Olhão & Ria Formosa – Local guide in the Algarve, islands, beaches and ferries

Explore the unique architectural essence of Olhão, a city steeped in the history of its maritime origins. Discover its labyrinthine cobbled streets, where remnants of old fishermen’s huts hide, gradually replaced over time by charming white and colorful houses. The cubist Moorish-style architecture defines the character of the city, with its rooftop terraces offering breathtaking views of the sparkling sea.

Let yourself be seduced by the açoteias, transformed into beautiful sun-drenched terraces where you can savor local cuisine while admiring the panorama. Wander through narrow alleys to discover facades adorned with azulejos, ancient doors, and sculptures bearing witness to a rich past.

Nicknamed the “cubist city”, Olhão charms with its unique urban volumetrics, punctuated by belvederes and viewpoints offering a perspective on its maritime past and vibrant present. Explore this captivating fusion of tradition and modernity through Olhão’s iconic architecture.

Discover the vibrant heartbeat of Olhão at its renowned market, housed in two early 20th-century halls, each with its unique charm. One hall bursts with the freshest catches of the day, showcasing Olhão’s status as a fishing hub, while the other overflows with colorful displays of seasonal fruits and vegetables, a true feast for the senses.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ria Formosa, with its red brick walls and two iconic domes, the market exudes a timeless elegance. Surrounding it, you’ll find inviting café terraces where you can soak in the atmosphere while gazing out over the sparkling sea.

Renowned throughout the Algarve, the Olhão Market is a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. On Saturday mornings, local and regional producers also set up stalls around the market, adding to the lively ambiance and offering a chance to sample the region’s finest offerings firsthand.

The Olhão Seafood Festival (Festival do Marisco) has established itself as the largest summer event in southern Portugal. The 2025 edition welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors who came to enjoy fresh seafood, great live music, and a vibrant summer atmosphere overlooking the Ria Formosa.

Held every year in August and organized by the Municipality of Olhão and Fesnima, the festival blends live concerts, local gastronomic specialties, and a true spirit of celebration. The 2026 lineup will be revealed in March 2026, but expectations are already high for another spectacular edition.

👉 Discover everything about the Olhão Seafood Festival and stay tuned to find out the dates and artists of the next edition.

Explore the natural beauty of Ria Formosa from the heart of Olhão, the ideal base for discovering this exceptional natural reserve. Olhão offers privileged access to this natural gem, renowned for its shimmering lagoons, unspoilt sandy islands and remarkable biodiversity.

Follow the peaceful paths along the lagoon, where wildlife thrives in a delicate balance with the environment. At every step, you will be struck by the unspoilt beauty of this natural sanctuary, a true haven of calm away from the rush of everyday life.

Olhão is the perfect starting point to explore the Ria Formosa by boat, on foot or by bike. Let yourself be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, majestic birds and crystal-clear waters shimmering under the sun.

Discover the pristine beauty of the islands of Ria Formosa, often referred to as the ‘Portuguese Maldives’, and Olhão serves as the perfect gateway to these enchanting destinations. Easily accessible by regular ferry crossings or taxi boats from Olhão, the islands of Culatra, Armona, and Farol await with their stunning white sand beaches, acting as a natural barrier between the sea and the Ria Formosa.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to these idyllic islands, where you can bask in the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore the natural wonders of the surrounding marine environment. Numerous tour operators offer excursions to these islands, ensuring an experience filled with exploration and relaxation.

Olhão truly stands as the ideal starting point for your island adventure in Ria Formosa, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of these island paradises.

Discover Olhão in a different way, on foot, by following signposted walking routes that reveal the area’s full natural and cultural richness. Between the lagoons of Ria Formosa, rural paths lined with olive trees and well-preserved villages, walks around Olhão invite you to slow down and focus on what really matters, far from the crowds.

From PR1 to PR6, including the Rota das Igrejas, these walking routes allow you to discover local heritage, unspoilt nature and the history of the Olhão municipality at your own pace. Whether you enjoy easy scenic walks or prefer more challenging hikes, each route offers an authentic experience between land, sea and local traditions.

While the Algarve is famous for its iconic hikes, such as the well-known
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, the paths around Olhão stand out for their more intimate and low-key approach. Downloadable maps, practical information and route ideas are available to help you easily plan your next walk around Olhão.

Looking for an activity to do during your stay? Amo-te Olhão has selected the best experiences for you to enjoy!

Olhão is brimming with must-do activities to explore the Ria Formosa, embark on a boat excursion, savor local gastronomy, or simply relax. Each recommendation has been carefully chosen to offer you unique moments, combining nature, adventure, and discovery.

Beyond Olhão, the Algarve offers a multitude of activities to discover, from must-sees like visiting the Benagil Caves or hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, to more unusual and lesser-known experiences, perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Whether you’re seeking an intense adventure or a gentler immersion, each selected activity promises memorable moments.

Discover the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, a unique region where the Atlantic Ocean has shaped spectacular cliffs, hidden coves and wide stretches of golden sandy beaches. From the wild west coast to the peaceful lagoons of the east, the Algarve offers an exceptional variety of coastal landscapes, perfect for those who love the sea, nature and wide-open spaces.

Iconic cliffs, family-friendly beaches, quiet spots far from the crowds or natural gems hidden in the heart of the Ria Formosa — each beach has its own distinct character. This selection helps you choose the right beach in the Algarve, depending on your mood, the season and the atmosphere you are looking for.

Beyond the postcard images, the Algarve also reveals more discreet beaches, where raw beauty and peace and quiet truly stand out.
Detailed descriptions, practical tips and a regional classification are here to help you find the perfect beach in the Algarve and make the most of this exceptional coastline.

Reaching the islands of Ria Formosa from Olhão is easy, as long as you have the right information. Armona, Culatra and Farol can be reached via regular ferry crossings, complemented by water taxis, departing from the port of Olhão, the true gateway to the islands.

Ferry schedules in Olhão vary depending on the season, tides and days of the week. This page allows you to easily check departures, understand the differences between ferries and water taxis, and know how to reach each island with peace of mind.

Whether you are planning a beach day, a half-day excursion or a stay on the islands, all the essential practical information is gathered in one place to help you plan your journeys ahead and organise your crossings easily, departing from Olhão.

NextFerry by Amo-te Olhão was designed to make crossings to the islands of Ria Formosa easier. Armona, Culatra and Farol become more accessible thanks to a practical app created to save time and avoid schedule mistakes.

With NextFerry, you can choose your departure pier, select a date and a time, and instantly get the time of the next available ferry based on these settings. A simple and efficient way to plan ahead and travel with peace of mind.

Designed for mobile use, the app can be added directly to your phone so it is always close at hand, even while on the move. Fast, intuitive and useful, NextFerry genuinely improves the visitor experience in Olhão and makes access to the islands easier.

Rain in the Algarve is rare, but when it does happen, it reveals a different side of the region. Olhão and the Algarve offer plenty of things to do even in bad weather, perfect for continuing to enjoy your stay away from the beaches.

Museums, covered markets, local cafés, authentic villages, workshops and cultural experiences make up this selection, designed to help you know what to do when it rains in Olhão and the Algarve, without losing a day of your holiday.

Whether the rain lasts a few hours or an entire day, these ideas offer a pleasant alternative to discover the region in a different way, at a slower pace. Practical suggestions, indoor places and ideas suited to all types of travellers are here to turn a rainy day into a useful and unexpected experience.

The Algarve is a region that stays lively all year round, shaped by a wide range of cultural, festive and traditional events. In Olhão and across the Algarve, markets, local celebrations, concerts and festivals mark the seasons and offer a different way to discover the region.

This page brings together the must-see events in the Algarve, whether deeply rooted in local traditions or focused on contemporary culture. A useful selection to help you know what’s on, when and where, depending on the time of your stay.

Whether you are just visiting or living in the region, these events are an opportunity to experience the Algarve differently, in close contact with its people and local life. Key dates, venues and practical information are provided to help you plan your outings in Olhão and throughout the Algarve.

Are you a business, local shop, artisan, or tourism professional in Olhão or the Algarve? Discover the partnership opportunities with Amo-te Olhão to grow your visibility and attract more visitors—both online and on the ground.

With over 133,000 unique visitors in its very first year, Amo-te Olhão has become a go-to platform for those looking to stay in Olhão, make a stopover, explore its local gems, or discover the region in search of an authentic Algarve experience.

Whether you want to boost your presence through our mobile app, printed flyers, online content, or the welcome booklets of Alojamento Local hosts, tailored partnership plans are currently being prepared for 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your activity and connect with travellers who truly care about local experiences.