Olhão, Algarve

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Olhão's charm and appeal lies in the fact it has not been over developed as a tourist resort, perhaps due to the absence of a beach, but it is definitely a must if you want to experience authentic Algarve.

As the gateway to the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Olhão has, over the years, received a certain amount of tourist traffic, keen to explore the protected lagoon system and islands, which provide shelter to the town's port and harbour.

Olhão has had some tourism development recently though in the shape of a new marina, completed in 2009. The marina and the subsequent construction of a five star hotel and spa opposite has enhanced, not detracted, from the town's overall appeal.

Olhão Fact File

Olhão is home to one of the last remaining, working tide mills, which produced flour for over 400 years using environmental friendly methods

Along the harbour front there is plenty of parking providing day trippers to the town the opportunity to explore the historic centre easily on foot. The most striking buildings you will find on the harbour front have to be the town's twin, red brick fish and vegetable markets, each with their own copper-roofed circular turret.

The markets, which have a selection of cafes providing prime, harbour-side tables and chairs, are open on a daily basis. However fish lovers are best to visit on Friday, when the town comes alive for the larger weekly market. Not only are the stalls in the indoor market awash with a multitude of fresh fish and seafood, but stalls line the promenade outside with a range of goods from traditional woollen jumpers through to sometimes noisy livestock.

Towards the eastern end of the harbour front there is a small ferry port providing transit for foot passengers to the islands of Armona, Tavira and Farol within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, on a daily basis.

One kilometre east of Olhão you will find the headquarters of the Ria Formosa, though if you are travelling on foot the scenery does become a little more run-down with derelict canning factories lining the quays and a rather unsightly, fly-tip area adjacent to the industrial zone.

There are however upsides to taking a stroll to the Ria Formosa's headquarters, in the form of several traditional style restaurants and bars on the way. Notably 'Smokey Joe's', opposite the entrance to the Ria Formosa's visitor centre, serves a variety of mouth watering dishes including a three course, 'plate of the day' for only 5.50€ and is popular with both locals and holiday makers residing at the large campsite close by.

Olhão does have a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars serving mainly Portuguese fare, though there are a smattering of international outlets including McDonalds and the odd Chinese. However if you are going to stay in Olhão is it well worth visiting some of the low-key restaurants such as Sete Estrelas, an adega, just off the harbour front, Três Palmeiras, a popular worker's restaurant along from the train station and the aforementioned Smokey Joes, to give you a real taste of Portuguese cuisine. The menus may be basic, but the welcome and the food wholesome and the prices definitely won't damage your wallet.

In addition to a weekly market, Olhão plays host to a large flea market, on the first Sunday of each month. Stall holders spread out their wares along the roads within the industrial zone of the town and it can make for an interesting morning finding unusual and odd artefacts which are offered for sale including traditional door fastenings, rope and coins.

Olhão is situated only seven kilometres east of Faro and nine kilometres from it's international airport and is a relatively uncomplicated journey by car. Trains run on a regular basis from Olhão both west and east along the Algarve. There are buses to and from Faro, though these are less regular than the train.