Few Algarve beaches feel as remote as the lha da Barreta

Why go?

Nearly ten kilometres of sand is yours for a sandy slumber or watery frolic on Ilha da Barreta (aka Ilha da Deserta). Part of the beautiful, and much underrated Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, access to this pristine beach is through marshland, via a labyrinth of channels. Prolific bird life, including flamingoes and terns, inhabit the dunes and lagoon. You’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere more uninhabited, yet it is only a boat ride away from Faro.

Who goes?

Lazy types and beach bums who want to do nothing but fry themselves to a crisp; nudists (unofficial); nature lovers and bird watchers. In summer the beach is supervised; basic facilities include a restaurant and toilets.

What is there to do?

Little but serious relaxation (but the sun is intense here – there’s no shelter other than hired brollies in summer; 6 euros per day), snorkelling in the calm waters, or wandering along the nature trail – the boardwalk is built from railway sleepers. Oh, and eating (see below).

Bars and bites

The environmentally-friendly restaurant of O Estaminé (00351 91781856; www.ilha-deserta.com) whips up excellent bites from its solar-powered kitchen.

Getting there

Express trains run daily from Lisbon’s Oriente Station to Faro (3.5 hours; 21 euros). From Faro, take a boat (10 euros for a return trip, four daily departures; 00351 918779155; www.ilha-deserta.com) to Arco da Porta Nova.

Algarve Car Hire Service

Myalgarvecars.com Car Hire Algarve

We provide excellent service, excellent vehicles and very competitive prices!