Discover one of Portugal’s natural wonders by bike, boat, kayak or on foot and find barrier islands and snaking waterways that provide a haven for flora and fauna.

While staying in Olhão you’ll most likely want to visit the nearby islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is accessible by ferry from this harbor.

Look out across the rooftops of historic Tavira from a tower in this ruined fortress, which has withstood royal sieges, pirate attacks and natural disasters.

Located on a small island that separates Rio Formosa Natural Park from the sea, this undeveloped beach offers calm, clean waters and few crowds.

Accessible only by boat, this spacious stretch of sand offers an appealing mix of amenities while still maintaining a remote, secluded feeling.

Towering over the waterfront, this market is a symbol of Olhão's industriousness and agricultural traditions, which are depicted on tile paintings inside the buildings.