Summary
Situated in the Eastern Algarve, Olhão da Restauração is a picturesque coastal town on the Ria Formosa lagoon. Despite its breathtaking surroundings, Olhão has only recently started attracting visitors. Historically, the ocean and the lagoon’s shellfish beds have been the primary economic drivers, with the local fish market serving as a vibrant focal point.
Your stay in Olhão promises to be filled with exploration of the nearby islands that protect the lagoon from the ocean, each boasting pristine beaches with fine golden sand. Each island offers a unique character, featuring quaint resort communities, dunes, traditional fishing villages, wild surf, and the crystalline waters of the lagoon.
Let’s delve into the most noteworthy attractions in Olhão da Restauração:
1. Ria Formosa
This Natural Park spans 60 kilometers along the Algarve coastline and consists of a large lagoon shielded from the ocean by extensive barrier islands.
Even without being an ornithologist, visitors can be captivated by the remarkable avian population thriving within this lagoon, including shanks, storks, spoonbills, stilts, ospreys, flamingos, and many others, particularly abundant in spring and summer.
A guided cruise around the lagoon provides opportunities for photography of these birds, as well as views of the shellfish beds, salt flats, rolling dunes, and the chance to observe terrapins swimming in the clear blue waters.
2. Ilha da Culatra
The first of the two barrier islands accessible via ferry from Olhão’s harbor, this destination is characterized by its exquisite natural beauty.
Upon arrival, visitors can stroll around the harbor, enchanted by the charming whitewashed cottages.
Next, make your way to the dunes, which are equipped with a boardwalk to preserve their unique plant life.
The coastline reveals several kilometers of undisturbed beach.
Even during the summer, the beach’s size and seclusion maintain a tranquil atmosphere, featuring a long stretch of soft sand, gentle waves, and a few bars and restaurants at the southern end.
3. Mercado de Olhão
It is advisable to visit Olhão’s remarkable market as early as feasible, as it operates only until 13:00 each day in this brick structure with a metallic frame.
Serving as a cornerstone of local life, this market is a visual feast for seafood aficionados, overflowing with a diverse array of marine creatures including rays, swordfish, eels, and many other species.
All items are cleaned and filleted according to individual preferences.
The stalls featuring non-seafood items are located in a separate hall, where visitors will encounter an impressive selection of fresh produce, as well as artisanal goods such as local cakes and honey.
4. Ilha de Armona
Similar to Culatra, this island is exclusively reachable by boat.
Visitors can take a ferry to the harbor on the landward side or arrange a pickup and drop-off with a water taxi.
Throughout most of the year, Armona remains relatively unpopulated, allowing for serene walks.
During the summer, activity increases, featuring shops that offer kite-surfing equipment, a few bars, and rental services for sun loungers.
As with Culatra, the ocean is generally safe; even with choppy surf, the lagoon’s blue waters remain tranquil and clear.
5. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Funded by the mutual society for fishermen (Compromisso Marítimo), this church was constructed in the late 18th century, opposite their official headquarters.
The structure sustained damage during the notable earthquake of 1755, which is reflected in the facade’s date of completion from 1783.
Inside, visitors will find five altars adorned with the richly gilded woodwork popular in 18th century Portugal.
Additionally, there is an ornate triumphal arch, and a prominent Rococo depiction of Nossa Senhora do Rosário framed in gold on the ceiling.
6. Museu Municipal de Olhão
The Casa do Compromisso Marítimo situated in front of the cathedral now serves as the municipal museum for the town.
This impressive structure, dating back to the 18th century, retains many original fixtures, including the apothecary’s cabinet and ceramic pots.
The museum’s exhibitions reflect a maritime theme, showcasing model fishing boats, navigational tools, weaponry, and insights into Olhão’s historical canning industry.
Additionally, there is an archaeological section featuring collections of coins and inscribed stones.
7. Olhão’s Old Quarter
Approaching from the bustling fishing harbor, Olhão may initially present a rugged appearance.
However, stepping away from the waterfront reveals a more refined atmosphere.
This area represents where the town’s affluent merchants constructed their residences in the 1800s, adorned with balustrades, decorative tilework, and intricate wrought iron balconies.
Praça da Restauração, home to the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, serves as an excellent starting point for exploration.
From here, visitors can leisurely explore Rua do Comércio, a pedestrian shopping street paved with calçada portuguesa and lined with café terraces and local shops.
8. Capela de Nossa Senhora de Soledade
Behind the Casa do Compromisso Marítimo lies another historical building worthy of exploration.
This structure predates the other two, dating back to at least the 1600s, originally serving as the church for Olhão’s fishermen and now functioning as a pilgrimage and funeral chapel.
The exterior is rather unadorned, but a glance upward reveals a stork’s nest beneath the cross atop the roof.
The simple facade contrasts with the splendid interior, featuring an elaborately decorated gilded altar.
9. Moncarapacho
Officially a part of Olhão, the charming village of Moncarapacho is located under ten kilometers to the northeast.
Visitors can park to explore the whitewashed streets briefly, visiting the church, checking out the museum if it is open, and enjoying a refreshing drink at a café located in the central square, shaded by palm and laurel trees.
The tallest hill in the vicinity, Cerro de São Miguel, rises over 400 meters to the north.
Accessibility is available by car or on foot to the summit, where one can admire panoramic views of the Algarve coastline.
10. Faro
Located approximately the same distance to the west, Faro is just under a 15-minute drive away and is a destination worth including in your itinerary.
This city is renowned for its historical district, which is encircled by fortifications established by the Romans and later strengthened by the Visigoths, Moors, and ultimately by the Portuguese monarchy.
This ancient area features palatial structures, a grand gateway, and a Gothic cathedral.
Faro is filled with museums and attractions that could easily occupy an entire day, such as the Igreja do Carmo, which houses a 200-year-old ossuary adorned with the remains of over 1000 Carmelite monks.
11. Villa Romana de Milreu
This fascinating archaeological site nestled in the hills above the coast is easily accessible.
Originally a splendid Roman villa, this location bears evidence of continuous habitation for hundreds of years, extending to the 1000s when it served as an Islamic cemetery.
Among the most intriguing remnants are the villa’s features, showcasing marble stonework, painted stucco, and exquisite maritime-themed mosaics, showcasing fish designs reminiscent of contemporary artistry.
A notable structure still extant is a Paleochristian chapel, which was converted from a pagan temple in the 4th century.
12. Palácio de Estói
It may be surprising, but this lavish palace, currently a pousada, was in disrepair until recently.
This structure dates back to the 1800s and was designed to revive the elaborate Rococo style of the previous century: The ceilings and walls feature intricate plasterwork, while the grounds, which visitors can freely explore, are extraordinarily lush.
In front of the palace lies a formal garden, bordered by a balustrade and centered around an exquisite fountain.
Visitors can take a ceremonial staircase down to the level below to view the pavilion adorned with blue and white azulejos.
13. Monterosa Olive Oil
Located within the stunning 20-hectare Horta do Felix outside Moncarapacho, this olive grove and mill produces award-winning oils.
Established in the 1960s, the olive trees at this site have been cultivated since Roman times.
A 75-minute farm tour provides insights into olive cultivation and the oil production process.
Monterosa olive oils are made from five distinct olive varieties.
Upon tasting, one can discern the unique flavors, highlighting the contrast between the peppery cobrançosa and the smooth verdeal.
14. Novacortiça
During any working weekday, visitors can engage with a traditional local industry that dates back centuries.
Cork oak trees are prominent in the Algarve’s countryside, and at São Brás de Alportel, guests can tour a modern cork manufacturing facility.
This experience is particularly recommended for wine enthusiasts.
The tour covers the plantation, guiding attendees through each stage of production – from the cultivation of bark to the finished product – providing direct contact with the factory operations throughout.
This hands-on experience enables visitors to feel the texture of raw, unprocessed cork compared to the refined material employed in wine bottles and flooring.
15. Local Food
One of the appealing aspects of Olhão’s relatively unexplored atmosphere is the authentic experience of local cuisine.
As a central fishing port in the Algarve, the local diet heavily relies on the ocean’s bounty.
Freshly harvested cockles, clams, and oysters are available, as they are sourced directly from the Ria Formosa.
Arroz de lingueirão, a rice dish prepared with razor clams, along with squid and beans or deep-fried cuttlefish served in its own ink, represent traditional options.
Moreover, as a historical canning hub, Olhão continues to trade extensively in sardines and tuna, two staples of Portuguese gastronomy.
