Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta Island, is a pristine, uninhabited beach paradise within Ria Formosa Natural Park. This narrow sand island stretches nine kilometers of wild beaches and dunes with only a single building: the distinctive Estaminé restaurant. Here lies Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal. The island is home to rare flora and fauna including the Portuguese chameleon. It is accessible by ferry from Faro marina in approximately thirty-five minutes.