Ilha Armona, part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, is just 6 miles long and 1/2 a mile wide, meaning you could walk the length of the island in just a couple of hours
A hidden gem nestled in the Atlantic, Ilha Armona is a small island that boasts spring temperatures of 30C and yet remains largely undiscovered by tourists.
Part of a quintet of tiny islands off Portugal’s Algarve coast, they collectively form the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. A quick ferry or water taxi ride from the nearby coastal cities of Faro and Olhão, costing just a few euros, will transport visitors to this idyllic spot.
The island enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with April’s maximum average temperature hitting 30C. Summer can see averages of 32C, while winter dips to a still balmy 26C.
At six miles long and up to half a mile wide, it would take less than two hours to traverse the length of the island on foot. Ilha Armano offers a smattering of cafes and restaurants dotted along its sandy beach, which stretches the entire length of the island.
Thanks to its size, the Atlantic-facing beach remains pristine and uncrowded, particularly outside the peak summer season, making it a popular day trip for those vacationing in the Algarve, reports the Express.
The other four islands in the group – Ilha Barreta, Ilha Culatera, Ilha do Coco and Ilha Tavira – makeup the Ria Formosa lagoon. This system of barrier islands was recognised as one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders in 2010.
It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 30,000 birds spotted throughout the year. One visitor to Ilha Armona shared on Tripadvisor that the island, with its “white powdery sands and clear blue sea”, offers a sense of “peace and serenity with no roads” and is “never overcrowded”.
Another traveller highlighted that despite its allure, visitors must come prepared with all essentials for a day trip due to the island’s limited facilities – this includes parasols, food and beverages.
For those keen to explore, direct flights to the nearby Faro Airport are available from Bristol, Luton, Gatwick, Manchester and London. A round trip in April can be snagged for as little as £71 with carriers like easyJet or Jet2.
Many tourists opt to lodge in Faro, Olhão and the surrounding regions as accommodation options on the island are sparse. The mainland, however, boasts a plethora of hotels, Airbnbs and holiday lets for travellers to choose from.
