Olhão

  2. Olhão

The town of Olhão is situated in the extreme south of Portugal, 40 kilometres from the border with Spain. The separation from the coastal part happens due to the existence of two large sand dunes that are currently very popular beaches – Ilha de Armona (Norte e Sul) and da Culatra (ou Santa Maria). 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. During the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, Olhão kept prospering and, during the French invasions, it had a major role in the resistance of the Algarve. From this time on, and thanks to the amount of canned fish factories in olive oil and salt, which were exported to Europe, Olhão grew economically. 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.

Best restaurants in Olhão

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Best Of Olhão

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.

Ponte Velha de Quelfes

Olhão

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

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 ...

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 ...

Marginal da Fuseta

Olhão

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

Colina Verde Sports Resort

Olhão

Turistic complex located between Olhão and Fuzeta, with 31 apartments and luxury villas. It sets itself apart by the magnificent view of the sea and the golf link at the complex.

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Olhão

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 as Thalassotherapy SPA, indoor and outdoor heated pools, restaurant with panoramic views, ...

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 ...

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.

Vila Monte Farm House

Olhão

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 beach. The restaurant Orangerie stands out, serving great Algarve products, some produced ...

Ecoteca - Museu João Lúcio

Olhão

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

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