fish at low tide.
No, it’s technically the eastern tip of Armona Island. It’s connected and reachable by walking along the beach.
Mobile signal is generally good. Some restaurants and beach bars offer free Wi-Fi.
Beach facilities
On Armona Island there are several restaurants, bars, shops and beach holiday houses. You can even find a camping site. Near the beach on the western side of the island is a beach bar called Camaleão.
On the beach you can rent sun loungers. Renting two sunbeds and a parasol costs about 15 euros for a day. People who prefer physical activity, have the option to do kitesurfing or windsurfing here. Moreover, there are lifeguards overlooking the beach.
Facilities in Ilha da Armona:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: no
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: no, not accessible by car
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
