Ilha Deserta

Ilha Deserta, formally Ilha da Barreta, is the outermost of the barrier islands enclosing the Ria Formosa lagoon, a low strip of dune and sand about seven kilometres long with no permanent population, no roads and no development apart from a single restaurant built on stilts and a boardwalk running across the island. At its southern end is Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. Because it is a national park island the dunes are protected and walking is confined to the boardwalk and the beach, which is why the vegetation is intact - marram, sea daffodil, thrift - and why the birdlife along the lagoon side is good. Ferries run from Faro in about forty minutes. There is no shade, no shop and no water beyond the restaurant, and the last boat back is the last boat back.

What you actually see

• The barrier island - seven kilometres of dune and sand with no development.
• Cabo de Santa Maria - the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.
• The boardwalk - the single path across protected dune.
• The lagoon side - Ria Formosa waders and intact dune vegetation.

When to go

May to October for swimming; the ferry runs a reduced service in winter. Half a day to a day. Check the last return time before you go.

Honest expectations

No shade anywhere, no shop and one expensive restaurant - bring water and sun cover. Missing the last ferry means being stranded. Walking off the boardwalk damages protected dune and is prohibited. Wind is constant.

Nearby

Faro is across the lagoon; Culatra and Armona are the neighbouring islands.