Olhao

A fisherman's village now turned to into popular tourism destination

City Overview

Olhao has recently become a popular tourist destination transforming from a fishermen’s town with an industrial past and rugged vibe. Just ten minutes away from the Algarvian capital Faro. Olhao is no longer neglected by visitors and good for a great day trip during your stay in the south of Portugal.

In a sea of white houses, typical of the region, two mighty red buildings stand out on the waterfront which are the twin pavilions of the Mercado (market), built in 1912. All sorts of goods are for sale here meat, poultry, fruits, nuts, baked goods, and especially fish, freshly caught every morning, and delivered to the myriad of restaurants in the city.

Olhao is a fishing port and a centre of industrial fish and seafood processing, for the Bela brand of canned sardines and Conserveira do Sul's Manná range of processed fish and seafood products which also include canned sardines and a wide range of other products such as fish and seafood pastes.

Sightseeing

Olhao is often called the “cidade cubista” due to the cube-shaped houses in the Bairro dos Pescadores (fishermen’s district), adorned with typical Portuguese azulejos (tiles). To enrich the picturesque scenery of the city centre, the Caminho das Lendas (path of the tales) has been created.

Interesting graffiti, modern art installations, and statues are on display in five different squares of Olhao.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário (XVII century) is the main church in Olhao. The churches  interior boasts beautiful frescos and altarpieces, while at the back sits the Capela do Senhor dos Aflitos (chapel), where the fishermen’s wives would pray for the safety of their husbands at sea.

Cultural highlights of this southern town are the local museum and the monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, as well as the events organized by local associations.

Those in search of natural beauties can head to Ria Formosa, a salty marsh lagoon rich in wildlife by ferry that depart from the dock at Olhao’s harbour towards the small isles of Culatra, Farol, and Armona, home to sandy beaches like Praia da Fuseta, that are busy in the summer months.

Cafes & Restaurants

The local cafes and restaurants are a relaxed hub for enjoying drinks and tasty petiscos (Portuguese tapas plates and snacks).

Main Events

Food lovers should visit in August whist the Festival do Marisco (Seafood Festival) in on. Clams, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and more seafood can be tasted as well as traditional dishes. All to be washed down with a copo de vinho da casa (house white wine) to savour the authentic Algarvian gastronomy.

Other

Currency - Euro (EUR)

Language - Portuguese

Visas - Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

Best Time To Visit - March – October

Timezone - Western European Standard Time (GMT)

Homosexual Activity - Legal