Picturesque fishing village hidden amidst leafy lanes and secluded beaches, one of Portugal's best-kept secrets can be found in the Algarve.
Olhão, a hidden gem in Portugal's Algarve region, offers an authentic experience that combines rich history, scenic hiking and natural beauty, and renowned traditional gastronomy, especially seafood.
Nestled in the south of Portugal, Olhão's unique cubic architecture, characterised by white houses with flat roofs and accessible terraces, adds to its distinctive appearance.
History
Olhão's historical landmarks, such as the Main Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built between 1698 and 1715, reflect its cultural heritage. Small museums like the Museu Municipal de Olhão showcase Roman artifacts and local history. The Casa Do Povo do Concelho de Olhão, a cultural venue and community centre, is another historical gem worth exploring.
Hiking and Natural Beauty
Olhão serves as a gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected coastal lagoon boasting exceptional biodiversity. The park offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and boat tours to nearby islands like Ilha da Culatra, Armona Island, and Ilha da Fuzeta. Cerro De Sao Miguel provides panoramic views of the Algarve and even Spain on clear days.
Traditional Gastronomy
Fresh seafood and traditional dishes are at the heart of Olhão's gastronomy. The lively fish and seafood markets offer the freshest catches daily. Local restaurants serve a wide variety of grilled fish, seafood, and lamb dishes. A must-try dish is the cataplana, a seafood dish prepared with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, cooked in a special shell-shaped pot.
Visitors can also explore local art galleries like Atelier Zea, which portrays traditional Algarve life, and enjoy vibrant nightlife with bars, live entertainment, and festivals during the summer months.
The municipal market of Olhão, one of the oldest in Portugal, offers a variety of local products, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and traditional crafts. It's a must-visit destination in Olhão.
Olhão, often overlooked by tourists, is worth attention. Its authentic charm, rich history, outdoor adventures in nature, and rich culinary traditions exemplify authentic Algarve experiences.
If you're planning a trip to Portugal, don't miss the opportunity to explore Olhão. And while you're there, why not venture to nearby Faro, another city in the Algarve region, worth a visit. The Ria Formosa offers opportunities for exploration by kayak, boat, or foot, with well-marked hiking trails. The historic heart of Olhão, with its cobblestone streets, traditional white houses, and lively markets, promises an unforgettable experience.
In the midst of a Portugal trip, travelers can add 'in-flights' to their itinerary, including a visit to Olhão, a charming city in the Algarve region that offers a unique 'home-and-garden' experience with its distinctive cubic architecture. Post-exploration, unwind in local restaurants savoring 'lifestyle' highlights like fresh seafood dishes and traditional cataplanas, all while taking in the local 'travel' vibes.
