A full day exploring the Ria Formosa Natural Park — one of Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders — by ferry, kayak and on foot. Take the morning ferry to Ilha Deserta (the most remote barrier island) for a pristine Atlantic beach and the island's single elegant restaurant, then return to Faro for an evening stroll through the old town.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park starts directly at Faro's waterfront in the Algarve, Portugal, making this day trip unique in requiring no onward travel to a starting point — ferries depart from the Faro dock or the nearby Olhão terminal. A morning ferry, about 15 minutes each way, crosses to Ilha Deserta, the park's most remote barrier island and the only one with no permanent settlement beyond a single restaurant. The island's pristine, undeveloped Atlantic beach is the main draw, with lagoon-side boardwalks threading through dunes and salt marsh. Lunch at Estamine, the island's sole restaurant, is worth timing for early afternoon, as it can fill during peak season and has no walk-in alternative on the island. Later ferries or kayak trips also allow closer views of the lagoon's birdlife, including flamingos that gather in the shallow channels, particularly in autumn and winter. Visitors with more time can instead or additionally take the shorter 10-minute ferry to Ilha de Faro, a more developed barrier island beach closer to the city with cafés and sun-loungers. By early evening, the ferry returns to Faro for a stroll through the old town's walled centre, with its cathedral and quiet cobbled squares, as a low-key close to the day. Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching, when migratory flamingos and other wading birds are most visible in the lagoon, while summer suits swimming and beach time on Ilha Deserta.
Highlights
- Ilha Deserta ferry
- Remote Atlantic beach on Ilha Deserta
- Lunch at Estamine restaurant (on the island)
- Ria Formosa flamingo spotting
- Faro old town evening
Tips for visiting
- Book the Ilha Deserta ferry in advance in July and August, when sailings can sell out by midday.
- Reserve a table at Estamine restaurant ahead of time, since it is the island's only dining option and has no walk-in overflow.
- Bring cash for the ferry kiosk and any small vendors, as card acceptance is inconsistent.
- Visit in autumn or winter for the best flamingo and wading-bird sightings in the lagoon channels.
- Pack water and sun protection — Ilha Deserta has minimal shade beyond the restaurant terrace.
When to visit
Visit spring or autumn for birdwatching and mild weather, or summer for swimming; arrive on an early ferry to avoid midday crowds at Estamine restaurant.
Accessibility
Faro's ferry docks have level boarding for most sailings, though sea conditions can require a step onto the boat. Ilha Deserta's boardwalks are wheelchair-passable, but the open beach sand beyond them is not.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to book the Ilha Deserta ferry in advance?
Advance booking is recommended in July and August when demand is highest; other months usually allow same-day tickets at the dock.
Is Ilha Deserta beach developed?
No, it remains largely undeveloped with a single restaurant, Estamine, and no other permanent structures, which is part of its appeal.
What is the best time to see flamingos in the Ria Formosa?
Flamingos are most reliably spotted in autumn and winter, when migratory birds gather in the lagoon's shallow channels.
How does Ilha Deserta compare to Ilha de Faro?
Ilha Deserta is more remote and undeveloped, while Ilha de Faro is closer to the city with cafés and sun-loungers, making it a quicker, more casual beach option.