A fantastic road trip to Olhão in Algarve

Table of Contents

Visit Olhão in the Algarve.

What should you do in Olhão?

  • Wander through the old town and up and down the narrow streets.
  • Visit the museum.
  • Take a boat to the lagoon and wetlands.
  • Take the ferry to Ria Formosa.
  • Visit the three islands or at least one: Armona, Culatra, and Farol.

Church olhao

Where is Olhão?

Olhão is in the Algarve, on Portugal’s southern coast.

It’s not far from Seville, so if you’re already in Spain, it’s an easy side trip.

And if you are in Lisbon, it’s a 3 hour drive.

Olhão map

When is the best time to go to Olhão?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summer gets busy with tourists, and the town fills up fast. If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid peak season. Winter can be gorgeous but the weather would be a hit or miss.

If you come in August, plan to participate in the Seafood festival at the Jardim Pescador Olhanense.  

How to get to Olhão

Fly to Faro.

Rent a car and drive.

Trains and buses

Note: You can travel around the Algarve by bus but you will need to be patient due to the schedules and stops.

Where to stay in Olhão

Convento

A seasonal hotel—it wasn’t open during the winter when I visited. Check ahead if you’re traveling off-season.

Casa Rosa Villa Hotel

A popular choice, so make sure to reserve in advance. We wanted to stay here but it was full.

BB Hotel

A simple, no-nonsense hotel. Perfect for a winter trip—15 minutes from the old part of Olhão, easy to access, clean, and great service.

We stayed at BB Hotel and were happy with the service and cleanliness.

What to do in Olhão

  • Enjoy the seafood. Olhão is known for fresh fish and shellfish. You can’t go wrong with a seafood meal here.
  • Use Olhão as a base to visit Seville. A day trip works, but if you have time, stay for a few nights in Seville and then return to Olhão. It’s a great way to mix two cultures in one trip.
  • Enjoy the beach!
  • Quinta de Marim: lagoons, a learning center, and tons of gorgeous birds. 
  • Are you a “megalithic fan” and a history buff? Visit the ruins in Quinta do Marim

What to do in Olhão on a cold, rainy winter day

Rainy days are a good excuse to slow down. Visit the museum or get your umbrella and walk around.

If the weather permits, take a road trip.

We arrived in Olhão one day before a huge storm so we only had one day of sightseeing. We drove to Tavira when the storm calmed down.

tapas market Olhao

Where to eat in Olhão

There are plenty of restaurants along the waterfront. Some are touristy, but you’ll find great spots if you look around. We had tapas at one of the restaurants next to the market. The food was excellent—huge shrimps with juicy garlic, olives, and a rich chocolate cake we couldn’t resist. All the restaurants by the market are great!

A Cestaria Bistrot de Artesão

Mackarrel at Cestaria restaurant

This is a restaurant across the city market. The interior is cozy and elegant, and the food is outstanding.

pork at Cestaria
Pork at the Cestaria restaurant in Olhao

We had Cachaço de Porco, a cut from the pork neck that’s slightly fatty and full of flavor. It came with crispy, skin-on fries and a fantastic chimichurri.

Cestaria dessert olhao

Dessert was a mix of flavors and textures—lemony cream, rich chocolate, refreshing sorbet, and a crunchy chocolate biscuit—a perfect ending to the meal.

The atmosphere is lovely. The decor is soothing, and the evening light is perfect. Our server was attentive, and we were pleasantly pampered during our meal.

The Cestaria Bistrot de Artesão has a high rating in FORK and other foodie sites, and it’s not a budget restaurant. Great food!

Cestaria website

Address: Av. 5 de Outubro, 102 8700-382 Olhão

Phone: +351 912 349 590

Reservation: Call them!

interior of restaurant in 7imeio

7imeio

7imeio is a fantastic wine bar that serves exquisite small dishes—tapas—but this is not your typical tapas from Spain.

Gyosa 7imeio

The chef at 7imeio is not afraid to experiment with food, and each dish has various tastes and textures. Some tapas may remind you of traditional Spanish tapas, but a special ingredient will give it a twist.

71meio place

Some dishes are made for sharing, while others are perfect for one.

Goat cheese tapa

The atmosphere is fun and youthful. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.

We loved this restaurant.

7imeio restaurant

Avenida 5 de Outubro, 40, Olhão 8700-302

Phone: +351 965 258 266

Republica entrance in Olhao

The Republica

The Republica is a place to have a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. Each room has its own feel.

Art exhibit Republica, Olhao

We walked into a space with a contemporary art exhibit and then into a small café where people were sipping wine.

Republica patio

In the back, tables were filled with people, a few puppies wandered around, and a DJ played music at just the right volume. There was also an area for movies and other outdoor activities.

Lamps at Republica

address: Av. da República 14, 8700-310 Olhão, Portugal

Olhao sea

Olhão by the water

The waterfront is lined with restaurants, and the atmosphere is lively. You’ll hear languages from all over—German, Dutch, French, and Portuguese. It’s a mix of locals and travelers, which makes it interesting.

doors olhao

Old Olhão

The historic part of town is near the market. It’s a fun place to wander, with painted planters, small shops, and boutiques like Kozzi.

Black and white art, Street art Olhao
Street art in Olhão

The street art is stunning—black-and-white murals telling stories of fishermen, sea life, and the town’s history.

Olhao, old town
Isabel walking around Olhao

If you love art, you’ll enjoy just walking around and taking it all in.

Kozii Olhao
Kozii store in Olhao

Sunday in Olhão

Most shops are closed, but restaurants stay open. It’s a good day to soak in the atmosphere.

Go on road trips and make a reservation at a good restaurant!

More beachy road trips around Portugal

Porto Covo

Visit Nazare

Ericeira

Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist

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