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.
Where to eat in Olhão
Portuguese, Regional
14.00 €
The Casa de Pasto Algarve is a typical restaurant, situated right next to the market of fish and fr…
Author, Contemporary
35.00 €
The Orangery restaurant is one of the most exotic and fantastic Algarve resorts, inspired by the re…
Portuguese
25.00 €
Restaurant at the rural complex Quinta dos Poetas. Rustic space, ideal for varied events.
What to do in Olhão
Where to sleep in Olhão
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…
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…
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…
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