Take the public ferry from Olhão pier, near the market halls; in October it leaves at 8:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00, and the last boat back from Armona is at 17:30. In summer boats run almost hourly, and you can also reach the island's eastern tip from Fuseta.
The short answer
To reach Armona Island, take the public ferry from Olhão pier. It is a short hop across the Ria Formosa lagoon and drops you at the island's little village. In October (and right through to 31 March) the service is thin: boats leave Olhão at 8:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00, and the last boat back from Armona leaves at 17:30. In summer they run almost every hour.
There is a second way in, too. The eastern tip of Armona faces the village of Fuseta, which has its own boat. Both options are covered below.
Before you set off, check today's departures on our ferries page, which shows the timetable in force and the next boat out.
Olhão to Armona ferry timetable
These are the times listed on Olhão Cubista, the page locals use to check the boats (checked on 5 October 2026). Olhão Town Council notes that times can shift with the tides and silting, and that extra boats are laid on when it gets busy.
| Season | From Olhão | Back from Armona |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October to 31 March | 8:30, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00 | 9:00, 12:30, 15:30, 17:30 |
| 1 April to 31 May | 8:30, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 | 9:00, 10:30, 12:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30 |
| June | 7:30, 9:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:45 | 7:50, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:15 |
| July and August | 7:30, 8:15, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 20:00 | 7:15 (*), 7:50, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:15, 20:30 |
| September | 7:30, 9:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:45 (**) | 7:50, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:15 |
(*) In July and August, the 7:15 return does not run on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. (**) In September, the 19:45 outbound boat only runs until the 20th.
In winter all four crossings run every day, including the 15:00. If your trip falls on a changeover date (1 April, 1 June, 1 July, 1 September or 1 October), or you are unsure about anything, ring the ticket office on +351 964 123 878.
Where to catch the boat and buy a ticket
The Armona ferry leaves from Olhão pier on the waterfront, a few minutes' walk from the market halls. The public service is run by Guerreiro & Guadiana, and the same pier also serves Culatra and Farol (those two islands belong to the municipality of Faro, but the boats leave from Olhão). Several boats share the pier, so always ask before boarding whether it is going to Armona.
Tickets are sold at the kiosk at the entrance to the pier, and you can pay by card. We could not find fares published by any official source, so we are not quoting one here: check at the kiosk.
Armona's beaches: lagoon side or ocean side
According to Olhão Town Council, Armona has two Blue Flag beaches in 2026, both also holding the Gold Quality award for water quality:
- Armona-Ria is the lagoon beach, right next to the pier where the ferry lands. The water is calmer and clear, which makes it a good choice with young children or if you simply fancy a swim without waves.
- Armona-Mar is the ocean side. You reach it by walking through the village and over the dunes, a walk of around 1.5 km from the pier. On the far side is a seemingly endless beach, perfect for long walks.
Sandbanks near the inlet create inviting natural pools, but the municipal tourist office warns that currents near the inlet are usually very strong. Swim well away from it, particularly with children.
Please cross the dunes only on the marked boardwalks and paths. Armona lies within the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the dunes are fragile.
The island has a small, mostly holiday village, a campsite with bungalows and operators offering water sports. If you fancy staying longer, see our ideas on where to stay in Olhão, and find more about the island itself on our Armona page.
The alternative route via Fuseta
The eastern end of Armona sits opposite the village of Fuseta, and a separate, shorter boat runs from there. The municipal tourist office says it takes just 5 minutes to reach Fuseta-Mar beach, which also flies a Blue Flag in 2026. In the village itself you will find Fuseta-Ria, a calm lagoon beach you can simply walk to.
Fuseta's timetable is different from Olhão's. In October (and May) the council lists boats every 30 minutes from 9:10 to 17:30, and in July and August they run very frequently. The council publishes no Fuseta timetable for November to April, so check at the pier before you go.
One word of warning: there is a lot of sand between Fuseta-Mar and Armona village. Do not plan to arrive at one end and leave from the other unless you have time to spare.
Water taxis if you miss the last boat
If you miss the last scheduled ferry, or want to travel at a different time, water taxis operate from Olhão and Fuseta. According to the municipal tourist office they run 24 hours a day, but must be booked in advance. There is no official list of operators, so ask at the pier who provides the service and save a number before you head over. Expect to pay more than the scheduled ferry.
Practical tips
- Check the last boat back before you leave. In winter it is 17:30.
- Get to the pier early in July and August, especially at weekends, as queues for the morning boats can be long.
- Bring water, a hat and sun cream. There is little shade on the ocean side, and the walk over the dunes is in full sun.
- Light footwear helps on the boardwalks, which get very hot in summer.
- Head back in time for dinner on the mainland. Ending the day in town is half the fun; see our suggestions on where to eat.
- Take your rubbish back with you: the island is part of a natural park.
- Armona out of season is a different place. Few people, a vast beach and real quiet. On a sunny winter day it is well worth the trip, as long as you plan around the boats.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Armona ferry leave from?
From Olhão pier on the waterfront, a few minutes' walk from the market halls. A separate boat also runs from Fuseta to the island's eastern tip (Fuseta-Mar beach).
When is the last ferry back from Armona?
It depends on the season: 17:30 from 1 October to 31 March, 19:30 in April and May, 19:15 in June and September, and 20:30 in July and August.
How much is the ferry ticket?
We could not find fares from an official source. Buy your ticket at the pier kiosk, which takes cards, and check the price there.
Which Armona beach is best for children?
Armona-Ria, by the pier, with calm water and no waves. Avoid swimming near the inlet, where currents are strong.
Can I visit Armona in winter?
Yes, the ferry runs all year. From 1 October to 31 March there are four departures a day from Olhão, every day: 8:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:00.
What if I miss the last boat?
Water taxis operate from Olhão and Fuseta around the clock, but must be booked. Ask at the pier for a number before you go over.
This guide is for information only and was checked on the date shown. Times, prices and rules can change: always confirm with the official sources before you go. If something is out of date, tell us on Instagram @olhaolovers.
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