Olhão: Markets, Islands and Maritime History

Olhão combines maritime history, distinctive neighbourhoods and the landscape of the Ria Formosa. Those looking for a holiday apartment in the city will find a place where market visits, culture and excursions to the offshore islands can be combined across different days of a trip.

Markets, fishermen’s quarter and typical cityscapes

A good starting point for discovering Olhão is the Mercados Municipais de Olhão. They were inaugurated on 1 May 1916 and are located opposite the Ria Formosa. The market sells freshly caught fish, fresh vegetables and sweet fruit from the Algarve hinterland. This makes it possible to see the local character of the town directly in the food on offer.

The fishermen’s quarter lies between the quay on the Ria Formosa and the town centre dominated by the Igreja Matriz. The cityscape is also characterised by hundreds of rooftop terraces known as typical Algarve Açoteias. Along Avenida da República, the streets reflect the industrial and seafaring prosperity created by the canning industry and trade. This part of the city offers families many things to observe: market stalls, boats, historic buildings and the different forms of the cityscape can be combined into a varied exploration.

Culture in churches and historic buildings

The building of the Compromisso Marítimo now houses the Museu Municipal of Olhão. Throughout the year, it presents changing or permanent exhibitions about Olhão, its surroundings and the municipality. Next to the Mercados, a replica of the Caíque Bom Sucesso lies at anchor. In July 1808, the original carried fishermen from Olhão to Rio de Janeiro to report on the uprising against the French. Tours of the Ria Formosa can be booked on the replica.

The churches also tell the story of the town’s development. The Igreja Matriz de Olhão was the town’s first stone building and was constructed between 1698 and 1715 with contributions from fishermen. Its spacious interior has a barrel vault; the main chapel contains a gilded altarpiece, an 18th-century triumphal arch, a fresco-decorated ceiling and an image of Nossa Senhora do Rosário from the 17th century. The Museu de Arte Cristã is also located in the Igreja Matriz. The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Soledade was Olhão’s first parish church. In the Capela do Senhor dos Aflitos, which is attached to the church’s apse, the walls are completely covered with 20th-century tiles.

The Ria Formosa and the islands off Olhão

From Olhão, Ilha da Armona can be reached by boat in about 15 minutes. It lies within the natural park and belongs to the island belt that separates the Ria Formosa from the sea. The island offers opportunities for windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. In a small fishing settlement, restaurants serve traditional fish and seafood dishes.

Ilha da Culatra is also part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and is one of the barrier islands separating the sea from the estuary. It can only be reached by boat from Olhão. The clear waters offer visibility of around 15 metres and are suitable for divers. Restaurants on Ilha da Culatra specialise in the famous rice with clams and in caldeirada. Those choosing accommodation in Olhão can therefore plan between urban culture and island experiences without confusing the two travel interests linguistically or geographically.

Planning your trip according to your interests

For a culture-focused stay, the market, churches, museum and historic architecture are the main highlights. Those focusing on water and nature can plan a boat trip to Ilha da Armona or to Ilha da Culatra, which can only be reached by boat. The Festa Senhora do Rosário is held on the Sunday closest to 7 October. This date can be taken into account when planning your trip.

You can find more destinations for planning your trip under Quelfes, Pechao, Fuseta and Moncarapacho.

Back to the main travel overview: Olhão.