Olhão

 
The town of Olhão, with its Moorish-influenced looks, is known for having the largest fishing port in the whole of the Algarve, and for being blessed with some of the finest beaches in Europe.

It is famous for exporting tuna and for its canning factories, which automatically makes it a great place to explore the local food.

If you want to be right on the edge of the Ria Formosa and its beautiful islands, you can book a hotel in Olhão.

What to see in Olhão

As you would expect, fishing and life at sea are hugely important to the daily routines and the way of life of the locals.
 

Olhão Municipal Market

The famous Olhão Municipal Market is always overflowing with wonderfully varied, very fresh fish and seafood.

Around it, you will find restaurants and cafés.

Olhão Seafood Festival

If you visit during August, you will be lucky enough to catch the Seafood Festival a popular celebration that runs for almost a week beside the Ria Formosa, with live music, crafts, and plenty of seafood cooked the local way.

Jardim dos Pescadores

Next to the market, and stretching down to the marina, there is a public park known as the Jardim dos Pescadores.

It is well worth a visit, as it sits right in the heart of the tourist area and has a lovely view out over the lagoon.

In this park there is a playground for children, and every Saturday morning a small gypsy market.

sets up. In summer the market is here every day.

 

Ria Formosa

Just like the town of Tavira,  Olhão is closely linked to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for the region's varied flora and wildlife.

From the port and marina of Olhão you can take boats that run trips through the reserve, along the channels of the Ria and past the salt pans.

It's an experience you shouldn't miss if you come to this part of the Algarve.
 

Olhão beaches

Olhão faces onto the Ria Formosa and to reach the beaches of Armona and Fuseta you need to take a boat. You can do it as a tour, or simply pay for a cheaper water taxi.

• Armona
• Fuseta
• Praia dos Cavacos (no boat needed)

If you can, take a trip out to the islands of the Ria Formosa. Their beaches are quiet and the water is crystal clear. We've listed a few options below.
 

Tours and activities from Olhão

Hotels in Olhão

Olhão is a town in the Algarve separated from the beaches by the Ria Formosa. If you want to be close to the islands (Culatra, Armona, Farol), look for a hotel in Olhão.

The town has a Moorish feel that reflects its history. Its most famous building is the municipal market, right next to the marina.

Olhão is just fifteen minutes by car from Faro Airport and two hours forty-five minutes from the capital, Lisbon.

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Reasons to choose a hotel in Olhão

• Boat trips on the Ria Formosa
• Close to the islands and their crystal-clear waters
• Plenty of restaurants to choose from
• The seafood festival takes place in August

As with the other neighbouring towns that share the Ria Formosa (Faro, Tavira ), you have to cross by boat to reach the beaches.

Best area in Olhão to stay

Click to see the hotels laid out on the map

You can see all the hotels in Olhão here.

Recommended hotels in Olhão

Zenit Guest House

Stork Hostel

Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Hotel Cidade de Olhão

Casa dos Ventos

BJB – Alojamentos