Babacashee
Why we pick Fuseta for the islands
Fuseta is a small fishing town right on the Ria Formosa. Compared with Faro or Olhão, it feels smaller, more local and a little less overwhelmed by tourism. For us, the real draw is the barrier islands just across the water. Getting a dog out to them isn't always easy. Elsewhere, the regular ferry meant bringing a carrier for Aba. With a dog his size, that is like hauling a small apartment around.
Farther east, you can cross a footbridge and then walk about a kilometre through the dunes. That takes quite a bit of time. There's also a little train, but dogs weren't allowed on it when we visited. That's why Fuseta is the easiest option for us.
Quick gear check for the boat
We tested a new collar with a lockable buckle and a sliding safety lock. Once sand or dirt got into the slider, it went stiff and stopped working properly. We wouldn't buy it again. Aba's harness, which we've used for almost two years, was great. It leaves his shoulders free and is easy to grab on a boat. His happy hoodie covered his ears against the wind and motor noise.
Through town to the old lifeboat station
Our walk starts at the small town square. From there we wander through Fuseta's narrow, beautiful streets and along an avenue with restaurants and everyday town life. Then we head to the waterfront and the Antiga Estação Salva-Vidas, the former lifeboat station. It was built in the 1950s on stilts over the Ria Formosa as a rescue station. From there we carry on to the harbour.
Crossing the Ria Formosa by water taxi
The regular ferries in Fuseta don't allow dogs at all. We found water taxis that happily took Aba to the island without a carrier. The crossing only takes a few minutes, and fares to the nearby island beaches are around €10 one way. On our last crossing we went very early, so we had to climb across a couple of fishing boats to reach the taxi. Aba handled the ride like an experienced sailor.
Aba's island
Aba absolutely loves the island. There are kilometres of sand and dunes, and almost nobody around on the quieter stretches. He has plenty of space to explore, run and splash. We found the sand paw-friendly and clean, with no glass shards. There's no shade, so bring water for your dog. Our day ended with sand, sea, beautiful views and Aba screaming for his ball.
If you like birds, bring the big lenses. The Ria Formosa is one of Portugal's most important wetland areas. It has loads of water birds, depending on the season. Our bottom line: from Fuseta, getting onto the islands with a dog is easy, quick and relatively cheap.
Good to know
- In Fuseta, skip the regular ferry, which doesn't take dogs. Take a water taxi instead. Ours took Aba without a carrier for around €10 one way.
- Bring drinking water for your dog. There is no shade on the island.
- Aba's harness is easy to grab, which helped us keep him safe and close to us on the boat.
- For a vet or a pet store, plan on going to the bigger towns near Fuseta.
Gear on this trip
What came along with Aba here, and how it did. Our honest take, good or bad.
Happy Hoodie
Worked well on this trip
Trip: Fuseta, Portugal | Island Adventures with Your Dog
We put the Happy Hoodie on Aba to cover his ears on the boat, and it helped cut down the wind and motor noise.
“We also used his happy hoodie to cover his ears and help reduce some of the wind and motor noise.” ▶ 2:25
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Fuseta with a dog: questions
Can dogs go on the ferry from Fuseta to the island?
The regular ferries from Fuseta don't allow dogs on board at all. We found water taxis in Fuseta that happily took Aba across to the island without a carrier.
How much is the water taxi from Fuseta with a dog?
On our trip, water taxi fares from Fuseta to the nearby island beaches were around €10 one way. The crossing only takes a few minutes.
Is there shade on the Fuseta island beach?
We found no shade on the island across from Fuseta, so bring water for your dog to drink.
Is Fuseta a dog-friendly town?
We found Fuseta a dog-friendly little town, and it's one of our favourite places to stay with Aba. For a vet or a pet store, you'll need the bigger towns nearby.