Olhão

The fishing town of Olhão is located just east of Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Book a visit to a beach resort, and enjoy family-friendly beaches with sand dunes. Visit the local market to see fisherman haul in their catch, or climb the bell tower at Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos church for great views. The town also hosts an annual Seafood Festival every August

Olhão also makes a great base for exploring nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park, an area of wetlands, sandbars, and salt pans that is home to many species of birds, including the Eurasian spoonbill, and the grey plover. Take a guided tour of the area to have an expert help identify the local wildlife.

• Temperatures in Olahão range from around 60°F (15°C) in the winter to 85°F (30°C), so while the beaches are lovely all year round, it can be a bit chilly from November–April

• Many Olhão hotels offer accessible rooms, and many beaches in the Algarve have been made accessible with ramps and walkways that lead to the sand

• If you plan to swim at Olhão’s beaches, pay attention to the beach flags, which indicate whether getting in the water is permitted and whether a lifeguard is on duty

Olhão is located about 6 miles (10 km) east of Faro, in the southern Algarve. The closest airport is in Faro, where you can rent a car. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, which runs from Faro to Olhão daily.

Portugal has a mild climate all year round, so there’s something to enjoy in Olhão at any time of the year. Olhão is a popular summer resort for visitors from all over Europe, and summer is peak tourist season.

Aside from beaches and sunshine, the Algarve is also famous as a golf destination, and the area around Faro has some of the top courses in the region. You’ll find a number of driving ranges to practice your swing in the area, and there are a variety of courses to suit all levels of ability.