To the south and east of Faro lie several islands that are part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Most of these islands are accessible only by boat or ferry from Faro, Olhão, Fuseta, or Tavira. Two exceptions are Ilha de Faro, which is accessible via a bridge, and Ilha de Tavira (Praia do Barril), which can be reached by a small, old train or a short walk. The magnificent beaches are wide and long and offer plenty of space even during peak season.
To the west of Faro lie the beaches of Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Ancoa, and especially Garrão Poente and Garrão Nascente, are highly recommended.
Further west, there are even more beautiful beaches. The following three are definitely worth mentioning: Praia da Falésia (Albufeira), Praia da Marinha (Benagil), and the small, picturesque village of Praia do Carvalho (Carvoeiro).
