Faro Island Beach

Faro Island Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a family
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Rent kayaks and surfboards to ride the waves lapping this narrow stretch of sand, which serves as a wall between ocean and river.

Faro Island Beach is one of the area’s most picturesque and popular sandy stretches. Cafés, restaurants and watersports operators sit along the strand, which lines 3 miles (5 kilometers) of a narrow sand bar. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Formosa River on the other.

Most of the activity takes place in the central section of the beach. Stay at one of the small hotels and dine at the seafood restaurants here. Escape to the southern and northern ends of the beach to bask in tranquility and seclusion. Find a patch of sand to call your own for the day and lay down a towel for sunbathing or picnicking with your family.

Go swimming in the seawater, which is clean, clear and refreshing. In summer, lifeguards patrol popular parts of the beach. Bring buckets and shovels to let your kids build sand castles in front of the dunes that pockmark this peninsula.

Note that the waves at this beach are fairly strong and consistent, providing excellent surfing conditions. Rent boards and get lessons from the surfing school. You can also take out kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the beach’s nautical center.

At the strand’s eastern limits lie the mudflats and saltwater lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Spot migratory birds and other aquatic creatures roaming this picturesque area. At low tide, fishermen and beachgoers often search the wet sands for shell fish.

Close to the city’s international airport, Faro Island Beach is a long and narrow barrier that stands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Formosa River. Regular buses to the airport also bring passengers here. To reach the beach on foot, walk southwest from the city for less than 1 hour, crossing the river via a bridge. Spend time at neighboring bays, such as Barrinha Beach, Quinta do Lago Beach and Ancão Beach.

Pestana Alvor Praia Beach & Golf Hotel
Four Seasons Vilamoura
Hotel Maritur - Adults Only
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Faro Island Beach

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
99
" "5 - Excellent 60.736196319018404%
4 - Good
56
" "4 - Good 34.355828220858896%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 4.9079754601226995%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Oct 2019

Barril Beach at Pedras del Rei is the most wonderful beach with two good restaurants and a few beachie shops. Catch the little train across the estuary or a nice walk. Approach by going through Santa de Luzia, a delightful fishing village with lots of fine sea-front Restaurants all very reasonably priced.

5/5 - Excellent

Raj
4 Aug 2019

Dont forget the umbrella and shades...

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Jun 2019

Make sure you sit in the hotel concession area, or you will get charged by the other beach vendor.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Jun 2019

Bus no. 16 ... 20 minute ride

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Apr 2019

Awesome beach with beds + shade umbrellas + a few restaurants - we had a great time there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Mar 2019

Little cafe there (although closed when we went march)

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