Faro Islands & Best beaches in Faro: A Guide to Exploring the Ria Formosa

Telmo Martins

Sep 1

3 min read

Best beaches in Faro

One of the great advantages of staying in Faro is being able to combine city, nature and beach in the same trip. Just a short distance from the historic centre lies the Ria Formosa, one of the Algarve’s most remarkable natural areas, with lagoons, channels, salt marshes, dunes and barrier islands stretching along the coast.

Among the best beaches and islands to visit from Faro are Faro Beach, Deserta Island, Farol Island, Hangares and Culatra. Each offers a different experience — from easy-to-reach beaches with restaurants to quieter and more natural places.

🏖️ Faro Beach — the easiest option

If you want a beach that is easy to reach without planning a boat trip, Faro Beach is the most convenient choice.

Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is the only one of these main barrier-island beaches with direct road access. It has a long sandy beach, restaurants, bars and useful facilities, making it ideal for a relaxed beach day with minimal planning.

Best for: convenience, restaurants, beach facilities and an easy beach day.

How to get there: by car or bus across the bridge connecting Faro with the island.

🌊 Deserta Island — for peace and nature

Also known as Barreta Island, Deserta Island is one of the best choices for travellers looking for a quieter and more natural beach experience.

With no permanent settlement, the island offers a long stretch of sand and a remarkably preserved landscape. At its southern end is Cape Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.

The boat journey is part of the experience, taking you through the channels, sandbanks and wetlands of the Ria Formosa.

Best for: nature, peace and quiet, walking, photography and a more untouched beach experience.

How to get there: by boat from Faro.

Tip: bring water, sunscreen and everything you need for a few hours at the beach.

⚓ Farol Island — beach life and a fishing village

Farol Island is a great choice if you want to combine a beautiful beach with a small local community.

The village grew around fishing and shellfish harvesting, while the Cape Santa Maria Lighthouse, built in the 19th century, remains one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks. The beach has a wide stretch of sand and clear, generally calm waters.

Best for: families, couples, swimming, restaurants and a more complete island experience.

How to get there: by boat from Faro, with services also available from Olhão.

🌾 Hangares — the quieter side of the island

Between Farol and Culatra lies Hangares, a small settlement on the same barrier island, known for its more isolated atmosphere and its connection to Portugal’s naval aviation history.

It is a good choice for travellers who enjoy walking, exploring and discovering places away from the busiest tourist routes.

Do not expect the same range of restaurants and facilities found in Farol or Culatra — the appeal of Hangares is precisely its quieter atmosphere.

Best for: walking, nature, peace and travellers looking for something less conventional.

Tip: plan your transport in advance and take water, food and sun protection.

🐟 Culatra — an authentic Algarve experience

Culatra Island is an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience a more authentic side of the Algarve.

The island retains a strong connection to fishing and maritime life and has no motorised traffic. Its small community, houses, fishing boats and local restaurants make a visit to Culatra about much more than simply going to the beach.

It is a great place to combine a beach day with a seafood lunch and a walk through the village.

Best for: local culture, seafood, walking, families and an authentic Algarve experience.

How to get there: by boat from Faro or Olhão, depending on the season and available schedules.

🗺️ Which beach should you choose?

If you are looking for...	Choose
The easiest access	Faro Beach
Nature and tranquillity	Deserta Island
Beach + restaurants + village	Farol Island
A quieter, hidden spot	Hangares
Local culture and food	Culatra

Boats Schedule to the Islands and beaches

🌅 A tip for staying in Faro

You do not need to stay directly by the beach to enjoy the islands. Faro is an excellent base for exploring the Ria Formosa, allowing you to combine a day at the beach with time in the historic centre, dinner in town and an easy return to your accommodation.

At Sunlight House, you can stay close to central Faro and plan your days around what you want to discover — from the Old Town and the Chapel of Bones to the beaches and islands of the Ria Formosa.