CULATRA.
Today I thought to share some thoughts on where we have been staying these last few weeks - just off the lovely island of Culatra.
Culatra is one of several sand islands that make up the area known as the “Parque Natural da Ria Formosa”, a beautiful lagoon area, protected from the open sea by sand islands and dunes. The lagoon area is home to many species of birds and other wildlife; with large tidal differences that reveal sand beds teeming with life – clams, oysters, prawns, cockles and crabs that are more clearly visible at low tide.
Visitors to the region are asked to be respectful of the bird life here, especially for beach nesting species of birds, whose eggs are laid on some of the quieter sand dune areas.
Culatra is a small fishing island with around 2 – 3,000 inhabitants, although it does not feel that big. There are a few bars, restaurants and a couple of small supermarkets that stock pretty much anything you could require and the locals are all very hospitable and friendly.
The small fishing marina that has been recently built is a perfect spot to safely leave your dingy whilst you can explore the island and mingle with the locals – most dingies are respectfully tied up to an end of a pontoon, unused by the fishermen.
I shall say no more and simply leave you with some images that I have taken of the island :
Been Fishing!
A street on Culatra
Mending Nets
Small House on the island
View from beach to the village.
Fishing Boats in the small marina of Culatra.
Helping hands.
Even fishermen wear rubber gloves!
Ferry leaving Culatra
Fishing Boat
Mending more nets
Here you can see one of the anchorage spots for the yachts – behind.
The beach on Culatra – and this is during the high season - in the summer!
A tasty treat!
