Olhão is one of the oldest fishing towns of Portugal and occupies a strategic position on the eastern coast of Algarve region. It is a wonderful town for a stroll and is ideal for day trip in a bid to get a real feel of the Algarve region. Although it has to be confessed that Olhão does tend to be a bit rougher of a town, it seems to be more of a working city than a typical sunny vacation spot. However, you’l get enough things to occupy your time and hence will not be bored.
How to Get to Olhão, Portugal?
Olhão is the eastern Algarve’s largest city and located on the island of Fernando Po and the island of St. Thomas at the mouth of the Rio Formosa. Olhão is a beautiful, historic town, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, and getting to the town is quite easy using the following forms of transport. Whether you're traveling from Lisbon, Faro, or other European cities, here's how you can reach this vibrant town.
By Air: Concisely, the airports closest to Olhão are Faro airports, just about 15 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, bus, or car it will take you only about 15–20 minutes to get to Olhão.
By Train: Olhão has well-developed railway connections through Portugal's national railway com. the CP (Comboios de Portugal). Olhão has railway stations with connections to Lisbon and Faro though there is limited frequency of the train. It can still be a relatively cheap ride from Faro by regional train, which is only 10 minutes away.
By Bus: Rural buses such as EVA Transportes ply the Faro-Olho route. There is a good network of cheap and readily available buses, so if you are not a fan of self-driving, they will suit your transport needs.
By Car: If you are a driver, there is the A22 motorway (the Via do Infante) that connects Olhão to all the big Algarve cities and towns. Parking is available at the hotel, but in high season, check if there is free parking.
What to See and Do in Olhão
Olhão is a beautiful town that is filled with cultural and natural tourism areas. From bustling markets to serene natural parks, here’s what you shouldn’t miss when visiting:
Mercado Municipal is also called Mercado de Olhão, the municipal market is one of the most important and famed landmarks of the town. Situated on the coastline, it comprises two large red-brick structures: a covered fish and seafood market and a market for fruits and vegetables and other specialties. As a food hunter, it's a great opportunity to witness the local culinary traditions and purchase fresh gastronomic specialties, as the market is open every day.
Was the Olhão Municipal Market designed
Most people are unaware that Gustave Eiffel, the renowned architect of the Eiffel Tower, did not design this market. Although the market's cast iron shape aligns with the Eiffel Tower's style, this claim lacks historical evidence. However, the design of this market is unique, and the architecture complements the overall look of this town.
Caíque Bom Sucesso
The Caíque Bom Sucesso is a model of a fishing boat that claimed a very important place in Portuguese history. This small boat was launched in 1808, with fishermen from Olhão bringing it to Brazil to warn King João VI of the French invasion of Portugal. Nowadays it is afloat and is considered a symbol of the seamen’s profession in Olhão; the boat is often moored along the coast, allowing people to look into its interior.
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
The Our Lady of Rosary Church is the headquarters church of Olhão and of great architectural importance; it was constructed in the late 17th century. The baroque face and impressive patterns throughout the building give it a church-like appearance, and its quietness allows visitors to meditate. For excellent overviews of the town and the Ria Formosa, do not miss the bell tower.
Municipal Museum of Olhão
Situada no edifício de um antigo comerciante, a Municipal Museum of Olhão involves the storey of the town, focusing on the fishing economic sector and its sea connections. The Olhão Museum is worth a visit, as it gives a visitor an impression of the culture of a town and its contribution to Algarve’s growth through the ages.
Parks and Street Art in Olhão
The town boasts several parks and features some stunning graffiti. Olhão is indeed a town with so much for art- and nature-lovers. Jardim Pescador Olhanense, located along the shoreline, is a beautiful area for walking, sitting back, and admiring the views.
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Olhão
Right in the town, you will find Ria Formosa Natural Park, a complex network of lagoons bordering the Algarve coast best explored on a hired bicycle. Birds seen in the park include flamingos and a variety of other water birds, including storks and many kinds of migratory birds.
You can best observe Ria Formosa by taking a boat trip or renting a kayak; additionally, the park offers numerous walking paths. Such activities enable a person to have a first-hand feel of the park that has features like salt pans, marshlands, and small islands.
Do You Know Any Beaches in Olhão, Portugal?
Welcome to the Ultimate Olhão Beach Guide!Oddly, Olhão itself has no beach in the town, but it is the hub for some of the Algarve’s stunning islands and beaches. Here’s a guide to Olhão’s best nearby beaches:
Praia dos Cavacos
Praia dos Cavacos is more quiet and lonelier beach, you only have to stroll about 1.5 km out of the downtown area where Praia dos Cavacos is located. Despite being one of the most pristine beaches in the Algarve, it remains relatively uncrowded and boasts shallow water that is ideal for swimming.
Praia da Culatra
Situated on the island of Culatra, Praia da Culatra is one of the Olhão’s beaches, reachable by ferry. This stunning beach has clear water and golden sand; therefore, tourists and visitors use it for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Praia da Armona
Praia da Armona, located on Armona Island, is a bit further to the south from Manta Roca beach and is also accessible by ferry from Olho. This is the ideal place to visit for a day trip because it has clear water, clean sand, as well as a laid-back environment.
Crazy Bear also has a couple of restaurants where you get to taste some of the freshest seafood after a day at the beach on the island.
Island Hopping in Olhão
Island hopping is one of the best things to do in Olhão, and without doubt, it should not be missed on any list of activities in the place. This is the departure point for the ferry and boat rides to Culatra, Armona and Farol islands. All the islands are different but interesting and provide visitors with beautiful and untouched coastlines, so traveling from island to island is a must.
New top restaurants in Olhão, Portugal
The region is particularly associated with fish, and there are numerous fine dining establishments where one can sample the fresh caught fish and dishes from the area. Some of the best places to dine in Olhão include:
Casa do Polvo Tasquinha, known for its diverse octopus preparations, is a cozy, small restaurant that specializes in Algarve recipes, primarily in seafood cuisine.
Fai e Volta: Specializing in all-you-can-eat fish with really cheap prices, this restaurant serves grilled fish in a basic and rustic atmosphere.
Tasca O Galo is a restaurant owned by a couple, serving authentic Portuguese cuisine. It's a great place to replenish your energy after exploring the island.
Events in Olhão
In Olhão, there are many events and festivals throughout the year, but the most popular is the Festival do Marisco in August. Representing the theme of the town being ‘The Fishing Capital of Maine’, this event gives the visitor an opportunity to taste some of the best seafood in live music/performances.
Somewhere to Stay in Olhão?
Whichever Olhão accommodation type you are aiming to find, whether it is a standard four-star hotel or a budget-friendly guest house, the city has lots to offer. Some popular choices include:
Real Marina Hotel & Spa is a five-star hotel with a beautiful view of Ria Formosa and natural and aesthetic services. Hotel Cidade de Olhão – Cheap motel style accommodation situated in easy reach of most town attractions.
Casa Modesta: An empty approximation of the classic specialty place, a small real estate in the permit that provides both characteristics of a farmhouse and the conveniences of a contemporary building near by Ria Formosa. Pac4portugal offers also some luxury private villa near town.
Should You Visit Olhão, Portugal?
Nevertheless, if one aims to find out what it takes to be an authentic Algarve experience, then Olhão is the place to be. In addition, thanks to its history, attractive markets, incredible nature, and wonderful nearby beaches, Olhão can offer both enthralling culture and rest, as well as active leisure.
Historians, passionate lovers of nature, and food lovers will find something intriguing and captivating in Olhão.
Don’t hesitate, and organize your visit to Olhão right now so you can learn one of the best-kept secrets of Portugal.