About
Olhão is a fishing town on the Algarve coast of southern Portugal, and it makes a quieter counterpoint to the region's busier resorts. Its working character is the first thing a visitor notices: boats at the quay, a fish market at the heart of town, and streets that still feel shaped by the sea rather than by tourism.
The town and its houses
Much of Olhão's appeal lies in its architecture. The cube-shaped houses, whitewashed and flat-roofed, bring to mind North Africa, and wandering the lanes between them is one of the pleasures of a visit. Take time to look up at the rooftops and the small details along the way, and to let the pace of the town set your own.
Food and the waterfront
The fish market is the natural place to start, and the waterfront is lively in its own unhurried way. Local tavernas serve seafood, and the fish is about as fresh as it gets in a town where the catch comes in daily. Eating here is a relaxed affair, well suited to a long lunch.
Boat trips to the islands
From Olhão, boat trips run out to the barrier islands of Culatra and Armona. Both are low, sandy islands separated from the mainland by the lagoon, and they offer a change of scenery from the town. They suit a day out for those who want sand, water and a slower rhythm, and the crossing itself is part of the experience.
Is it for you?
- Choose Olhão if you want an authentic working town rather than a resort.
- Go for the seafood, the market and the walk through the cube-shaped streets.
- Allow time for a boat trip to Culatra or Armona if the weather and sea are settled.
