After the busy festive period, many people will be looking ahead to the warmer months of the year in the Spring and Summer and beginning to plan where they will go on holiday.
There are plenty of options in the UK with a bevvy of seaside towns and villages to choose from.
However, not everyone will want to say in the UK. Some may want to go abroad to Europe and maybe even further than that.
If they do choose Europe, a few may peel away to the likes of Germany, France, and Spain, but some may go further still to Portugal and the Algarve.
Once in the Algarve, they may go even further than this to an island where they could be the only tourist there.
The island is called Culatra. According to European Best Destinations, it is one of their recommended hidden gems.
They said: “Accessible by boat (crossing is easy several times a day at an affordable price) from Olhao, the islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve are the secret islands where to recharge your batteries this summer.
“Some of you will favour the “Ilha de Armona” which has a rustic campsite for simple and natural holidays on a carfree island. Want to meet the locals? We suggest Culatra Island with its small fishing community.
“Restaurants and shops, are more on Farol Island. You will be amazed by the magnificent tiny holiday homes built on this island and the relaxing and lazy atmosphere. The sunsets are sublime and a change of scenery is guaranteed.”
It isn’t just European Best Destinations who have praised Culatra. The island has built up a fanbase on TripAdvisor too.
Ella_lycett said: “We ate on the Culatra side at a place called Aqua Chill Seafood bar and restaurant. Super fresh and really tasty. 34 euro for two people. The waiters were so friendly and helped us with our lack of Portuguese.
“We had no cash so they accepted PayPal which was really helpful. A walk over to the Farrol side along the beach was lovely, a couple of miles long. Some nice bars, one called MarAmais is recommended.
Another user, Madaoutangling, said it was the “best island trip” and even made some recommendations about what people should do.
They said: “Take the public ferry from Olhao to Culatra village then walk through the village onto the boardwalk to the sea.
“Then head towards the lighthouse along the stunningly beautiful beach for an hour then chill out at the very cool Maramais beach bar before walking down to the ferry to return to Olhao. Suggest the 11am out and 4pm back.”
Fellow visitor J B added: “Culatra island is beautiful, the walk to the golden sandy beach along the wooden boardwalk over a tidal sandy marshland is stunning. And when you arrive Ruberto (of Sol de Culatra beach bar and sun loungers) is super welcoming.
“He showed us the dolphins swimming just offshore one morning, gave us a good deal on our sun beds each day, outlined the walls we could take along the sands, and provided very accurate weather predictions. Very professional, very friendly & informative. Thanks, Ruberto.”
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