Olhao

Travel Guide

Olhao featuring a sunset and a city
Olhao Municipal Market which includes a sunset and night scenes
Fuzeta Beach showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Olhao
Fuzeta Beach which includes general coastal views and waves as well as a family

Olhão is a city in the eastern Algarve, home to the interesting island of Armona, which is part of the nature park, Ria Formosa, and the popular Fuseta and Armona beaches. It’s also home to the largest fishing port of the region.

Despite the industrial look of the city, with its warehouses and fishing boats, Armona Island has a stunning large golden sand beach, attracting tourists who seek an alternative beach destination in the region. People flock here for the fishing, diving and snorkelling, or to simple sizzle under the sun away from the larger crowds.

History

Evidence suggests that area that now makes up Olhão has seen human occupation since pre-historic times. However, the first documented evidence of a settlement proper dates back to 1378, in which it’s referred to as “Olham”. Why not experience the town’s history yourself and visit its historic centre with Moorish-style houses, influenced by its commercial past trading with North Africa.

In the middle of the 17th century the town became a popular and prosperous fishing port. The protection provided by the construction of São Lourenço Fortress encouraged local fishermen to settle here as it reduced the risk of coastal attacks. Currently the fortress is part of a submerged archaeological site, where you can still see some stones from the ancient walls and three ancient iron cannons during low tide.

Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa is a nature park dedicated to the conservation of fauna and flora. It’s of particular interest due to the number of migratory birds it attracts, many drawn in by the well preserved natural habitats these include barrier islands, marshes, mud banks, sand dunes, salt marshes, freshwater ponds and brackish waterways.

The Marketplace

The marketplace is the perfect place to visit if you’re staying in a self-catered apartment. There are two market buildings along the waterfront selling an exceptional variety of fresh seafood and locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Why not try your hand at making a local classic?

Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and Olhão City Museum

Across from the market halls in the Praça da Restauração is the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário. This baroque church was the first stone buiding in Olhão, built back in 1698 by the local fishermen. The building behind the church was the fishermen's mutual society, but is now home to the Olhão City Museum, which displays archaeological finds dating back to the Copper Age, Bronze Age, Roman and Islamic periods.

Culatra Island

Culatra IslandOpens in a new window presents visitors with a beautiful sandy beach and ornate old lighthouse, plus great views over the ocean. This is a great spot for fishing too, so rent a rod and, grab a good book and relax while you wait for your catch of the day.

Food and Drinks

Grilled sardines and cataplana, a wild combination of clams and paprika, onions and coriander, are just two of the amazing local delicacies you can get around here. Local wines are plentiful and full-bodied too. We recommend Avenida 5 de Outubro, located at the back of the Fisherman’s Gardens and Sea, for a really good meal.

Where to stay in Olhao

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Bela Curral

Bela Curral might not have many top sights, but Ria Formosa Natural Park and Olhao Municipal Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bela Curral
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Barranco de São Miguel

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barranco de São Miguel and surrounding area, you can visit Sao Miguel Peak and Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Barranco de São Miguel
B&B HOTEL Olhao Algarve

B&B HOTEL Olhao Algarve

3 out of 5
Av D Joao VI 100, Olhao, Faro District
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,332 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,332
P6,979 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Parque Natural da Ria Formosa ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

B&B HOTEL Olhao Algarve
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34, Olhao, Faro
The price is P11,025 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P11,025
P11,952 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (512 reviews)
"Love this hotel - location is great, staff super helpful and just the overall feel is perfect. Our ‘go to’ for any trip to the area."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Av. 5 de Outubro, 1, Olhao
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P11,745 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P11,745
P12,716 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (993 reviews)
Great holiday!
"Real Marina Hote & Spa, Olhão, Fantastic stay! The location was perfect, the service top-notch, and the food delicious. Staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. Our room was clean and comfortable-just a bit warm at times. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended!"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Real Marina Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
Avenida 5 de Outubro 2, Olhao
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Olhao Municipal Market ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (577 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

Real Marina Residence
Estúdios Salinas

Estúdios Salinas

Largo da Igreja, 1, Fuseta, Olhao
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
Loved this hotel, but uncomfortable futon
"Overall, a great experience, and I would absolutely stay again. The only real issue was how incredibly uncomfortable the futon bed was. It was as hard as the floor, and unfortunately, there was no mattress for it. All we needed was a mattress for it, and I would have given a 5-star review. This place ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Estúdios Salinas
Villa Loreto

Villa Loreto

3 out of 5
Urbanização Ria Formosa, 12, Olhao
Stay at this 3-star villa in Olhao. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Praia Fuseta are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Very quiet, great location"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Villa Loreto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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