Boat trip from Faro to Ilha Deserta by Ferry
Duration: 45 minutes
Faro
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2-Hour Dolphin Watching and Cave Tour: Algarve Coast
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Algarve Zoomarine Amusement Park Entrance Ticket
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From Faro: Four Hour Sailing Trip
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From Faro: 3-Hour Ria Formosa Catamaran 2 Islands Tour
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The 7 Best Things to Do in Faro
Faro offers visitors attractions that encompass the idyllic holiday on the Algarve Coast. Its historical center exudes an old-world charm, and it's close to picturesque villages and a unique nature reserve. What's more, a deserted island is a boat ride away.
Old Town
Enter through the Arco da Vila and stroll along the cobblestone streets. The city walls, which envelop the old town, date as early as the Roman era and later under Moorish rule.
Faro Cathedral
Initially built in Gothic design, the cathedral suffered severe damage during the earthquake of 1755. The tower and the door are all that remain from the original structure.
Museu Municipal Arqueológico
Originally a 16th-century convent in the former Jewish Quarter, the museum houses artifacts from the region, including the Mosaic of the Ocean from the 3rd century.
Church of São Lourenço
The noteworthy church in the town of Almancil is famous for its exquisite interior, which illustrates the life of Saint Lawrence in traditional Portuguese tiles of blue and white.
Castle of Silves
Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, it's the best-preserved Moorish fortress in Portugal. The robust structure dominates the hill over the town of the same name.
Ria Formosa
The natural park, which comprises lagoons and islands, extends 37 miles along the coast. It's home to migrating and nesting birds, including flamingos, during spring and fall.
Barreta Island
Also known as Deserted Island in the Ria Formosa Park, it's a boat ride away to this perfect place to cast your cares away on unspoiled beaches of a sun-drenched coastline.
Planning Your Faro Visit
How many days to spend in Faro?
You could spend up to one week or even 10 days in the area. Faro is a great place to base yourself, in order to explore not only its cultural riches but also those of the region. Miles of beaches and a unique natural reserve are at your fingertips.
Getting around
It's very easy and fun to explore Faro's old town. If you plan to explore the surrounding region, it's best to have a car and enjoy your independence. You can also find affordable train connections, however, to towns in the surrounding area.
Where to stay in Faro
There are accommodations just outside Faro's old city walls. Though, if you're looking to stay seaside, you'll find hotels in small towns along the Algarve coastline.
Getting to Barreta Island
There are four daily departures by boat to Barreta Island. It takes about 1/2 an hour to reach it and costs only 10€ round-trip.
Good to know
- LanguagePortuguese
- CurrencyEuro (€)
- Time ZoneUTC (+00:00)
- Country Code+351
- Best time to visitThe weather is warm enough to swim from April to October, so planning when to go depends on how hot and crowded you want the city to be. July and August offer hot temperatures, but also bigger crowds.
Things to Do in Faro
Top Attractions in Faro
Cities in Portugal
Other Sightseeing Options in Faro
Want to discover all there is to do in Faro? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Faro
Superb day out, knowledgeable guide, beautiful scenery, superb lunch
This is without doubt one of the best excursions we have ever done, the Ria Formosa National Park is amazing and on a sunny November day the colours were amazing (the guide said the colours are actually better at this time of the year). Each of the islands we visited were quite different. So I say definitely do this trip but obviously try to plan the trip on the best day weather-wise. The only slight thing to be aware of is if you booked your tickets online the address given is not exactly right. If you go to the meeting point given from the marina area (Hotel Faro) you need to go another 200 metres approx to where there is a jetty which cannot be seen from the given meeting point.
This was a great way to experience the Ria Formosa!!
We had a great tour with Ricardo. He explained all about the area and really took the time to ensure that he explained everything. Really loved this tour as we had limited time in Faro and it was a great way to experience the Tia Formosa and the beautiful weather
Amazing place, great staff, all in one a MUST SEE once you are in Faro
The reservation was fast,once on the spot I just show the confirmation number and they printed the ticket for me. Ilha Deserta itself it's amazing...in September it was really like a dessert, which means almost nobody there. If you are looking for a relaxing day on the beach with cristal clear water and white sand, this is your spot! The ride on the catamaran was also an atraction and the staff was very nice, even waited for my friend few minutes as she couldn't find the starting point. Ps: the docking place it's behind the actual port, in front of old city walls. Ps2: Note- there is no shops on the island so take water and all you need. There is a restaurant there ( the only building in the island) but it's a bit pricy, which is understandable considering the location, behind the restaurant there is a snack bar which has more economical version.
Much fun, nice guide and beautiful sunset
Great tour with opportunity to snorkel and spend some time on the different island.
Excellent value for a 45 minute trip each way
Worth a visit. Specatular scenery and beaches. Don't forget an umbrella and drinks if going in the Summer. Must be amazing in the spring with all the wild flowers.
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