Visiting Ilha Deserta is an invitation to discover one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets.

Despite its name (Ilha Deserta = Desert Island), the island is far from empty, especially in summer. At this time of the year, it attracts countless visitors searching for its beautiful beach, but even then, Ilha Deserta retains a wild and peaceful essence.

When I decided to make this trip, going after the waves brought by a southerly swell, I knew I wouldn’t be the only one wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the Algarve, but I was still surprised by the serenity I found.

The untouched nature, the transparent waters, and the beauty of the dunes made me completely forget that I was only a few kilometers from Faro, leaving me in awe.

In this article, I’ll share my day in this jewel of the Ria Formosa, between surfing, walking the island, and lunch by the sea. I’ll also leave you with some tips so that you can plan your unforgettable day in Ilha Deserta.

Where is Ilha Deserta?

How to get to Ilha Deserta

Getting to Ilha Deserta is an experience in itself. The crossing from Faro offers beautiful views over the Ria Formosa, with its calm waters, natural channels, and an impressive variety of birds that fly over the area.

There are two main ways to get to the island: by ferry or shuttle.

The Ferry

Animaris offers a regular ferry service all year round if you prefer a cheaper option. Return tickets cost around 10 euros per adult, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

The ferry departs from Cais da Porta Nova in Faro, and the timetable varies according to the season, with more departures available in the summer.

You must buy the return ticket immediately, as they don’t sell them on the island. My suggestion (and what I did) is to buy the ticket for later in the day. If you get bored and want to come earlier, you can always go to the port and talk to the staff to see if seats are available on the earlier ferries.

I opted for this alternative, and I have to say that, although it took longer, it was totally worth it. The crossing was smooth, and the views over the Ria Formosa, with its marshes and small islands, were beautiful.

The Shuttle

On the other hand, if you prefer speed and flexibility, the shuttle is the best choice. Animaris also offers this service, with prices starting at 10 euros per way.

The journey is shorter, lasting around 20 minutes, and the boat makes more trips during the day.

Other alternatives

In addition to the ferry and shuttle, Animaris also offers other ways to visit the Deserta. One is a hop-on-hop-off tour, which, in addition to this island, also takes you to Ilha do Farol and Ilha da Culatra. This tour costs 35€.

The other is a sunset boat trip, accompanied by a marine biologist guide, around some Parque Natural da Ria Formosa islands. This trip lasts 1 hour and costs 20€.

What to take to Ilha Deserta

Before setting off, I prepared myself with everything I knew I would need for a full day on the island. Ilha Deserta lives up to its name: no stores, street vendors, or other infrastructure apart from a restaurant. That’s why it’s essential to prepare.

In my case, I remembered my sun umbrella, sunscreen, and plenty of water. I also took some snacks, as I knew I might get hungry. Oh, and of course, a bikini and a towel.

Like me, if you enjoy exploring the sea, you can also take some goggles and go snorkeling. I brought my surfboard because, as I mentioned earlier, I selected a day with a swell caused by Levante to explore the island.

Always travel safely… and with a discount!

Arrival on the island and first impressions

I disembarked on Ilha Deserta with more than a dozen visitors who, like me, were looking to enjoy a sunny day on one of the Algarve’s most isolated and beautiful beaches.

A few groups of families and friends spread out on the sand. Still, even with people around, the atmosphere remained calm, almost meditative, far from the noise of the more touristy beaches.

I decided not to stray too far from the pier, sticking to Praia da Ilha Deserta, near the lighthouse and the walkway that leads to the Estaminé restaurant. The sea beckoned me with waves formed by the southerly swell that reached the coast.

The deep blue of the Atlantic contrasted with the fine golden sand, and even with a few visitors around, there was plenty of space to spread out a towel and relax.

Although my attention was on Praia da Ilha Deserta, where the conditions were perfect for surfing, I was fascinated by the length of the sandbank. The so-called Praia da Barreta, further west, is ideal for those looking to be even more isolated. I was keen to explore this part of the island, but on this trip, I focused on making the most of the side where the sea was most active.

What the video of this trip!

Exploring the Ilha Deserta

After enjoying a unique surf, I decided it was time to explore the island on foot.

Ilha Deserta offers a trail that crosses the dunes and leads from the pier to Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.

The 2 km walk is relatively easy, and the trail, made on a wooden walkway, winds through the typical vegetation of the dunes, following the side of the estuary.

This trail presented me with an absolutely breathtaking view: the ocean on one side and, on the other, the Algarve coast in the distance, with the calm waters of the Ria Formosa sparkling in the sun.

Along the way, you can also spot the seabirds that inhabit the island. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, and Ilha Deserta may be among the best viewpoints. I saw seagulls flying over the dunes and little terns diving.

Looking for other activities to do in the Ria Formosa Natural Park?

Lunch on the island

When hunger finally struck, I went to Estaminé, the only restaurant on the island right next to the pier.

Estaminé is famous for typical Algarvian dishes with local seafood and fresh fish.

Since it was still late summer and it was a Saturday, I made a point of booking a table, and it was the best option, as the restaurant filled up.

I sat at an indoor table by the window with an incredible ocean view and ordered a tuna muxama starter and a seafood xarém as my main course. All delicious!

The average price of a full meal is around 30€/40€ per person, but it’s worth every penny for the freshness of the ingredients and the experience of having lunch on the island.

If you prefer something simpler, you can always bring a picnic and have your meal on the beach. But if you get the chance, I highly recommend Estaminé.

Relax and enjoy the moment

After lunch, I took the afternoon to relax. I spread my towel on the sand and took my book out of my backpack, but I confess I didn’t get much reading done. The atmosphere was so peaceful that I preferred to close my eyes and let the sound of the sea and the gentle breeze blowing over the dunes lull me.

On Ilha Deserta, time seems to stand still, and the almost absolute silence has a calming effect that makes you forget entirely the fast pace of life.

The sense of peace you experience there is truly rare, particularly in a vibrant region like the Algarve, bustling with tourists. It’s like discovering a hidden oasis amid all the excitement.

For me, it was the ideal moment to disconnect, appreciate the simplicity of nature, and feel completely renewed.

Returning to Faro

As the afternoon progressed and with the ferry scheduled for 17:30, I prepared to return to Faro.

The ferry left right on time, and the crossing as the sun was going down was absolutely magical. The sky was painted in mesmerizing shades of orange and pink, casting a beautiful reflection on the calm waters of the Ria Formosa. The small islets dotted across the landscape became even more visible as the tide receded. It was a unique and breathtaking scene!

As the boat moved on, I looked back and watched Deserta disappear, knowing I’d be back one day.

Final Tips

• To make the most of your visit to Ilha Deserta, I recommend going early to ensure a full day of exploration and rest. In my case, I went on the first ferry in the morning at 10:00.
• The best time to visit the island is between spring and early fall (I went in mid-September) when the temperatures are mild and there is less wind. The island can get busier in the summer, especially at weekends, but you’ll find it much quieter than most of the beaches in the Algarve.
• Also, remember that respecting nature and the local environment is very important. Ilha Deserta is part of a protected ecosystem, and you must leave no litter and not disturb the local fauna and flora.

Ilha Deserta is much more than just a tourist destination. It’s where we can reconnect with nature and find the tranquillity that often eludes us in everyday life.

It was one of the most special days I’ve ever spent in the Algarve, and I know that for anyone looking for tranquillity, pure nature, and a real escape, Ilha Deserta will always be an incredible destination.

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