A seamless collaboration between local fishermen and dedicated scientists ensures the preservation of the island's delicate ecosystem. Together, they implement sustainable practices that safeguard the precious oyster species and maintain the pristine environment Culatra Island calls home.
Cultura, with its funky, charming traditional houses and pristine beaches, offers a unique blend of natural and cultural elements.
Stopping at the local bakery for a jusiuta (a flakey, custardy pastry), and taking in the serene village atmosphere and unspoiled nature, the island truly felt idyllic. I had a dinner of the morning catch at a local fish restaurant (which is co-owned by three siblings who live on the island).
Private tours are available through Portugal4U, and a percentage of the tour price goes directly to the island itself.
Taking a traditional cooking class
Tertúlia Algarvia is an organization committed to advancing the culinary arts, historical knowledge, and cultural heritage of the region. They provide an exciting array of culinary workshops and exhibitions.
The Cataplana workshop started with an extensive tour of the local market. Here our guide showed us how to select the finest ingredients.
This bustling marketplace itself was somewhat recently created in an effort to empower local farmers. We buy our fish and seafood from a market that traces its roots to a single humble fisherman who began by selling his own catch.