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Things to Do in Olhão

19th April 2023

Visually striking and rich in maritime heritage, Olhão stands out for its North African-style architecture, flat-roofed terraces, and sun-bleached fishermen’s quarters. It serves as the perfect gateway to the pristine sandbar islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, making it a fantastic destination for a coastal day trip.

Whether you want to source the finest shellfish in Europe to grill back at your private villa or cross the lagoon to explore untouched beaches, here are some of our top picks for things to do in Olhão.

 

Where is Olhão in Portugal?

Olhão is a coastal municipality and port city located in the eastern-central pocket of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Hugging the Atlantic coast, it sits just east of Faro and offers a rugged, maritime alternative to the neighbouring resort towns.

Because of its coastal position, travelling to Olhão from your luxury villa or arrival terminal is incredibly easy:

  • From Faro Airport (FAO): A quick 15-minute drive (around 12 km) east via the N125 highway, meaning you can easily dip your toes into the town’s famous seafood scene shortly after your flight lands.
  • From the Golden Triangle: Olhão is highly accessible for an easy afternoon trip. It sits just a 25-minute drive east from the exclusive villas of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura.
  • The Olhão vibe: Unlike the high sandstone cliffs of the Western Algarve, Olhão’s geography is defined by the marshlands, salt flats, and barrier islands of the Ria Formosa. The town itself has a maritime charm, completely centred around sea life, boat culture, and genuinely good food.

 

What to do in Olhão

Here are some of the top things to do in Olhão. Let’s dive right in:

Ilha da Culatra (Culatra Island)

This island, just off the coast of Olhão, is a beautiful destination for a day trip. You can catch the ferry from Olhão and spend the day walking along the sandy beaches while taking in the views, maybe even stopping for some lunch. It’s ideal if you want a quieter and more relaxed beach day!

Mercado de Olhão

Mercado de Olhão is a lovely local market selling fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and groceries. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s a great place to experience the local culture and see how people of the city get their locally sourced foods. You could have a bite to eat at a cafe or take some fresh fruit home to enjoy during your stay in the Algarve. 

Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa) is a collection of lagoons and marshes along 60km of the coast. Formed by part of the islands of Ilha da Cultura and Ilha da Armona, it’s home to a range of wildlife, including birds and fish.

However you want to experience the natural beauty of Ria Formosa is entirely up to you. You could take a boat to the islands and walk around yourself, or book a birdwatching tour.  

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

This building is Olhão’s main church. Opened in 1715 as a place of worship, it features spectacular golden interior decoration and a heavenly white exterior. It’s free to enter and is open throughout the week except for Mondays. You’re also able to climb the tower and gain a magnificent view of the city for just €1.

Atelier Zea

Atelier Zea is a small boutique art gallery that features paintings of Algarvian lifestyle and architecture. If you’re on the hunt for something to take back home, then some of these pieces of art would look fantastic in anyone’s home. 

Cerro De Sao Miguel

Cerro de São Miguel is a hill that offers rewarding views of the surrounding landscape at its summit. It’s not too much of a challenge, and once you reach the top, you’ll be glad to have come. With 360° views of the area, you can see everything from the countryside to the city and all its beaches!

 

A day trip to Olhão

For a flawless day out exploring Olhão from your luxury villa base, here is how we recommend organising your trip:

  • 09:00 AM: Arrive at the Mercados de Olhão. Walk through the halls to see the morning catch and sample fresh local figs.
  • 10:30 AM: Wander through the ancient, cubic streets of the Barrio dos Pescadores and climb the tower at Igreja Matriz for early-day photos.
  • 11:30 AM: Meet your private skipper at the marina and board a chartered luxury boat to cruise out into the Ria Formosa.
  • 12:30 PM: Drop anchor at Ilha da Culatra. Walk the wooden boardwalks and have a spectacular lunch of freshly caught grilled fish right at a local island bistro.
  • 03:00 PM: Sail over to a sandbar on Ilha do Farol for an afternoon of swimming in the beautiful turquoise water.
  • 06:30 PM: Cruise back to the mainland as the sun begins to set over the marshlands. Head to the trendy waterfront strip for a premium seafood dinner pairing local clams with cold Portuguese white wine.

 

Book your luxury Algarve getaway today

Now you know what to do in Olhão, there’s only one more question. Where to stay in Olhão? Well, that’s where we can help! We have a selection of luxurious villas across the Algarve close to all the local amenities.

Suitable for couples, families or larger groups, our range of properties is amongst the finest in the Algarve. We also have a luxury concierge service for those who want to holiday in style. 

For further information, why not contact us today to discuss the options available to you? We’ll ensure your Algarve stay is one you’ll never forget!