For most travellers landing in the Algarve, Praia de Faro is just a fleeting view from an aeroplane window: a long, golden barrier dividing the dark blue ocean from the turquoise lagoon. It is a destination often seen, yet surprisingly, rarely truly discovered by the international crowds.

This narrow peninsula, known simply as the Ilha to locals, is the Algarve’s great survivor. While other coastal towns have succumbed to mass development and high-rise hotels, Faro Beach has held onto its distinct, salty character. It is a place of striking contrasts, where the raw power of the Atlantic surf meets the gentle, tidal rhythms of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Crossing the bridge from the mainland, you leave the city behind and enter a different world. Here, simple fishermen’s cottages sit shoulder-to-shoulder with cool, geometric villas from the 1950s, and the air is filled with the smell of grilled seafood rather than tour bus exhaust. Whether you are escaping the city for a few hours or settling in for a week of sunsets, Praia de Faro promises something that is becoming hard to find: a genuine, unpolished connection to the Portuguese coast.

Widely considered the best beach in the region, Praia de Faro is defined by glorious soft golden sands that extend for 5km along the oceanfront. The beach maintains a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere that makes it distinct from the frantic pace found elsewhere in the Algarve. It serves as a popular holiday destination for Portuguese families while remaining virtually unknown to many foreign tourists, preserving a genuine local character.

The sea waters are clean and safe, and during the summer season, they are supervised by lifeguards, ensuring a secure environment for children. Although this main section near the bridge can get very busy, the beach is vast enough to offer solitude; visitors simply need to walk towards the deserted sectors at either end of the island to find ample space.

The most effective way to reach the coast is via the number 16 bus, which provides a regular connection from Faro city. On the beach, sun loungers can be hired, though there are plenty of public areas for your own towel. To the rear of the beach is a boardwalk lined with many beach bars, cafes, and restaurants; Zé Maria and Elementos are widely regarded as the best places to eat.

While it is universally known as "Ilha de Faro" (Faro Island), this landform is technically the Peninsula do Ancão, a long barrier spit that separates the ocean from the land. This unique geography gives the beach a dual personality that few other destinations can match:

• The Ocean Front: Facing south is the vast Atlantic coast. Here, the golden sands extend for 5 kilometres, and the waves are robust enough to attract surfers and bodyboarders. The water is clean and invigorating, though visitors should note that sea temperatures can be surprisingly crisp, even in the height of summer.

• The Lagoon Front: Facing north is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This side is a world of calm, shallow waters and tidal mudflats. It is the perfect counterpoint to the energetic ocean side, offering a peaceful setting for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Geographically, there is little to distinguish the beaches of the Faro region. Praia de Faro, Ilha Deserta, and Ilha da Culatra are all part of the same barrier island system, sharing the exact same soft golden sands and invigoratingly fresh Atlantic waters.

The defining difference is not the landscape, but the logistics. While its neighbours are isolated landforms accessible only by ferry or boat transfer, Praia de Faro is the only island connected to the mainland by a bridge. This eliminates the need for expensive boat transfers or strict adherence to timetables. For travellers seeking a hassle-free experience, Praia de Faro offers the same pristine coastline as the remote islands, without the complexity or cost of a sea crossing. For a beach day trip while based in Faro, the Praia de Faro should be your go-to beach.

By Bus For those using public transport, the "Próximo" Route 16 provides a regular connection between the city centre, the airport, and the beach, running every 30 to 40 minutes during the day. Because this route serves the airport, it is frequently crowded with luggage-laden travellers; consequently, if catching it from Faro city, it is best to board at the main terminal to ensure you get a seat. A single ticket costs approximately €2.80 (Zone 2), and passengers must purchase a separate ticket for the return journey as return fares are not available.

By Car (and the New Bridge) For years, accessing this paradise required patience, as the single-lane bridge created legendary traffic queues. Fortunately, the visitor experience was transformed in January 2025 with the opening of a new, modern access bridge. The new structure allows for continuous two-way traffic, meaning the frustrating wait to enter the island is a thing of the past.

Important Parking Warning: While the queue to enter is gone, parking on the island remains extremely limited. The easier access means the car parks reach saturation earlier than ever. To avoid the stress of hunting for a non-existent spot during the peak summer months, it is highly recommended to arrive before 10:00 or utilize the "Park and Walk" strategy. Visitors can simply leave their vehicle at the free car park on the mainland, approximately 1.5km away, and enjoy a pleasant walk or cycle across the bridge.

The new road bridge

The Endless Beach Walk: While the central area near the bridge buzzes with cafes, restaurants, and activity, solitude is easy to find. If you walk east or west away from the center, the crowds thin out rapidly. The eastern tip, known as Praia da Barrinha, is a pristine, wild environment where the lagoon meets the sea. It requires a commitment to reach, a long walk past the end of the road, but the reward is a deserted stretch of sand that feels like the end of the world.

The Seahorse Sculpture: Keep an eye out for a striking piece of environmental art at the campsite: a large bas-relief of a Seahorse created by the renowned Portuguese artist Bordalo II. Part of his "Big Trash Animals" series, it is crafted entirely from plastic waste and discarded fishing gear found in the Ria Formosa. It serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate ecosystem of the Ria Formosa, which was once home to one of the world's largest seahorse populations.

Nautical Activities: The Centro Náutico da Praia de Faro takes advantage of the island's dual geography. They offer rentals for kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) for use on the calm lagoon side, which is safe for beginners. For the more adventurous, surfing lessons are available on the ocean side, where the Atlantic swells provide reliable waves.

The Ludo Trail (Trilho do Ludo): Just across the bridge on the mainland side lies the Ludo Trail, a flat path that winds through the salt pans and the edge of the San Lorenzo Golf Course. This is a prime location for birdwatching. Look for the salt pans which often appear in striking shades of pink and red. This is not pollution, but a natural phenomenon caused by Haloarchaea bacteria that thrive in high-salinity water. It is also a critical habitat for Flamingos and White Storks.

The Ria Formosa National Park

• Zé Maria: For an authentic taste of the island, this is the undisputed reference point. It eschews modern trends in favour of culinary heritage. The atmosphere is bustling and loud, and the service is efficient rather than pampering, but the food is the draw. Google map link and reviews

• Elementos: Situated directly on the sand, this venue blends a "beach chic" vibe with fusion cuisine. It is the ideal spot for a romantic evening, serving dishes like Almond Tempura and Galician Octopus alongside traditional Cataplanas. Google map link

• Wax Restobar: Targeting a younger, more casual demographic, Wax offers the closest experience to a beach club. It is the place for burgers (including vegan options), pizzas, and sunset DJ sets. Google map link

What sets Praia de Faro apart from other Algarve beaches is its built environment. It is not defined by high-rise hotels but by a quirky collection of holiday homes and low-rise buildings that date back to the 1950s.

Walking along the central avenue, you are strolling through an open-air gallery of "South Modern" architecture (Modernismo do Sul). Look for the distinctive Hotel Aeromar, a landmark building near the bridge. Its design features the iconic cobogós-hollow ceramic bricks that filter the sunlight and create intricate geometric shadows.

Further along, you might spot the Casa António Pires or the Casa Dr. Balté, private homes from 1959 that bring a touch of geometric rigour to the relaxed beach setting. These structures, combined with the older, humbler fishermen's dwellings on the eastern sands, give the island a nostalgic, "vintage" character that feels frozen in time.

Our most popular guides for Faro and the Algarve

All of our guides to the Algarve