An Idyllic Location
Within the National park of Ria Formosa, Ravenala house is nestled between Fuseta and the island of Aroma and Olhao. The property has direct access to the lagoons, untouched sandy beach islands and Fuseta along the national park cycling track at the front of the house. The surrounding area is ideal for birdwatchers, paddle boarders, canoeists, cyclists, hikers, joggers, for walking along the coast between Fuesta and Olhoa, or simply for those looking for a quiet getaway. Fuseta is also well known for Kite surfing and windsurfing where equipment can be rented.
For more information of what you can do in the area, head down to the bottom of the page where we’ve provided a quick breakdown.
The islands in front offer kilometres of beaches where everyone can find privacy and space even for the nudists and naturists who hop on the shuttle boats designated for the chosen island spots.
Just a 15 min cycle from the house is Fuseta beach and the main fishing port. For people wanting more tranquility and privacy, you can hop on a taxi boat which is organised for you at the fishing port. These will pick you up and drop you off at an organised time for 5-15 Euros return per person depending on your required location.
Those Little Extras
4x Bikes
2x double Canoes
2x Paddle boards
Rowing boat
Petanque
Bench press and free weights
Picnic box
Beach Umbrella & beach tents
Ravenala house occupies an elevated and protected spot between the 2 inlets and islands making it the perfect location for the more adventurous who want to paddle board. A launching site is located 200m from the house to explore the water ways and sunbathe on Armona island on the opposite side. You can get to Fuseta and its islands, or Armona village. See the scaled map that shows our location and the different places you can paddle and canoe to.
Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure, take a picnic on the canoes or paddle boards and launch infront of the house. You can paddle across to Armona island, where you will have you own private deserted beach away from everyone else. Find the most up to date information about the Tidal Charts and, if you feel confident, we recommend using google maps to navigate the many route options away from the house.
About The Area
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At the end of a short walk from the house the opportunity arises to canoe or paddle board across the lagoon to the island of Armona. The calm waters make for an easy and relatively short voyage over to a part of the island situated far from other tourists and locals. Remember to keep an eye out for the tide timings and you will find the destination of your little adventure to your own secluded beach.
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Larger than the nearest town of Fueseta, the beautiful city of Taveira is just a short drive to taxi boat ride away. With a unique blend of tranquility and small city atmosphere, Taveira is host to countless restaurants - we recommend Restaurante Sabores Tradicionais for an authentic and rustic portuguese experience. Bring the night to a close with beautiful Fado music - the soulful traditional music of Portugal. Composed of a small string band and solo vocalist, the expressive music harbors a gentle sound and typically tells the tales about the sea of life of the poor.
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The beautiful white architecture of the Castello Veja sits proudly overlooking the golden tidal beaches of the Algarve. If you’re brave enough to wade through, you’ll reap the rewards of sitting on a prime spot for all beach activities. A stone' throw from the Spanish border, the small town is steeped in history and is home to some of the best walking routes in the area.
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Faro stands strong as the capital of the Algarve region. Rifled with a fantastic culinary scene, containing cuisines from across the globe while still maintaining that traditional Portuguese core, Faro is ideal for those with selective diets or dietary requirements. If you happened to be vegetarian we personally recommend the restaurant Vila Adentro.
A vibrant nightlife breathes a different energy to the idyllic atmosphere of the day and turns the city into a technicolor of song, dance and lively ambience. Bear in mind this may start a bit later than some of Portugal’s European counterparts.
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The closest town to the property is that of Fuesta. Just a short bike ride away, the small fishing town brings a taste of real portuguese culture. In addition to a host of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets the town offers a beach front with fantastic ferry links to the surrounding islands as well as day trip excursions to see various local wildlife such as dolphins and seahorses.
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Visit the local town of Olhão for a combination of old Portugese whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-shaped chimneys.
The fish market on the waterfront is Olhão's main draw. A quaint and energetic place, the market sells local produce such as fruit, honey and live chickens as well as a huge variety of fresh local fish.
Every year during the second week of August the Jardim Patrao Joaquim Lopes plays host to the Festival do Marisco, a festival of food and folk music.