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Ilha de Armona is small island and fishing village in the Algarve, the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. In one direction, you can overlook the coast of Portugal and the other islands of the Ria Formosa. In the other direction, after a walk through the quaint village of tiny homes you'll discover endless beach views and the calm waters of Golfo de Cádiz.
The gorgeous little village is at the western end of the island and is known for its relaxing atmosphere. But, more than that, Armona Island features incredible views, hiking adventures, adorable architecture, beautiful wildlife and safe waters for sailing, sea kayaks, canoeing, snorkelling, kite surfing/wind surfing, swimming, and underwater photography and videography.
If you'd like to relax and enjoy the view, you'll find some small cafe, restaurant, takeaway and bar options that will surely suit you. It's no surprise that this island paradise won a Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice award in 2020. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. So, you know you're going somewhere special!
Armona Island is absolutely amazing! Don't believe me? Watch my Armona Island (Ilha de Armona) Travel Video on YouTube.
Even better... travel to Ilha de Armona is easy. You can take the ferry or taxi from Olhão, which has a train station, bus connections, and ample parking.
Still not convinced? Check out my ultimate guide to Armona Island, starting with a list of Armona highlights that offer great reasons why you should visit this incredible island paradise on holiday...
Top 20 things to do in Ilha de Armona (Armona Island), Portugal
Top 20 things to do in Ilha de Armona (Armona Island), Portugal
Praia da Armona / Praia da Ilha da Armona Mar
- Armona Beach (Praia da Armona / Praia da Ilha da Armona Mar)
Clean pale yellow sand meets clear turquoise water under a light blue sky.
This beautiful beach is a small walk from the village. You'll find expansive coastal views, clean sand littered with sea shells and clear blue water that's very safe for swimming.
Armona Beach Boardwalk
2. Armona Beach Boardwalk
2. Armona Beach Boardwalk
A sun drenched beautiful timber boardwalk framed by nature.
This boardwalk (passadiço) makes your journey to the beach special, offering a backdrop of far reaching coastal views.
The Adorable Tiny Homes of Armona Island
3. The Adorable Tiny Homes of Armona Island
3. The Adorable Tiny Homes of Armona Island
Picture-perfect waterfront tiny homes and village charm.
Take a stroll along the beach and through the village. You'll find gorgeous tiny homes that feature classic Portuguese architectural details, in miniature! Many are framed by beautiful gardens too.
Cais de Embarque da Ilha da Armona
3. Cais de Embarque da Ilha da Armona (Armona Island Pier)
3. Cais de Embarque da Ilha da Armona (Armona Island Pier)
Walk out over the water and take in the stunning views!
You'll enjoy stunning views from the pier. In one direction, you'll see waterfront restaurants and beachfront homes on Armona Island. In the other direction, you'll take in the islands and mainland of Portugal. It's teaming with fish underneath, which is great for underwater videography and photography.
Armona Island Restaurants
5. Armona Island Restaurants
5. Armona Island Restaurants
Coastal dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
You'll find six restaurants, a cafe and a beach bar. There are also three shops that sell essentials and alcohol. Perfect for a beach picnic!
Praia da Ilha da Fuseta (Fuseta Island Beach) / Praia da Fuseta (Fuseta Beach)
6. Praia da Fuseta (Fuseta Beach)
6. Praia da Fuseta (Fuseta Beach)
Walk to the other end of the island and you'll cross a sand bar onto Fuseta Island.
Walk to the eastern end of Armona Island and you'll cross a thin section of land that heralds your entry onto Fuseta Island. Here, you'll find a beach, cafe and island views!
Music on Ilha de Armona:
Music on Ilha de Armona:
Armona Island itself doesn't have a 'music scene' per se, but it lies in the heart of a rich music tradition.
The island is home to a fishing village, with connections to the wider Algarve. Traditional working songs such as the 'leva-leva' were sung by fishermen to mark the rhythm of drawing in the nets in the Algarve region. Other folk music has a focus on dancing. The Algarve's folk music groups are hard to find! If you want a good taste of Algarve folk music culture, seek out corridinho, the baile de roda and the baile mandado dancing.
To enjoy local music on Armona Island, you'll need a personal invitation to someone's home or pure luck! I hear that Zé Pardo can play guitar, for example. He and his wife Pam own Armona 4, which is the restaurant you'll find near the ferry pier.
In wider Portugal, I'm loving music by Diogo Piçarra right now.
Top 6 Instagrammable Locations in Armona Island, Portugal
Top 6 Instagrammable Locations in Armona Island, Portugal
There's so many photo spots on Armona, and the fact the island is so small means you have great potential for the perfect angle during both sunrise and sunset. It's hard to pick shoot locations. At a pinch, I'd say the top instagrammable location in Armona are:
The boardwalk leading to Praia da Ilha da Armona Mar (Armona Island Beach)
In front of any of the adorable little houses dotted through the village.
On the pier at the Cais de Embarque da Ilha da Armona
Looking out over the water under a bright beach umbrella at Fuseta Island Beach
On the pier at Fuseta Island Beach, especially at high tide.
On the ferry or water taxi.
Popular hashtags for Armona Island travel posts on instagram, facebook twitter and other social media include: #armona #armonaisland #algarve #portugal #visitportugal #algarveportugal #visitalgarve #algarvecoast #algarvelovers #olhao ... and the location (e.g. #praiadarocha) . Consider adding related hashtags such as #islandlife , #sunset , #praia and #beach, for example.
Island Paradise
Fun in Armona Island: 10 Reasons you must visit Ilha de Armona
Fun in Armona Island: 10 Reasons you must visit Ilha de Armona
Ok, let's wrap it up. I've told you about the stunning landscape and relaxed vibe. In a nutshell, you should visit Ilha de Armona for its:
Peace and quiet (no cars!)
Biodiversity and pristine beaches
Adorable tiny home architecture
Instagram worthy landscape
Safe swimming environment
Easy hiking opportunities
Crystal clear water for underwater video and photography.
Character-filled waterfront venues and takeaways
Kind residents
Continuing connection to cultural authenticity and traditions
When you combine these reasons with the fact that it isn't the 'same old same old' destination, Armona Island should be on your bucket list!
Share your Armona Island Holiday Tips!
Share your Armona Island Holiday Tips!
I know there are even more things to do and see in Armona Island and I want to hear ideas from you! Comment below or head over to our Travel Fun Music Community Facebook Page , Travel Inspiration Instagram account or join the Our Travel Addict Conversations on Twitter. You can also leave tips in the comments on the Travel Fun Music YouTube Channel . Use the #travelfunmusic hashtag and it’ll show up on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Armona Island
Where is Armona Island
Located in the heart of the Algarve Region of southern mainland Portugal, Armona Island is situated south east of Olhão in the Ria Formosa Natural Park marine area.
How to get to Armona Island
How to get to Armona Island
Take the Ferry or a water taxi from Olhão. You can buy tickets from the little booth at the entry to the pier at the Olhão Ferry Terminal (Cais de embarque de Olhão) and find a water taxi options at the pier too. The boat trip only take about 20 minutes.
Olhão Ferry to Armona Island Cost
Olhão Ferry to Armona Island Cost
The ferry from costs €3.70 return for adults, and €2.20 for children, from Olhão to Armona Island.
Armona Island Ferry Timetable
Armona Island Ferry Timetable
The Ferry Timetable changes significantly through the year. You'll find the latest ferry timetables here.
Armona Island Water Taxi
Armona Island Water Taxi
It costs about €20 to take a water taxi from Olhão to Armona Island.
Currency in Armona Island
Currency in Armona Island
The main currency is the Euro. There isn't a currency exchange on Armona Island. It's better to exchange your currency before you arrive, or withdraw money through an ATM in Olhão before you board the ferry. Watch out for the Euronet ATMs and similar ATMs branded with 'foreign currency' maketing when you visit Portugal though. I suffered significant fees! The local bank ATMs provide currency at reasonable excange rates and minimal or no fees, with no problems.
Mobile Phone Service / Roaming in Armona Island
Mobile Phone Service / Roaming in Armona Island
Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy, but it's easiest to buy them in a company branded shopfront. The main service providers are MEO, Vodafone, and NOS. You can get your SIM card at Olhão or in Faro Airport, before you head to the island.
The calling code for Portugal is +351.
Getting Around Armona Island
Getting Around Armona Island
There is no bus service within Armona. The roads are perfect for cycling and walking. It's flat and the village is compact. Nothing in the village is more than a 10 minute slow stroll away! Most of the roads are wheelchair accessible, but not all. If you want to get to the other end of the island, go by foot along the beach because there is not bicycle path.
Armona Island Real Estate & Accommodation
Armona Island Real Estate & Accommodation
Armona Island Airbnb
Armona Island Airbnb
Airbnb usually has some listings on Armona Island. When compared to the towns on the mainland, expect the listings to be slightly more expensive on the island itself. You can find adorable Armona Island tiny homes on AirBnB , so the charm can make the small difference in prices worth it! But, this is a tiny fishing village so there aren't many holiday rentals available to the public so it's best to book well in advance! Note also that it can be hard to find vacancies durin gthe peak season (July and August).
Your best alternative is to stay nearby in Airbnb homes in Olhão, where you'll find excellent options and prices. Plus, you have the convenience of the ferry leaving direclty from Olhão to Armona Island.
Best places to stay in Armona Island (Hotels in Armona Island)
Best places to stay in Armona Island (Hotels in Armona Island)
The most popular hotels in Armona Island are:
Orbitur Ilha de Armona: It's the Orbitur Bungalow Park on Ilha de Armona, which also offers camping facilities.
Lazer Europa Armona: You'll find both accommodation and activities in this holiday centre.
Homeaway Armona Island (VRBO)
Homeaway Armona Island (VRBO)
There are usually a few VRBO listings on Armona Island. As with Airbnb, your best alternative is to stay nearby in VRBO homes in Olhão. You'll have a good chance of finding something available for a reasonable price on VRBO. Plus, you have the convenience of the ferry leaving direclty from Olhão to Armona Island.
Armona Island Property for Sale
Armona Island Property for Sale
Real Estate is coveted on this island. It pays to keep an eye on property websites like idealista.
Armona Island Property for Rent
Armona Island Property for Rent
You can find rentals listed on websites like idealista and simplyowners.
P.S. I've also received these questions. Don't worry - I haven't forgotten you folks! I just haven't had the chance to update this article to answer them yet! Sorry!
What to wear / what to pack for a trip to Armona Island.
How To Enjoy The Water on Armona Island
The Perfect Armona Island Travel Itinerary (with a map to download)
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Armona Island
Top 10 Free Things To Do On Armona Island
Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss On Armona Island
You will find Google Maps is pretty accurate if you want a map for Ilha da Armona. Here's a link to their Armona Island Map.
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