The Flickr Ilhadaculatrafarol Image Generatr

Europe, Portugal, Algarve, Sotavento, Ria Formosa lagoon, Olhão, Ilha da Culatra/Farol, Farol, Raiano ferry, People (slightly cut from all sides)

The Tavares e Guerreiro (an integral part of Empresa de Transportes do Rio Guadiana, Lda) ferry ‘Raiano’ is pictured here entering the harbour of Farol. It’sn’t particular elegant, but most of the Sotavento ferries are that ánd it has a large capacity, is sturdy and dependable (in contrast with its former collegue ‘Mira Sado’ here, which suffered engine problems at the end of her days). In the BG is Faro & Olhão.

This is number 59 of the Olhão / Ilha Culatra album and 51 of Ferries.

Europe, Portugal, Algarve, Sotavento, Ria Formosa lagoon, Olhão, Ilha da Culatra/Farol, Farol, Barge, Workers (slightly cut from B)

While waiting at Farol for the ferry back to Olhao, we had the pleasure to observe workers constructing a new pier. The ones on the left were welding.

This is number 58 of the Olhão / Ilha Culatra album.

Europe, Portugal, Algarve, Sotavento, Olhão, Ilha da Culatra/Farol, Hangares, Old HQ, Fence (slightly cut)

Unknown to many, the lovely Sotavento barrier island of Culatra/Farol has a military history. It’s to be seen in Hangares, one of its three villages.

From 1917 till 1928, it was a base for seaplanes meant to detect and destroy German U-boats that tried to skirt the island. The planes used were French Tellier T3 biplanes operated for the aviation branch of the Portuguese Navy. The name hangars refers to the two hangars that once sheltered the planes and were torn down long ago.

The squadron's headquarters is shown here. It is surrounded by a decommissioned (1998) bomb demolition site, hence the fences surrounding this part of the island.

This is number 57 of the Olhão / Ilha Culatra album.