Updated: May 5, 2023
Olhão is a traditional Portuguese fishing village, famous for its large fish market and busy harbor. It is a great place to mix with locals and enjoy fresh seafood. Here are my top things to do while visiting Olhão.
Olhão is one of the cities in Algarve that still feels traditional and authentic. Here you can wander around the old town to discover beautiful facades, impressive street art and cute little streets with cute little cafes.
Visit the local market, Mercado de Olhão. It's the biggest fish market in the Algarve and is said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel tower and statue of liberty.
Kick back at the boardwalk by the harbor and enjoy a beautiful sunset. From here you can also take the ferry or water taxi to the serene sandbank islands, Ilha da Culatra or Ilha de Armona.
Indulge in local cuisine at Vai e Volta and Restaurante Prazeres. Here you’ll find authentic, no-frills fish and seafood. You will also find a brand new harbour area along the promenad that hosts several new delicious restaurants, including the famous Bamboo restaurant.
From the harbour you can easily catch the ferry to nearby islands. We visited the Armona island, a cute little village with proper island vibes. Cars are forbidden so you will have to walk about 20min to reach the beach, it is a picturesque walk with small, colourful houses along the way.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
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