Here are my five top tips for what to do in Olhão:
1. Wander around the old town – Olhão town is maybe not the most typically beautiful town on the Algarve, or the most famous, but it has a charm and vibrant atmosphere that will immediately win you over! The buildings in the town are lined with the most ornately decorated tiles (or azulejos in Portuguese) which enchant you as you wander the winding streets, discovering beautiful squares and ending up at the main church in the town Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
2. Go to the bakery – A daily pastel de nata is pretty much essential when in Portugal! Head to one of Olhão’s many bakeries for an early morning pastel de nata and coffee to set you up ready for a day of exploring!
3. Beach day trips to Ria Formosa Islands – Although Olhão has no beaches itself, it is the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. The town has a ferry terminal with regular boats (approximately 3€ return) across to the nearby islands where you will find many kilometres of unspoilt, white-sand beaches. The best beaches on each island are found about a twenty-minute walk from the ferry drop-off point, and are accessible by following the path through the towns to the far side where there are less people and the water is free from seaweed.
There is little to distinguish the unique islands in terms of beauty; Armona’s tiny beach houses are lined with blossoming bougainvillea, the beach at Culatra is simply stunning and is backed by the most gorgeous sand dunes, and Farol’s beaches boast the biggest waves and the chance to see the lighthouse which imposes over the island. All the islands have delightful fish restaurants, small markets to buy food and drinks, and have some, but limited toilet facilities. Try dining at Camaleão on Armona and you will be sure to walk away saying it is some of the best fish you have ever eaten!
There are also numerous boat-trip excursions to the Ria Formosa Natural Park to discover more of the nature reserve which can be booked on the promenade by the ferry terminal.
4. Visit the market – Located on the waterfront in the centre of the old town, a walk through the municipal market is a must when visiting Olhão. Open every day except Sundays, the market itself is split between two, red-brick buildings: one housing the fresh fruit, veg, and other local produce such as dried fruits and traditional sweets, and the other housing the biggest and best fish market in the region. On Saturdays, the market spills out into the street and becomes one of the largest on the Algarve. It is also worth visiting the cafés and bars situated under the market where you can enjoy a drink whilst looking out at the fishing boats over the water. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset!
5. Eat and drink out – Olhão is the largest fishing town on the Algarve, so naturally, local restaurants serve some of the tastiest and freshest fish and shellfish you can find. An evening meal along the Avenida 5 de Outubro near the waterfront will not disappoint, with the restaurants offering local dishes with fresh seafood from the nearby market. For an outstanding culinary experience, head to Chá Chá Chá; Kevin and his team have created a menu which is exciting and faultless, and I can guarantee you will leave with a smile on your face! After dinner head back to the waterfront for a post-dinner drink and soak up the evening atmosphere.
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