Free walking tours in Olhão and what to see

Must-sees

Olhão is the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Its two red-brick markets, for fish and for vegetables, stand by the lagoon promenade, and the old town has cube-shaped houses with roof terraces that recall North Africa.

From its quay, boats leave for the Ria Formosa islands, such as Armona, Culatra and Farol, with sandy beaches and car-free fishing villages. The lagoon is a natural park, with salt pans and birds.

Free tours and guided visits

There is no free walking tour in Olhão. What Civitatis offers are activities on the lagoon: boat or speedboat trips around the Ria Formosa islands, one at sunset, boat hire with a skipper and dolphin watching.

There is also a hiking route to the Benagil caves, at the other end of the Algarve.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the markets and the old town. If you stay two or three days you can go to the islands by boat, and Faro and Tavira are less than half an hour away by train.

Where to stay

To have the markets and the boats on foot, choose the centre or the lagoon promenade. Around the town there are country houses with a pool, and in Fuseta, a smaller seafaring village.