Olhão

The town of Olhão is situated in the extreme south of Portugal, 40 kilometres from the border with Spain. It is assumed that the toponym Olhão derives from a great water "eye" ("olho") that existed on the waterfront, from which gushed forth water with abundance. It must have been along this spring that the first olhanenses built their cane straw-covered huts. Today the canning industry and the tourism are the main engines of economic activity, but mainly tourism thanks to Oeiras' magnificent beaches, climate and gastronomy. These, together with Ria Formosa, another charm of the region, captivate many tourists. The regional cuisine is especially sought after for the fish and for the diversity of seafood. The sweets contain the folhados à moda de Olhão (typical brandy and orange pastries), the folar (kind of sweet bread), the pudim de mel (honey pudding) and the Doce do Convento.

What to do in Olhão

Auditório Municipal de Olhão

Olhão

Equipment that accommodates all kinds of cultural manifestations. Here was an old cannery. In addition to the Auditorium itself, this space includes a café-concert with a magnificent terrace.

Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim

Olhão

This environmental education centre, located in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, provides all the information about this park, in addition to release additional environmental oriented entities. Here we can visit exhibitions, attend workshops and show movies.

Ecoteca - Museu João Lúcio

Olhão

Museum with various artefacts related to fishing, including some traditional shipping models.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e Capela de Nosso Senhor dos Aflitos

Olhão

17th century church that took 17 years to be built. In the façade are worthy of notice the six big windows placed as if in civil building, ornamented with baroque motifs. Inside stands out the triumphal arch decoration and the crucified Christ sculpture at the secondary altar. At the back of the church was built the Capela dos Aflitos, standing …

Jardim Patrão Joaquim Lopes

Olhão

Pleasant space offering a beautiful panoramic view of the estuary.

Jardim Pescador Olhanense

Olhão

Garden opened in 1984. It disposes of a bandstand and glazed-tile covered benches, offering a panoramic view of the Ria Formosa.

Marginal da Fuseta

Olhão

Large space, modern and comfortable, with some garden-seats and green areas. Ideal for walking and resting.

Museu Municipal de Olhão

Olhão

Museum with an interactive room, a bibliographical nucleus, an archaeological room, a clearance room and a temporary exhibitions room.

Museu Paroquial de Moncaparracho

Olhão

Space where you may see local archaeological and anthropological pieces. A collection of the religious imaginary from the XVI and XVII centuries stands out.

Ponte Velha de Quelfes

Olhão

Roman Bridge with a rampant roadway settled on an arc of great circle. It reconstructed several times.

Porto de Recreio de Olhão

Olhão

A large recreational port, with many places, located in the centre of Olhão by the sea port.

Praia da Fuseta-Ria (Tesos)

Olhão

A small river beach located by the small town of Fuseta. Despite its dimensions and the fact that the water quality could be better, it becomes crowded with tourists in the summer. Nearby there are several restaurants that serve mostly shellfish dishes.

Praia da Ilha da Armona - Sul

Olhão

A truly beautiful wide stretch of sand that can be acceded only by boat, from Olhão. Quite attended by divers, it has white sands and crystal clear waters. There are quality restaurants that serve a wide variety of shellfish.

Praia da Ilha da Fuseta

Olhão

A very beautiful beach, located in the Natural Park of the Ria Formosa, with good quality water that is very rich in iodine. It can be acceded by boat at a price of 1.60 € but one must take heed in some windy days when the waves may be over two metres tall. Varied restaurants, with a special note to …

Praia dos Cavacos

Olhão

A small river beach, at Ria Formosa (Formosa Brook), in a fishing village. Excellent for water sports.

FIND THE BEST PLACES

Where to eat in Olhão

Sabores da Ria
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €

O restaurante Sabores da Ria, em Olhão, acumula também o serviço de um tradicional café e snack bar…

A Caravela
Portuguese
12.00 €

Pleasant space, working as a restaurant and a bar. It has a nice and flowery esplanade. Occasionall…

Where to sleep in Olhão

Casa Modesta

Uma casa de família renasceu para receber todos os que queiram desfrutar desta terra quase desconhecida, virada para o mar, no coração do Parque Nacional da Ri…

Vila Monte Farm House

4 star

Glamour hotel, stretching for about nine hectares, offering a lovely view of the almond-trees in bloom and the sea. It is placed about 10 minutes away from the…

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

5 star

In front of Olhão's leisure marina, overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Park, is the new 5 Star Real Marina Hotel and SPA. The various services it offers, such…

Olhão

What to do in Olhão

Where to eat in Olhão

Where to sleep in Olhão

Near Olhão

São Brás de Alportel

Castro Marim

Tavira

Monchique