Olhao Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Olhao showing a city and a sunset
Olhao Municipal Market featuring a sunset and night scenes
Fuzeta Beach showing a beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Olhao
Fuzeta Beach featuring surf and general coastal views 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 centre for the Ria Formosa Natural Park, located less than 2 miles (3 kilometres) 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

While Bela Curral may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ria Formosa Natural Park and Olhao Municipal Market.

Bela Curral
Default Image

Barranco de São Miguel

When in Barranco de São Miguel, you can plan a visit to Ria Formosa Natural Park and Moncarapacho Museum and Chapel, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 AU$185 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
AU$185
17 Sept - 18 Sept
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 17 Aug. 2025

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 AU$255 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
AU$255
16 Sept - 17 Sept
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! (521 reviews)
Relaxed, chilled & perfect few days away
"Everything about this hotel was amazing from the moment we got there. Friendly staff, beautiful rooms, amazing roof top pool and bar. The whole vibe is very chilled. Only negative is they don’t have food at the pool bar on a Monday which we weren’t aware of and that was our only pool day so had to ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

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 AU$345 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$345
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (995 reviews)
"good location,friendly staff"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 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.
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 7 May 2025

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 11 Aug. 2025

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 7 Jul. 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

Activities

Cities near Olhao