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 Olhão use 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 Ria Formosa Natural Park and Moncarapacho Museum and Chapel.

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
The price is NT$3,356 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
NT$3,356
NT$3,698 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
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! (121 reviews)
"This hotel is on the top floor of a shopping g mall. You enter through the mall. When the mall is closed you can walk around the empty mall… it’s kind of cool."

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

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 NT$4,045 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
NT$4,045
NT$4,429 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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! (522 reviews)
Amazing Stay in Olhão
"We had an amazing 3 night stay! The hotel was spotless and in a great location. The staff were welcoming and helpful, you could see they worked really hard to maintain the quality throughout the hotel! We used the rooftop pool/bar area everyday and had no problem getting a sun bed. Great facilities ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/19

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Av. 5 de Outubro, 1, Olhao
The price is NT$6,540 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$6,540
NT$7,074 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (996 reviews)
"The Real Marina is a great hotel, whose staff go above and beyond at their jobs. The rooms are big, clean, and have AC. Bed is comfortable, and the bathrooms are spotless. The free internet has enough bandwidth to stream content if needs be. The hotel is not too far from numerous restaurants in Olhao, ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

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 residence in Olhao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Olhao Harbour and Faro Marina are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (578 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 2025/5/7

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! (104 reviews)
"Very nice property with spacious bedrooms and a very nice pool. Absolutely loved it"

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Very quiet, great location"

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

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

Cities near Olhao