Ilha da Culatra is a charming seven-kilometer barrier island in Ria Formosa featuring three distinctive fishing villages: Culatra, Farol, and Hangares. Unlike other tourist islands, Culatra is a genuine fishing community with approximately one thousand permanent residents who live off sustainable fishing. There are no cars on the island, streets are sandy paths, and houses are painted in bright colors. Farol is home to the historic Santa Maria Lighthouse built in 1851. The beaches are pristine and uncrowded even in peak season.