Faro, the largest city in the Algarve, is often largely overlooked by foreign visitors, who fly into its airport and then immediately head to a resort town on another part of the coast.
However, for those interested in good food, history, and local culture, Faro has a lot to offer, and just because it doesn’t have long stretches of sand within walking distance doesn’t mean there aren’t any good beaches nearby.
Accessible by bus, ferry, taxi, or private car, the extra effort you put into getting to the beaches around Faro is made up for by the lack of crowds. In some cases, you’ll have the whole place to yourself, even in high season when other parts of the Algarve are crowded.
Here are five of the best beaches in and around Faro, all about a half hour drive from the city.
Faro beach
Unsurprisingly, the most popular beach around Faro is also the closest and easiest to find. Praia de Faro runs for several kilometers along the ocean side of Ilha de Faro, one of three sandbar islands near the city.
Accessible from Faro by car, bus, and in the summer months, a ferry, the central section of the beach is the busiest and most urbanized. Shops, bars, restaurants and people proliferate in this area. For a quieter experience, head to the east end.
Popular parts of the beach are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, although given the very cold sea water in the area (60 F / 15.5 C max), you are more likely to spend your time working on your tan or enjoying a drink at one of the local bars that defies the waves for a long time!
Culatra Island
For a much quieter experience, head to Ilha da Culatra. The small community of Farol sits on the western edge, and the lighthouse that bears his name is clearly visible from the mainland.
With rolling dunes, golden sand and calm waters, it is an idyllic and peaceful place to spend the day.
There are no roads on the island, but a sandy path runs along the beach between Farol and the town of Culatra. This is the perfect place for a seafood meal freshly caught by local fishermen.
The island and its beaches can only be accessed by ferry. A regular service runs from Faro to Farol from June to September, and there is a year-round ferry from Olhão that also calls Culatra. Water taxis are also available.
Barreta Island / Desert Island
Officially known as Ilha da Barreta, the largest island west of Culatra is called Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) by almost everyone. If you prefer its pristine beaches for development or other people, this is the place to go. No one lives on the island, and few tourists make the effort to visit.
A boardwalk runs through part of the five miles of sandy beach, though you won’t need to walk far to get a spot for yourself. A ferry leaves from Faro during the summer and costs around 10 euros for a return ticket.
Note that the last service departs at 5:30 pm, be sure to be on it unless you want an expensive private speedboat ride back to the mainland.
There is a single restaurant on the eastern end of the island, next to the ferry dock. Serve drinks, snacks, and full meals at inflated prices, and rent loungers and umbrellas nearby.
Armona Beach
To the east of Culatra is Ilha da Armona, with its beach of the same name. Ferries leave to the island from Olhão every fifteen minutes during the summer. To get to Olhão, take one of the buses or trains from Faro that run regularly throughout the day.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the jetty to the beach, which stretches east for several kilometers. Due to the relative difficulty of getting to the island, you see few tourists, and you will generally have large areas of sand to yourself.
As with most beaches in the area, the water is very clear and cold, with golden sand and low dunes around much of the island. When you need a snack, there are a few bars and restaurants available in the only village on the island.
There is limited accommodation available on the island, making it an interesting and peaceful alternative to staying in Faro for a night or two.
Quinta do Lago beach
At the western end of Ilha da Faro is Praia da Quinta do Lago, a stretch of golden sand most notable for the 1,000-foot wooden walkway that connects it to the mainland, and protects the delicate ecology of the wetlands below.
The start of the footbridge is accessible by car and is a half hour drive from Faro. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk the two miles along the sandy Praia de Faro, but it’s only recommended in the colder months!
There is a restaurant on the beach at the end of the walkway and lifeguards on duty during the summer. While it is never particularly busy, a few minutes’ walk from the catwalk guarantees a space for you.
