Olhao

Travel Guide

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

Browse busy markets, taste freshly caught fish and admire Moorish-style architecture at this port town, the gateway to the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park. 

Take a break from the beach to explore Olhão, the biggest fishing port in the region. Wander around the bustling quayside quarter, soak up the buzzy atmosphere in the municipal markets, discover the narrow streets and Moorish-style architecture of the old town, and take a trip to the peaceful bird-filled islands and lagoons of a nearby natural park.

The people of Olhão have traditionally depended on fishing and it remains a big industry for the town. Visit the Port of Olhão to see fishing boats out on the water then explore the Municipal Markets, where much of the fresh fish is sold. Spread across two red-brick domed buildings, the markets include one for fruit and vegetable and another for seafood.

The town is also home to several buildings of architectural note. Stroll around town and look for the Baroque-style Nossa Senhora do Rosario, which was built in the 17th century and features fresco paintings and lovely carved woodwork. At the back of the church is the Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos chapel, where fishermen’s wives would traditionally have gone to pray for their husbands’ safety on stormy days.

Most tourists who come to Olhãouse it as a jumping-off point from which to explore the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park, a vast estuarine reserve encompassing lagoons, islands, lakes, marshland and salt pans. Take a boat from the quayside to one of Rio Formosa’s islands. Find pleasant beaches for bathing and swimming on Ilha da Culatra and search the marshland for bird species including ducks, gulls and rare species such as the yellow-legged gallinule.

Another attraction worth visiting is Centro Educação Ambiental de Marim, an interpretation center for the Ria Formosa Natural Park, located less than 2 miles (3 kilometers) from town. Follow a walking trail that winds through several different habitats, including salt marshes and pine woodlands.

Find Olhão in the Algarve, near the Rio Formosa Natural Park. The town is just 30 minutes from the Spanish border by car.

Where to stay in Olhao

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
3 out of 5
Av. da República 34, Olhao, Faro
The price is ₩224,857 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
₩224,857
₩244,776 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
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! (489 reviews)
"Very nice property with lovely rooftop pool and bar."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
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 ₩163,537 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩163,537
₩179,769 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"My daughter and i booked this hotel last minute, i would definitely stay there again if i venture back to Olhão. The staff are lovely and everywhere was so clean.. we made the right choice."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

B&B HOTEL Olhao Algarve
Real Marina Hotel & Spa
Real Marina Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Av. 5 de Outubro, 1, Olhao
The price is ₩290,826 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩290,826
₩314,696 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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 stay
"Great location 9 mins from the airport. Ideal for quick getaway. Lovely pool. Short Ferry trips to nearby islands with beaches. Very nice hotel. Modern, Comfortable and clean rooms."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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.
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! (98 reviews)
"Very enjoyable stay in this hotel. Beautiful room in a perfect area. Staff very welcoming and friendly. Hotel located a 2 minute walk from the centre of the town and other bigger towns/cities are a short drive or taxi away. Would highly recommend this hotel and this town in general for anyone looking ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Estúdios Salinas
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 Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (573 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

Real Marina Residence
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! (13 reviews)
"This was an amazing place to stay. The hospitality, decor, pool, and breakfast were all superb. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Olhao

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 80%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

JayC

Nice historic town, lots to explore.

Cities near Olhao