Boardwalk loop around the dunes of the uninhabited barrier island to the beach and the island restaurant.
The Ilha Deserta Boardwalk Loop is a roughly 4 km circuit around the dunes of Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, an uninhabited barrier island in the Ria Formosa off the Algarve coast of Portugal. Access is by seasonal boat from the Faro quay at Doca de Faro, 8000 Faro, a trip of about 45 minutes that costs roughly EUR 15 to 25 return per adult. Boats operate mainly from April to October, so visitors should check departure and return times before travelling, as there is no other way off the island.
The loop takes 1.5 to 2 hours and has no elevation gain. Most of the route follows raised timber boardwalk across dune and scrub, with some stretches of sand near the beach. Technical difficulty is minimal. Exposure is complete, with almost no shade, and the island is open to sun and Atlantic wind, so the walk can feel demanding in midsummer despite the flat terrain.
The boardwalk leads from the landing jetty over the dunes to the ocean beach and to the island restaurant, which is the main stopping point and a natural place to rest. The surrounding habitat includes dune vegetation, saltmarsh edges and lagoon views, and shorebirds are often visible. Walkers can shorten the loop by returning to the jetty from the beach after a swim.
There are no refuge huts, and drinking water and food depend on the seasonal restaurant, so visitors should carry at least one litre of water and snacks. A hat, sunscreen, closed walking shoes and swimwear are recommended. Because the island is part of a protected natural park, walkers are expected to stay on the boardwalks, take rubbish back to the mainland and avoid disturbing nesting birds. Returning boats leave at fixed times, so keeping track of the schedule is essential to avoid being stranded.
| Distance | About 4 km loop (reported) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Boat from Faro (about 45 minutes, seasonal), roughly EUR 15 to 25 (~$17 to $29) return per adult |
| Best season | April to October (ferry season) |
| Address | Start: Ilha Deserta landing jetty (boat from the Faro quay, Doca de Faro, 8000 Faro) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ilha Deserta (Barreta), Ria Formosa
What to bring
- hat
- sunscreen
- water (at least 1 litre)
- closed walking shoes
- swimwear
- snacks
Location
Start: Ilha Deserta landing jetty (boat from the Faro quay, Doca de Faro, 8000 Faro)
36.9689, -7.8751 View on map
Highlights
- Boardwalk loop of about 4 km over protected dunes
- Boat journey from Faro across the Ria Formosa
- Ocean beach and island restaurant on the route
- Uninhabited barrier island setting with shorebirds
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the last return boat before setting out; there is no alternative transport.
- Carry water and snacks; food depends on the seasonal restaurant.
- Bring sun protection because there is almost no shade.
- Pack swimwear for the beach stop.
- Stay on the boardwalks to protect the dunes and nesting birds.
When to visit
April to October, when boats run. Morning departures avoid the strongest heat and the busiest beach hours.
Accessibility
The boardwalk is flat and largely continuous, which may help some visitors with limited mobility, but boat boarding, soft sand and the jetty can be difficult for wheelchairs. Visitors should enquire with the boat operator beforehand.
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Ilha Deserta?
A seasonal boat from the Faro quay takes about 45 minutes and costs roughly EUR 15 to 25 return per adult.
How long is the loop?
The loop is about 4 km and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, plus time at the beach or restaurant.
When do boats run?
Service is seasonal, generally April to October, so schedules should be checked in advance.
Is there shade on the island?
Very little, so hats, sunscreen and water are important.