Olhao is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and is located just east of Faro, about 20 minutes drive from Faro airport. The style of its architecture, with its white cube-shaped houses, terraced roofs and chimneys, give it a distinct Moorish appearance.
The old town consists of narrow, cobbled, mainly pedestrianised streets lined with an array of interesting little shops and cafes. Take a walk through the fisherman’s quarter of Olhao and explore the warren of narrow, twisting streets with the old fisherman’s cottages on either side.
Along the waterfront the esplanade is lined with palm trees and here you will find dozens of cafes and restaurants. If it is fresh food or seafood that you are after, this is certainly the place to come!
Here on the waterfront, you will also find Olhao market, which is open every morning of the week except Sundays. A visit to Olhao is not complete without experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the market. It is situated in 2 very attractive red brick buildings and here you will find a huge variety of fresh fish, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry. In the afternoon, it is a perfect place to sit outside one of the cafés by the water’s edge and watch the world go by!
Just a few minutes walk from the market, regular ferries and water taxis will take you to the beautiful, less crowded beaches of Armona, Culatra and Farol which form part of the surrounding sandbanks known as ‘ilhas’.
The Ria Formosa nature reserve, a protected conservation area featuring a variety of flora and fauna, is located 1km east of Olhao harbour. This area is also a breeding ground for the Algarve Water Dog. These dogs are unique to the region and, with their webbed feet and fantastic swimming capabilities, have helped the Portuguese fisherman for centuries.
Due to its prime location, Olhao is an ideal base for exploring the whole of the Algarve.
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