The Algarve is known for its stunning beaches and beautiful sights. So if you’re heading to Faro for your holidays, here are some of the best beaches waiting to welcome you:
Praia da Ilha da Culatra
This beach is unique, it actually sits on what is called Culatra Island, South of Faro. It is part of the Ria Formosa national park, and the only way to reach the beach is by taking a ferry. The beaches are crystal clear with soft, golden sand and the north side even has lagoons. The beaches here tend to be quiet due to the fact that a ferry is necessary in order to reach the beach. If you’re somebody who likes a quiet beach, then it’s definitely for you.
Praia de Faro Este
This is largely regarded as the best beach in the Faro area, partly due to the easy accessibility of the beach. You can easily reach the beach by taking a bus from the city of Faro. The beach at Praia de Faro Este is made up of soft, golden sand on a long 5km beach. It is not actually well known by tourists, despite its close proximity to the Faro International airport. One let down is that it is not that great for snorkelling due to the lack of rocks at the beach. However, if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy some quiet time then this beach is perfect for you.
Praia de Barreta Mar
The Praia de Barreta is a sand strip that runs along the Eastern side of the Faro canal. The beaches here offer soft sand and a quiet setting that very little people know about. The quiet is heightened by the need to access the island by boat from Faro. But, if you’re looking for somewhere to truly escape the world for a bit, Praia de Barreta Mar is likely your best option.
Praia de Faro
The Praia de Faro beach is the beach that is closest to the city of Faro. It is situated on the island of Ilha de Faro, and is accessible by a bridge. The sand is soft and golden and the views are spectacular. Although disappointingly, the water here is known to be quite cold, even in the summer months. The downfall of this beach is that it is the most popular one in Faro and therefore it can get quite busy, but the further you stray from the bridge, the quieter it gets.
Praia da Barrinha
This beach lies on the Peninsula do Ancão, across the bridge from Faro. The beach has soft, white sand and clear water surrounded by a view that looks like paradise. Again, it’s not as highly populated as other beaches so it makes for a great visit if you’re looking for somewhere truly relaxing.
Praia da Quinta do Lago
The Quinta do Lago resort has its own exclusive beach that offers you some privacy at a beautiful, soft, white beach that can be reached by a long boardwalk. The beach itself stretches 3km, giving plenty of room for guests to visit. The beach is even popular amongst famous people due to its beautiful views and quiet atmosphere.
Praia da Ilha de Faro
Praia da Ilha de Faro is a long narrow beach that lies just south of Faro airport. On one side the sand offers the sea, and on the other it has a sheltered lagoon. If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the sun and relax, then Praia da Ilha de Faro is not the place for you as it can become overcrowded during the summer months.
Praia da Ilha Deserta
Ilha Deserta or Ilha da Barreta is a popular island near Faro that offers stunning beaches. The island is unspoiled and has a population of zero. Adding to the beaches natural appeal to those who seek a true desert island. The beach stretches around 7km and has white, soft sand and clearer water than any other beach listed near Faro. This beach is a true stunner and if you are going to the Faro area then I highly recommend this beach to you.
Praia Vale do Lobo
Praia Vale do Lobo is an exclusive resort in the Algarve that offers golf courses that look out onto the long, soft, sand beach of Praia Vale do Lobo. The beach features cliffs that overlook the beach, making the beach quite good for snorkelling.
Praia da Armona (Mar)
The Praia da Armona is situated on the Ilha da Armona island that is just off the coast of Faro, forming part of the Ria Formosa National Park. It is a long and sandy beach that is peaceful and offers a desert island feel to it that you can escape to and relax. All you have to do is hop onto a ferry and you’ll be there in half an hour.
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