Olhão
Algarve
Olhão, Algarve
Olhão, Algarve -
Olhão, city (28,000 inhab.) and municipality
with 45,400 inhabitants (
1), district of
Faro, in
Algarve,
is one of the sixteen
counties (municipalities) in this southern region of Portugal.
Ria Formosa, the greatest natural heritage
The coast of the municipality (municipality) of
Olhão is located in the heart of the
Ria Formosa,
the richest ecosystem in the
District of Faro (Algarve). A paradise for lovers
from nature.
Olhão, Capital of Ria Formosa, Olhão, Algarve © RTA / Images of Portugal
Ria Formosa
The main attraction of
Olhão: "The
Ria Formosa with calm waters, a paradise for connoisseurs
from nature. In the background, the white dotted houses. Attractions of
Olhão and its county,
holiday space made of sun, life and multiple charms" [Visit Algarve].
Find out more:
The Ria Formosa in Olhão
Olhão Beaches
The main beaches in
Olhão are:
•
Praia da Fuseta
•
Praia da Armona
•
Praia da Culatra
See also:
Olhão Beaches
Land of Gastronomy
Olhão, land of fishermen, is also a land of good food. Here, traditional Algarve cuisine
impera, with its favorite ingredients: fish and seafood.
Meat, poultry and game also occupy a prominent place with specialties appreciated by locals.
and its numerous visitors.
Olhão Beaches, Algarve © / Visit Portugal, illustration
What to see in Olhão
In addition to its varied historical and religious heritage, discover the three islands of the place (Ilha da Culatra, do
Farol and Ilha Armona) on a boat trip allows you to get to know the natural beauties of
Olhão better.
Find out more:
What to see in Olhão
View of Olhão, Algarve © RTA / Images of Portugal
What to do in Olhão
In addition to diving or walking on the sands of its beaches, boat trips are among the activities
most appreciated by visitors to
Olhão.
Find out more:
What to do in Olhão
Where to stay in Olhão
Tourism plays an important role in the local economy, alongside fishing. In
Olhão the
visitors can choose their preferred option in terms of accommodation: comfortable hotels, houses and
apartments for rent by season or accommodation with the inhabitants. It is always advisable
prepare in advance to have better options.
Find out more:
Where to stay in Olhão
Land of Boa Mesa, Olhão, District of Faro, Algarve © RTA / Images of Portugal
Where to eat in Olhão
There are several restaurants, bars and cafes where you can taste the delicious dishes of local cuisine.
See our suggestions and enjoy your stay in
Olhão to taste the cuisine
Algarve, Mediterranean or, if you prefer, international.
Find out more:
Where to eat in Olhão
Area and Population
With 131 km⊃ surface area, the municipality of Olhão currently has a population of 44,626 inhabitants
(INE, 2021).
In 2011, the municipality of Olhão had a population of 45,396 inhabitants, recording a drop in
resident population of the order of 1.7%.
(INE, 2021).
Location
The municipality (municipality) of Olhão is bordered to the north by
São Brás de Alportel,
to the north and east with
Tavira,
to the west with
Faro and to the southeast it has a coastline on the Atlantic.
Maps of Olhão, Olhão, Faro District, Algarve © Google
A bit of history
"The abundance of fish attracted fishermen to the place where the city stands today
from Olhão. Living in humble huts built with wood, reeds and straw,
using the ancestral art of xávega, in which the bag-shaped net is dragged
towards land, there were only a few dozen inhabitants in 1378, the date of
first document referring to Olhão.
For centuries, the only buildings on the beach were huts. The population was
growing and, in 1679, its importance justified the construction of the fortress of
São Lourenço to defend against attacks by North African pirates. comes the
first stone building - the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário - in 1698. In 1715
opened to the public and the first masonry housing is authorized, through a permit
of Queen D. Maria Ana of Austria" [Olhão Turismo, CM de Olhão].
"The 19th century was decisive for the expansion of Olhão. It was elevated to town status in 1808, as
thanksgiving from King D. João VI (1767-1826) for his fight against the troops
Napoleonic wars and the heroic voyage of the caique Bom Sucesso, which brought the good news to
court, refugee in Brazil due to the invasion of Portugal by the armies of General
Soult. The commercial activity carried out by seafarers from Olhão extends to
to the Mediterranean. And finally, the fish canning industry appears.
Olhão, today, is an active and dynamic city that continues to have fishing as one of its
mainstays of its economy" [Idem].
Holiday Destination
Beautiful
beaches, rich heritage, markets, parties, festivals and outdoor activities
all year round make
Olhão one of the best destinations in the
Algarve.
View of Olhão, Algarve © RTA / Images of Portugal
The Great Fountain
The name
Olhão comes from the existence in that place of a large waterhole.
Olhão attractions
The main attractions of
Olhão are:
- Tower of Bias or Watchtower of Bias
- Moncarapacho village
- Quelfes Roman Bridge or Old Quelfes Bridge
- the Municipal Market
Sports in Olhão
With a varied natural heritage,
Olhão is a paradise for water sports. Others
sports, however, also attract many fans in the municipality.
"The practitioners of
sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and power boating have in the vast
Ria Formosa hydrographic basin the ideal conditions for your sports.
The clear waters, with visibility up to 15 meters, and the abundance of fish
attract divers to Culatra beach. The two channels of
access to the Ria allow, on the other hand, that the yachts find shelter in the
its various berths.
The coast of
Olhão is, for this reason, one of the centers of water sports
do Algarve" [Tourism in Olhão, CM de Olhão].
Find out more:
Sports in Olhão
Parishes of Olhão
There are four parishes in the municipality:
- Olhão
- Moncarapacho e Fuseta
- Pechão
- Quelfes
+ Information about Olhão
• Olhão Town Hall
• Address: Largo Sebastião Martins Mestre. 8700-349, Olhão
• Telephone: +351 289 700 100
• Official Link:
CM Olhão
• Contact by email: geral@cm-olhao.pt
• Social networks: www.facebook.com/cmolhao/ , Instagram: @
• Opening hours:
9 am to 4 pm (does not close for lunch), Monday to Friday