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Beaches & Sandbank Tours

Golden sands and turquoise sea: ferries and boat tours from Faro reach the barrier-island beaches of the Ria Formosa, like wild Deserta Island and lively Farol. Soft sand, clear Atlantic water and fresh seafood make these some of the Algarve’s loveliest beaches.

200 tours · prices per person, book with partner

4 Stops | 3 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro
Faro
4 Stops | 3 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro
4.9(3,197)·5 hours
from$52/ person
via Viator
Ria Formosa - Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse
Faro
Ria Formosa - Boat trip to the 3 Islands: Armona | Culatra Island | Lighthouse
4.9(1,996)·5 hours
from$47/ person
via Viator
Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro
Faro
Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro
4.9(1,399)·4 hours
from$49/ person
via Viator
2 Stop | 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro
Faro
2 Stop | 2 Islands & Ria Formosa Natural Park - From Faro
4.9(1,080)·3 hours
from$47/ person
via Viator
From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]
Faro
From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]
4.9(860)·8 hours
from$64/ person
via Viator
Faro Airport Private Transfer to Albufeira
Faro
Faro Airport Private Transfer to Albufeira
5.0(829)·1 hour
from$56/ person
via Viator
Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona
Faro
Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona
4.9(480)·3 hours
from$41/ person
via Viator
From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience
Faro
From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience
4.9(449)·7 hours
from$58/ person
via Viator
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro
Faro
Ilha Deserta and Farol Island: a small group boat trip in Ria Formosa from Faro
4.6(278)·3 hours
from$49/ person
via Viator
Explore Secret Caves and Beaches of Alvor - Boat & Kayak Tour
Portimao
Explore Secret Caves and Beaches of Alvor - Boat & Kayak Tour
5.0(188)·3 hours
from$47/ person
via Viator
From Faro: Visit Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach, Algar Seco & More
Faro
From Faro: Visit Benagil Cave, Marinha Beach, Algar Seco & More
4.4(188)·6 hours
from$58/ person
via Viator
From Faro: Benagil, Marinha Beach, 7 Hanging Valleys, Algar Seco
Faro
From Faro: Benagil, Marinha Beach, 7 Hanging Valleys, Algar Seco
5.0(121)·8 hours
from$58/ person
via Viator
Boat trip from Faro to Ilha Deserta by Ferry
Faro
Boat trip from Faro to Ilha Deserta by Ferry
4.5(105)·8 hours
from$12/ person
via Viator
Visit Secret Caves, Hidden Beaches and Snorkel in Alvor, Portugal
Portimao
Visit Secret Caves, Hidden Beaches and Snorkel in Alvor, Portugal
5.0(104)·4 hours
from$93/ person
via Viator
From Faro: Ria Formosa Eco Tour guided by Marine Biologist
Faro
From Faro: Ria Formosa Eco Tour guided by Marine Biologist
4.9(93)·2 hours
from$52/ person
via Viator
Faro - Ria Formosa tour with visit to 2 islands (Deserta, Farol) 3.5 hours
Faro
Faro - Ria Formosa tour with visit to 2 islands (Deserta, Farol) 3.5 hours
4.9(84)·4 hours
from$41/ person
via Viator
Visit Secret Caves, Hidden Beaches and Snorkel in Alvor, Portugal
Portimao
Visit Secret Caves, Hidden Beaches and Snorkel in Alvor, Portugal
4.9(78)·4 hours
from$93/ person
via Viator
Hop On Hop Off 3 Islands: Deserta, Farol and Culatra
Faro
Hop On Hop Off 3 Islands: Deserta, Farol and Culatra
4.6(59)·24 hours
from$47/ person
via Viator
Algarve Beautiful South Coast of Portugal in a Day
Lisbon
Algarve Beautiful South Coast of Portugal in a Day
4.8(40)·12 hours
from$294/ person
via Viator
Lagos and Sagres Premium (from Faro) - Shared small group > VTours Algarve
Faro
Lagos and Sagres Premium (from Faro) - Shared small group > VTours Algarve
5.0(39)·8 hours
from$210/ person
via Viator
Private Departure Transfer: Algarve Hotels to Faro Airport
Faro
Private Departure Transfer: Algarve Hotels to Faro Airport
3.4(9)·1 hour
from$28/ person
via Viator
Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels
Faro
Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels
3.9(9)·1 hour
from$28/ person
via Viator
Faro Deserta and Farol Islands Tour in Ria Formosa
Faro
Faro Deserta and Farol Islands Tour in Ria Formosa
4.0(3)·3 hours
from$41/ person
via Viator
Transfer One Way From Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels
Faro
Transfer One Way From Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels
5.0(1)·2 hours
from$29/ person
via Viator

Beaches & Sandbanks in Faro — FAQ

What are the best beaches near Faro?
The barrier-island beaches of the Ria Formosa — such as Deserta, Farol and Faro Island — are the closest and loveliest.
How do you reach the island beaches from Faro?
Ferries and boat tours from Faro’s harbour reach the Ria Formosa islands and their beaches.
Is Deserta Island worth visiting?
Yes — Deserta (Barreta) is a wild, uninhabited barrier island with pristine sand, dunes and a seafood restaurant.

More things to do in Faro

Ria Formosa & IslandsFaro Old TownBenagil & Sea CavesDolphin WatchingTavira & Algarve Towns