The largest city in the Algarve, Faro is often largely overlooked by overseas visitors who fly into its airport, heading instead to popular resort towns along the coast. However, for those interested in local culture, history, and excellent cuisine, Faro has a lot to offer. While it may lack long stretches of beach right in the city, there are still plenty of fantastic beaches located just a short distance away.

Accessible via bus, ferry, taxi, or private car, the effort put into reaching these beaches around Faro is well worth it. You’ll likely find that the beaches are less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience, even during the high tourist season when other parts of the Algarve are overflowing with visitors.

Here are five of the best beaches in and around Faro, all within approximately half an hour traveling distance from the city.

1. Praia de Faro

Unsurprisingly, the most popular beach close to Faro is also the easiest to get to. Praia de Faro stretches for several miles along the ocean side of Ilha de Faro, one of the nearby sandbar islands.

The beach is accessible from Faro by car, bus, and a ferry during the summer months. The central section of the beach tends to be the busier, more developed area, filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. For a quieter experience, consider walking toward the eastern end of the beach.

During the summer, lifeguards patrol the popular areas of the beach. Given the chilly sea temperatures (around 60°F/15.5°C), visitors often prefer to lounge and catch some sun at local bars instead of swimming for long periods!

2. Ilha da Culatra

If you are seeking a quieter beach experience, Ilha da Culatra is an excellent choice. The small community of Farol lies on the island’s western edge, defined by its iconic lighthouse.

This location features rolling dunes, golden sand, and calm waters, making it an ideal spot to spend a peaceful day.

With no roads, the island is navigable by foot along a sandy trail connecting Farol to the village of Culatra. Here, you can enjoy a seafood meal freshly caught by local fishermen.

The island is accessible only by ferry, with regular service operating from Faro to Farol from June to September, in addition to a year-round ferry from Olhão to Culatra. Water taxis are also available.

3. Ilha da Barreta / Ilha Deserta

Commonly referred to as Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island), the larger island to the west of Culatra, officially known as Ilha da Barreta, is the perfect destination for those seeking untouched natural beauty.

On this island, you will find a boardwalk spanning part of the five-mile sandy beach. The limited foot traffic means you can easily find a secluded spot to enjoy the sun. Ferries operate from Faro during the summer, with tickets priced around 10 euros for a return trip.

Be mindful that the last ferry departs at 5:30 PM, so plan to be on it unless you prefer an expensive private speedboat ride back!

There’s one restaurant located on the eastern edge of the island near the ferry jetty, which serves drinks and meals at premium prices, and rents sun loungers and umbrellas for your comfort.

4. Praia da Armona

Located east of Culatra, Ilha da Armona features the beautiful Praia da Armona beach. Ferries run from Olhão to the island every 15 minutes in the summer months. To reach Olhão, consider taking one of the buses or trains from Faro that run frequently throughout the day.

From the jetty, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk to the beach, which stretches out for several miles. Thanks to its relatively low visitor numbers, there are often large patches of sand available just for you.

The water is clear and refreshing, while golden sand and low dunes surround the island. A few bars and restaurants located in the island’s only village provide refreshments for weary travelers.

Limited accommodations available on the island also make it an intriguing and quiet alternative for those looking to stay in Faro for a night or two.

5. Praia da Quinta do Lago

At the western end of Ilha da Faro lies Praia da Quinta do Lago, renowned for its stunning golden sands. Most notably, a 1,000-foot wooden footbridge extends from the beach to the mainland, protecting the sensitive wetland ecology underneath.

Access to the footbridge starts with a short drive of about half an hour from Faro. For the more adventurous, it is possible to walk approximately two miles along the sand from Praia de Faro, although this is recommended mainly during cooler months.

At the end of the footbridge, there’s a restaurant located on the beach, and lifeguards are present during summer for added safety. Although the beach does not get extremely crowded, if you walk just a few minutes away from the footbridge, you can easily find a serene spot just for yourself.