Olhão, the little gem of the Algarve where time seems to stand still
A genuine fishing town, Olhão moves to the gentle rhythm of the tides. What you'll find here is unlike anywhere else: a kind of cubist medina, a maze of narrow travessas, the aroma of amêijoas (clams) simmered with chickpeas, and rooftop terraces where the sky glows in a festival of sunset colors.
In its historic center, a few snapshots are enough to inspire you before setting off to explore a remarkable natural park, where a string of sun-drenched islands invites you to breathe in the sea air and disconnect. People come here seeking simple pleasures: sunshine, a vast blue horizon, raw nature, authentic Portuguese culture, and the warmth of the locals. Olhão radiates a joyful energy, rooted in its vibrant architectural heritage, shaped by Moorish influence until the 12th century.
Though it’s in Europe, the town faces North Africa in spirit. Built like a small medina, it’s a mosaic of whitewashed, cubist houses, often adorned with azulejos and bougainvillea. You’ll find shady patios, ornate chimneys, and rooftop terraces once used to dry fish. It was from these rooftops that women once watched for their fishermen’s return, shared stories under the stars, and kindled romances.
This labyrinth of cobbled alleyways, protected since 2017, is now a source of pride for its residents. For centuries, Olhão was home to a community of fishermen living in humble wooden shacks. Over time, as prosperity grew, these evolved into modest yet charming homes, rich with oriental influence. A new wave of French, Belgian, and English aesthetes is now lovingly restoring them, preserving the soul of this living heritage.
As the first light of day breaks, locals and visitors head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders. A still and luminous landscape of salt marshes, oyster channels, and sandbanks, it leads to peaceful islands reachable by ferry—Armona, Culatra, Deserta... Here, you’ll encounter a breathtaking biodiversity: migratory birds, flamingos, kingfishers, the purple gallinule (known locally as the moorhen), as well as the world’s largest seahorse population and 90% of Portugal’s clams and oysters.
The beaches here are among the wildest and most unspoiled in Europe. Far from the crowds of Albufeira or Portimão, they offer a quieter, more authentic side of the Algarve. You’ll feast on local seafood delicacies: clams with chickpeas and chorizo, pan-fried prawns with homemade aioli, cockles sautéed with stewed beet leaves… The Olhão fish market, the largest in the Algarve, sits right on the water’s edge.
Beyond the abundance of shellfish, you’ll taste the soul of the region in its sweet potatoes, black pork, sun-kissed oranges, carobs, and figs. Every year, a local festival celebrates this deep connection to the sea and its generous bounty.
Ultimately, Olhão’s secret lies in its geography. Since its beaches are only accessible by boat, the town has been spared from mass tourism. No beachfront resorts here—just hidden beauty, authentic charm, and a way of life that resists time.
