Olhão, a charming fishing port in Portugal, exudes a North African ambiance with its Moorish-style flat-roofed houses near the riverfront. While lacking significant historic landmarks, the town offers a delightful local experience, from its vibrant harborfront market to the main avenue, Avenida da República.
From Olhão, visitors can explore the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the serene sandbank islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol. The natural park is a sanctuary for marine life, best enjoyed through a sightseeing cruise, while the islands offer secluded beaches with minimal tourist footprint.
1. Mercado
Olhão's market, bustling from dawn, is a hub of activity housed in two distinctive redbrick buildings. One is dedicated to a fish market, offering a vast array of seafood, while the other sells meat, fruit, and vegetables, showcasing the region's produce like figs and pumpkins. On Saturdays, the quay comes alive with additional stalls selling flowers and homemade jams.
Address: Avenida 5 de Outubro, Olhão
2. Quinta de Marim
Quinta de Marim, located within the Ria Formosa park, serves as an environmental educational center. A nature trail takes visitors through diverse landscapes, including woodlands and marshes, and past historical sites like a tide mill and Roman salting tanks. The park is a birdwatcher's haven, home to species like the white stork and the rare purple gallinule.
3. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa Natural Reserve is a vital wetland stretching along the Algarve coast. Its lagoon, marshes, and barrier islands are teeming with wildlife, including birds and fish. Visitors can explore this pristine environment through boat trips, which offer a chance to experience the remote sand dune islands.
4. Nossa Senhora do Rosário
The parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary, funded by local fishermen, is Olhão's most significant historic structure. Its Baroque façade and the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos, where women pray for the safety of fishermen, are notable features. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the bell tower.
Address: Praça da Restauração, Olhão
5. Ilha da Armona
Ilha da Armona, accessible by ferry, is a tranquil sand bar island popular for its expansive beaches and summer holiday atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the sun and sea in relative solitude, especially further from the ferry pontoon.
6. Ilha da Culatra
Culatra Island, with its traditional fishing village and lack of modern trappings, offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. The island's seafood restaurants are renowned, and its beaches are invitingly soft and white.
7. Ilha do Farol
Ilha do Farol, marked by its iconic lighthouse, is a part of Ilha da Culatra known for its vacation homes, restaurants, and vibrant beach cafés. It's a favored spot for tourists and locals alike, easily reached by ferry from Olhão or Faro.
8. Museu da Cidade
The City Museum of Olhão, set in an 18th-century manor, showcases the town's history through archaeological finds and artifacts related to its industrial and maritime past. The collection includes vintage photographs and models of fishing boats.
Address: Praça da Restauração, Olhão
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Olhão from Faro (and Faro airport)?
Olhão is a short drive or train ride from Faro, with no direct public transport from the airport. Buses and trains connect the two towns, offering scenic coastal views.
Which are the best beach resorts near Olhão?
Nearby beach resorts include Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Quarteira, Vilamoura, and the upscale Vila Galé Albacora in Tavira, with organized water taxi transfers to Ilha de Tavira.
What are some of the must-visit destinations near Olhão?
Must-visit nearby destinations include Faro with its Old Town and Tavira's historical sites, as well as Santa Luzia, known for its octopus and sea safaris.
What are some of the best golf resorts near Olhão?
Near Olhão, golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Benamor Golf Resort, and Colina Verde Golf & Sports Resort, each offering unique challenges and beautiful settings.
