Faro's beaches are reached by short ferry from the pier near Jardim Manuel Bívar. Ilha de Faro (Praia de Faro) is the closest — a long barrier island with calm water on the lagoon side and Atlantic waves on the ocean side, and the only Faro beach reachable without a boat (via a small bridge from the mainland). Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Barreta (also known as Ilha Deserta) are quieter and less developed, popular for birdwatching in the Ria Formosa Natural Park — flamingoes, sandwich terns and spoonbills. Ilha de Armona, further east near Olhão, has one of the best beaches in the region. For families with young children, Burgau Beach west toward Lagos is a safe horseshoe cove with calm water and tidal pools.