Hotels and Apartments

From homely stays to luxury abode, accommodation in Olhao district has evolved in the last decade to meet the increasing influx of tourist every year. Currently, the picturesque fishing town boasts a selection of self-catering apartments to luxury 5-star hotels to cater every lifestyle and budget. You can enjoy the breath-taking natural beauty and real Portuguese charm staying in good hotels in Olhao, which are well-furnished and facilitated with world-class amenities.

The best 5-star property in the town is the newest hotel- Real Marina Hotel and Spa, which is opulent accommodation and offers warm personalised services. So you can enjoy all the beauty and discover the Olhao in luxury. For economically priced properties, book Hotel Cidade de, which has a swimming pool and standard accommodation choices to make you stay relaxing and fun. To plan a budget holiday, book cheap flight and hotels in Olhao from Alpharooms.

About

Olhão is the largest harbour in Algarve and a picturesque fishing town, located 15 minutes east from Faro airport. The town offers real Portugal feel, which is well-reflected in its cobbled pedestrian streets, local cafes, small markets and the waterfront restaurants.

Tourists from across the world plan for relaxing Olhao holiday as the town has some of the most charming landscapes, historical and cultural heritage and beautiful beaches and island nearby. Olhão holds the reputation for being a gastronomical capital in the Algarve as restaurants here offer scrumptious fish and all types of seafood. The town is also an ideal base from visitors looking to explore the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and the sandbank islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol. White houses, hotels and apartments in Olhao offer comfortable accommodation choices to tourists as per their preferences and budget.

Where to stay

From traditional Moorish-style houses, 5 star hotels to new self-catering apartments, the choice of accommodation in Olhao are plenty. Most of the hotels in Olhao town can be found in the city centre, where a great choice of traditional cafes and modern restaurants are available. The home stays are available in the flat-roofed, Moorish-influenced neighbourhoods, so if you like to live like a local, these are perfect for you.

The original Moroccan architecture, view of the sea and the returning fishing boats looks really beautiful that you can enjoy from the comfort of your room. Tourism in Olhao has developed in the past few years and there is a remarkable increase in the number of hotels that the place has in offer. Now, from 3 to 5 star hotels and other accommodation choices are available to take care of specific luxury and budget preferences of the visitors. You can plan for low cost holiday to Olhao as there are many budget hotels available to cater every taste.

Attractions

Olhao holiday is all about exploring the historical and cultural heritage, waterfront sightseeing and leisurely stroll through the maze of streets and white houses. There are plenty of other things to do and see in Olhão holiday but you can start with exploring the tower of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is the baroque church in the centre. Visit this church and enjoy the unique views of the hundreds of typical rooftop terraces of the whitewashed cubes. Barreta and the Levante attractions are known for its narrow streets and old houses. Other main attraction in the district is the Historical Market of Olhão. Also, you can easily access many magnificent islands from here using public transit. The town has some real Portuguese charm and its history and culture are still visible in its nature reserve and the beautiful hinterlands. Olhao is also loved for its lush green parks (Quinta de Marim), fresh fruit, vegetable and fish market ( Mercado), the protected Ria Formosa Natural Reserve and Ilha da Armona.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Olhao is not very colourful as the quaint resort is more about enjoying a leisurely stroll on the cobbled streets or savouring a late night dinner after the sun goes down. There are many sights to wander and the bars are great places to socialize and have fun over a glass of drink. Enjoy a local dinner in any of the waterfront restaurant or a selection of drinks and a delicious cocktail while adoring the scenic views of the surrounding. Some chic bars in Olhao where you can spend quality time includes, Emotions – Brunch & Cocktail Bar, 7imeiowinebar, Zona C Lounge Bar, and Catita&Companhia. If you want a livelier ambiance and a club culture to party, Faro neighbourhood which is short distance away can be the best choice.

Eating out

Though the small village like town is now home to many different restaurants, but eating out in Olhao means, savouring fresh fish recipes and sea food including seashells, crabs and shrimps, the taste of which are hard to beat. The best eat here will be the traditional home-cooked food, which are available in most of the restaurants.

You can get an authentic feel of this fishing district by eating at the small roadside cafes which are mostly frequented by locals. However, there are a good choice of restaurants if you like fine dining experience. These restaurants serve both local as well as international cuisines including Italian, Chinese, Brazilian and Asian to cater all sorts of tourists. For fast food lover, there is a McDonalds on the same lane. If adoring the fantastic river views along with savouring delicious food is your idea of perfect Olhao holiday, then you must visit the beautiful restaurants set on the waterfront.

Shopping Olhao

Olhao may not be a shopper’s paradise but this small town has its distinct charm when you go out and shop on the pedestrian shops, set on the cobbled back streets. The centre of the town has this shopping area where a huge number of supermarkets and Chinese shops can be found. Popular supermarkets from where you can buy your daily needs and groceries include Continente and Lidl, Pão de Açúcar, Pingo Doce and Aldi, Intermaché and Pingo Doce, which are spread across the town. Olhao is now home to a new shopping mall, (Ria Shopping) which boasts 80 small shops, a large supermarket. Apart from great shops, there are many restaurants/bars and a cinema for the entertainment of the visitors.

Fast Facts:

• Nearest airports: Faro Airport (FAO)
• Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Transfer time to Olhao- 25 minutes
• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euros (€)