To the south and east of Faro are a number of islands that belong to the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Most of these islands can only be reached by boat or ferry from Faro, Olhão, Fuseta or Tavira. Two exceptions are the Ilha de Faro, which can be reached via a bridge, and the Ilha de Tavira (Praia do Barril), which can be reached by a small old train or a short walk. The beautiful beaches are wide and long and offer plenty of space even in the high season.
To the west of Faro are the beaches of Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Ancoa and especially Garrão Poente and Garrão Nascente are highly recommended.
There are even more beautiful beaches further west. The following three definitely deserve a mention: Praia da Falésia (Albufeira), Praia da Marinha (Benagil) and the small picturesque village of Praia do Carvalho (Carvoeiro).
