• Historic Old Town & Fishermen’s Heritage
• Ria Formosa Natural Park & Islands
• Authentic Algarve, Local Food & Markets
• Beaches, Boat Trips & Coastal Adventures

Olhão awaits!

The Authentic Heart of the Algarve

Olhão is one of the most authentic towns in the Algarve. Located beside the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park, this former fishing village has kept its strong connection with the sea, its traditional character and its unmistakable Portuguese charm.

A Fishing Town with Character

The history of the town goes back centuries. What began as a small settlement of fishermen’s huts grew into an important fishing town, thanks to its location on the Ria Formosa and its direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.
For generations, fishing and the sea shaped everyday life. The town also developed strong trading connections with Morocco and North Africa, influences that can still be seen today in its unique architecture.

Explore the Historic Centre

One of the things that makes Olhão’s old town so special is its distinctive architecture. Wander through narrow streets and discover the famous white, cube-shaped houses, flat roofs, hidden courtyards and colourful details.
This traditional style gives a character unlike anywhere else in the Algarve. It is a pleasure to simply get lost in the streets of the historic centre, discovering little squares, local cafés and authentic corners along the way.

Markets, Food & Local Life

Olhão is still very much a living town. Its famous fish and food markets are at the heart of local life, filled with fresh fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables from the Algarve.
The town is also a wonderful place to enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese food and a relaxed drink while watching everyday life unfold around you.

The Ria Formosa

From Olhão, the Ria Formosa Natural Park and its beautiful islands are right on your doorstep. Take a boat trip across the lagoon, spend a day on one of the nearby islands or simply enjoy the spectacular coastal landscape.
With its combination of authentic Algarve culture, historic streets, fresh seafood, island beaches and the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa, Olhão is a perfect destination for travellers looking for something beyond the typical Algarve resort.

Come and Experience Olhão

Stay in our traditional holiday home in the heart of Olhão and experience the town as the locals do — surrounded by history, culture, great food and the sea.

Discover Olhão. Fall in love.

In the 20th century, the village changed considerably through industrialisation. New industries brought employment and prosperity, while many traditional fishing occupations disappeared or changed character. Nevertheless, the town’s connection with the sea remained strong.

Today, its maritime heritage still plays an important role in the life of the town. The history is passed on through education and museums and celebrated through various festivals and cultural events. At the same time, more and more historic buildings are being restored. In this way, Olhão is trying to preserve its distinctive character and its origins as a fishing town for the future.

Restaurants

Taste the Authentic Algarve

Olhão is a paradise for food lovers. With an incredible choice of restaurants, cafés and traditional eateries, you could eat somewhere different every day and still have plenty left to discover.

As a historic fishing town in the Algarve, Olhão is especially famous for its fresh fish and seafood. Much of the fish served in local restaurants is caught by the town’s fishing fleet and arrives fresh from the sea, while the seafood comes straight from the rich waters of the Ria Formosa.

Fresh Fish, Seafood & Portuguese Flavours

Many of the best-known restaurants in Olhão are located along the waterfront, where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish and seafood with views across the Ria Formosa. But don’t stop there. Some of the most charming and authentic places are tucked away in the narrow streets of the historic centre of Olhão.

Take a stroll through the baixa, follow the smell of grilled fish and see where the evening takes you. Discovering a little local restaurant is all part of the Olhão experience.

Good to Know

If you’re looking for the freshest fish, Monday may not be the best day to visit a fish restaurant, as fishing is traditionally quieter on Sundays. It’s the perfect excuse to try something different, such as frango piri-piri or bife na pedra – tender beef cooked on a sizzling hot stone.

And don’t leave Olhão without trying some classic Portuguese dishes. Bacalhau à Brás and Bacalhau com Natas, both made with dried salted cod, are firm favourites.

Fun fact: tempura has Portuguese roots. Portuguese traders and missionaries introduced their way of preparing battered fish and vegetables to Japan in the 16th century – a culinary connection that eventually became part of Japanese cuisine.

So bring your appetite, wander through the streets and discover the flavours of Olhão. Fresh seafood, local recipes and authentic Algarve dining are waiting just around the corner.

Three days in Olhão

Day 3

Slow down ..

Give yourself a day to experience the town at a slower pace. Start with a leisurely breakfast before exploring the little streets, local shops and cafés around the baixa.
Stop for a coffee, enjoy a long Portuguese lunch and perhaps return home for a relaxing afternoon. As evening arrives, head back towards the waterfront for fresh seafood and a cold drink, and watch the sun go down over the Ria Formosa.

This is our fishing village at its most relaxed — authentic, unhurried and full of atmosphere.