On the Ilha de Faro, 9km west of the centre, the town's beach has sweeping sand, windsurfing and kitesurfing operators, and a handful of cafes. It's crammed in high summer. Take bus 14 or 16 from the bus station (€2.30, 20 minutes, up to two per hour daily July to September, hourly Monday to Friday only October to June).
Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley