The Ria Formosa lagoon, located in the Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through six inlets. Five of these inlets are natural and have mobility characteristics. The sixth is an artificial inlet that was opened with the purpose of allowing easier access to the port of Faro. Within the Ria Formosa system, different and sometimes antagonistic uses may be found. Part of the system is a Natural Park but Ria Formosa also plays an important role in the region's economy. Beyond the tourist use the system also supports other economic activities like seafood farms (including grooved carpet shell harvesting) and the port of Faro. The Ria Formosa is also a designated Natural Park of over 170 km² and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.

Ilha Deserta (also known as Ilha da Barreta) is an island near Faro. Literally, Ilha Deserta means Deserted Island. This pretty much describes the island, since there are no people who live on this island permanently. The island is famous for its beautiful beach and unspoiled nature. It is truly a paradise in the Algarve.

Ilha do Farol is one of the barrier islands that form the Ria Formosa. This island which used to be a fisherman's village, today is a small touristic place where you can find a couple of bars and restaurants to have a drink or a full meal.