A fantastic scenic 2-day road trip to Olhão in Algarve
Visit Olhão in the Algarve when you come to Portugal
What to 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.
Where is Olhão?
Olhão is in the Algarve, on Portugal’s southern coast.
It’s near Seville, so if you’re already in Spain, it’s an easy side trip. And if you are in Olhão , make time for a short Seville visit.
It’s a 3-hour drive from Lisbon.
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. The highway from Lisbon to the Algarve area is excellent, and there are many exciting places to stop by if you are having a slow vacation!
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. I suggest you rent a car.
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.
Real Marina Hotel & Spa, Olhão
Are you in the mood for some pampering and a room with an ocean view? The Real Marina Hotel will be a fantastic place for you to stay. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Old Town Olhão.
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.
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
This is a restaurant across the city market. The interior is cozy and elegant, and the food is outstanding.
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.
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!
Address: Av. 5 de Outubro, 102 8700-382 Olhão
Phone: +351 912 349 590
Reservation: Call them!
7imeio
7imeio is a fantastic wine bar that serves exquisite small dishes—tapas—but this is not your typical tapas from Spain.
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.
Some dishes are made for sharing, while others are perfect for one.
The atmosphere is fun and youthful. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
We loved this restaurant.
Avenida 5 de Outubro, 40, Olhão 8700-302
Phone: +351 965 258 266
The Republica
The Republica is a place to have a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. Each room has its own feel.
We walked into a space with a contemporary art exhibit and then into a small café where people were sipping wine.
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.
address: Av. da República 14, 8700-310 Olhão, Portugal
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.
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.
The street art is stunning—black-and-white murals telling stories of fishermen, sea life, and the town’s history.
If you love art, you’ll enjoy just walking around and taking it all in.
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
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Updated June 2025
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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