Praia de Faro – the #1 guide
Praia de Faro is where locals and savvy travelers go to unwind by the sea, just minutes from the city of Faro. Stretching along the Ilha de Faro barrier island, this beach blends natural beauty with a lively atmosphere. Think chilled beach bars, long sandy walks, and epic sunsets over the Atlantic. Whether you’re coming for a quick dip or a full beach day, Praia de Faro offers easygoing charm and a local feel. Dive into our guide to make the most of your visit.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Faro unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Praia de Faro
- Easy access from Faro city – Just a short drive or bus ride away, it’s perfect for a spontaneous beach day.
- Lively, local vibe – A favorite among Faro residents, with relaxed cafés and beach bars dotted along the shore.
- Perfect for a long walk – The beach stretches for kilometers, making it ideal for peaceful walks by the water.
- Great for surfing and bodyboarding – With good waves and surf schools on-site, it’s a great spot for beginners and enthusiasts.
- Part of the Ria Formosa – This barrier island offers views of both the ocean and the lagoon, plus rich birdlife and nature all around.
Want to see Praia de Faro for yourself? Watch the short video below and catch a glimpse of its laid-back beach life.
What to expect at the beach
Praia de Faro is situated on an island called Ilha de Faro, also known as Península do Ancão. On one side of the island there is the sea and on the other side of the island there is the natural park of Ria Formosa. Access to Praia de Faro is through a narrow bridge, crossing the Ria Formosa. The beach is situated on the ocean side and stretches for about 5 kilometres.
The beach is quite clean and well-maintained. The gold-coloured sand is soft and fine. This makes walking barefoot on the beach possible, without shells hurting your feet.
The sea water is very clean, but swimming here can be a disappointing experience. Even in summer, the temperature of the sea water here is quite cold. If you do get in the water, it is good to know that is gets deep quite quickly. The waves can also be quite strong around here.
Praia de Faro can be reached via a narrow bridge. The part around the entrance is also the most developed. You will find many bars, restaurants and shops around here.
The beach is backed by dunes. This is very different from the cliff backed beaches that you can find in other parts of the Algarve.
City beach
Praia de Faro is a city beach. It is the closest beach to the city of Faro, and also the most popular. The beach is also just a couple minutes away from Faro Airport.
The proximity to the city of Faro means that there will be others enjoying the beach as well. Especially during the summer, it can get quite crowded. The beach is very popular as a day trip among the local population of Faro, but recently there has also been an increase in the number of tourists visiting the beach. Because of the proximity to the airport, Faro beach is also the perfect place to enjoy the sun for a couple of hours before your flight leaves.
Although it can be quite busy in the summer, people usually stay near the area of the bridge, because they don’t want to walk a lot. The further you go from the entrance (the bridge), the more quiet and unspoiled it will become. This means that even in the height of summer, it is possible to find a spot where you will see only a few people around you. There is even a part of the beach where it is possible to sunbath naked, as it is an unofficial nude beach. Just walk east (to the left when you arrive) to find some peace and quiet. If you would like to visit an even more quiet beach near Faro, go to Ilha Deserta.
Sunset
Watching the sunset from Faro beach is a wonderful experience. Many people stay on the beach long enough to enjoy the sunset.
Water sports
There is a variety of water sports available on Faro beach, including surfing and kitesurfing. The waves and wind around here are good for these sports. On the side of Ria Formosa, you can rent jet skis and kayaks.
Beach walks
Since the beach stretches for several kilometres, Faro beach is the perfect place for long beach walks. The best way to walk is to the east (on your left when you enter the beach). The further you walk from the entrance of the beach, the less people you will see. You can walk all the way to the end of the island, to a part called Barrinha. During the walk you will see the dunes on your left. This beach walk lets you enjoy the beauty of the beach more peacefully and is highly recommended.
Ria Formosa
The island on which Praia de Faro is situated, separates the ocean from the natural park of Ria Formosa. Behind the beach, on the side of the Ria Formosa, the nature is characterized by lagoons, sand banks and wildlife. There are for example several species of migratory birds that can be seen in this area. During low tide, you will be able to see fishermen going through the wetlands, looking for shell fish.
It is possible to swim in the lagoon of Ria Formosa, where you will usually see colourful boats in the water.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia de Faro like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 9:00 AM to secure a parking spot near the bridge and enjoy the beach at its quietest. Even in peak summer, early birds can have it nearly to themselves.
- Walk 10-15 minutes east (to the left side when looking at the sea) along the sand and you’ll leave 90% of the crowds behind. The beach becomes wider, wilder, and almost untouched. It’s where locals go when they want space.
- Head to the Ria Formosa side in the afternoon when the wind picks up. It’s the best spot for kite surfing, kayaking, or just watching the colorful sails dart across the lagoon.
- Golden hour is magical at the dunes just east of the main stretch. Position yourself with the sun behind you and capture untouched sand, glowing sky, and zero footprints. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- Rent a bike from Aeromar and explore the back roads around the island and lagoon. It’s the easiest way to uncover Faro’s natural beauty beyond the beach, especially in the cooler morning hours.
How to get there & parking
Car
The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. Praia de Faro is the only beach in Faro that is accessible by car. All the other Faro beaches can only be reached by ferry. When you are in Faro, you will see signs indicating the airport. Drive in the direction of the airport. When you arrive at the roundabout near the airport, you will see the beach sign indicating Praia de Faro. Otherwise you can enter the following address in your GPS: Avenida Nascente, Faro. You can park your car on Avenida Nascente. Since this is the closest to the beach, it can be difficult to find a spot here, especially in the summer. Otherwise, there is a big car park before the bridge crossing the Ria Formosa. Surely you will find a parking spot there. Parking in this area is free.
Bus
The beach can also be easily reached by bus from the city of Faro. In summer, there is a bus every 30-40 minutes from Faro during the day or every hour in the evening. Make sure you check the current bus schedule at the bus station. Take bus 14 or 16 from Faro city centre, via the airport. The trip from the centre to the beach takes about 20 minutes. A single ticket costs around € 2,30. It is not possible to buy a return ticket. The bridge to the Ilha de Faro is so narrow, that the bus has to stop halfway. This means you have to walk the last 200 metres in order to get to the beach. Watch out when you walk on the bridge: since the bridge is so narrow, pedestrians are very close to the cars driving by.
Ferry
During the summer months, the beach can also be reached by a ferry service from the town of Faro. The ferry leaves from the Porta Nova pier, near the marina. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Best restaurants near the beach
There are several restaurants near Praia de Faro. Our favourite restaurants near the beach are:
- Wax Restobar. This restaurant is located right on the beach. The terrace is a great place to watch the sunset. Good value for money.
- Restaurante Ze Maria. This Portuguese restaurant offers good food in a lovely setting. They specialize in fresh fish and seafood. Located right on the beach.
- Restaurante O Rui. This restaurant is located near the access bridge of Praia de Faro. Their fish is amazing. Also, the staff is very friendly.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia de Faro? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- Apartamentos Barracuda. This aparthotel has everything you need for a nice stay in the Algarve. The host is very friendly and gives a lot of information about the surroundings.
- Wax Hostel. This highly rated hostel overlooks the natural park of Ria Formosa and offers free private parking. It has a nice sun terrace. Rooms are clean and comfortable. The beach is right across the road.
- Luxury Beach Guest House. This guest house has nice rooms and is located right on the beach. They also provide several outdoor activities, including the possibility to rent a bike, which is a nice way to explore the surroundings.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Top excursions nearby
Don’t leave Faro without exploring Ria Formosa. It’s the #1 experience for a reason. From hidden islands to bird-filled lagoons, this natural park is best seen by boat or kayak. We’ve handpicked the top-rated tours that guarantee a front-row seat to its magic. Spots fill up fast, so book your tour now and make it the highlight of your trip.
FAQ
Yes, but stay near the lifeguarded sections. The waves can be strong and the water deep, so it’s best to supervise children closely.
It gets busy near the bridge, especially in summer and on weekends. Walk east or west for a quieter experience.
You may spot birds like flamingos, herons, and oystercatchers in the Ria Formosa lagoon, especially at low tide.
Yes, the water is generally safe for swimming, although it can be cold even in summer. It gets deep quickly and sometimes has strong waves, so caution is advised.
There is little natural shade. Bring your own umbrella or rent a sunbed with shade if you plan to stay long.
Yes, an unofficial nude beach area exists if you walk east from the main entrance. It’s more secluded and peaceful.
Yes, including surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Equipment rentals and lessons are available on both ocean and lagoon sides.
Yes. It’s perfect for long beach walks, especially heading east toward Barrinha where it becomes more natural and untouched.
The Ria Formosa lagoon is on the inland side. It’s rich in wildlife and offers great views and opportunities for kayaking or bird watching.
Yes, though it’s not as popular as the ocean side. The calm water is suitable for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and relaxed swims.
Beach facilities
The area around Praia de Faro is well developed, with many bars, restaurants and hotels nearby. There is also a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed around here. One part of the beach is for swimming, while the other part is more for water sports. The beach is also accessible by wheelchair.
Facilities in Praia de Faro:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: yes
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: no
It is also possible to explore Praia de Faro by bike. You can for example rent a bike from the Aeromar hotel near the beach. It costs around 15 euros to rent a bike for a day. With the bike you can cycle on the roads near the beach.
