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 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
The price is NT$3,302 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$3,302
NT$3,639 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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 2025/7/26

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$5,648 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$5,648
NT$6,123 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 2025/7/30

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 NT$6,018 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$6,018
NT$6,517 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 2025/7/23

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 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! (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 2025/7/30

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 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