Things to do in Olhao, Algarve

Areas of interest in and around Olhao

• Stroll along the river front and enjoy the gardens, wander down past the market to a café overlooking the water, where you can sit and listen to jazz.
  
   

• Boat trip to the sandspit 'ilhas' of Culatra, Armona and Farol that form the protection to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve around Olhão and Faro - the boats run at regular intervals from the quay.
  
  

• Municipal Market - open every morning except Sunday. One of the best fish markets in the Algarve and also lots of locally produced fruit and vegetables. 
  
  

Churches in the Olhao area

• Igreja Matriz de Olhão: 17th Century with a baroque facade. The Church was the first stone building in Olhão and was paid for with contributions from the fishermen.

• Igrega de Nossa Senhora da Soledade:  Church of  'Our Lady of Solitutde' - 17th century - the original church for the fishermen.

• Igreja Matriz - Quelfes: 16th century

• Igreja Matriz - Moncarapacho: the church has evidence of medieval origins but the main structure is 16th century. It's doorway is a good example of Renaissance art .

• Capela de Espirito Santo - Moncarapacho: 18th century.

• Hermitage of São Miguel: on top of a hill about 5km from Moncarapacho, there are great views of the countryside as well.

Galleries and Museums in the Olhao area

• Municipal Museum: Largo da Restauração, 8700 Olhão. The 'Compromisso Marítimo' building (the fishermen's mutual society, which was founded in the 18th century) is home to Olhão's Municipal Museum.
  
  

Leisure activities in and around Olhao

• Golf: 'Pinheiros Altos', 'San Lourenzo' (west of Faro) and 'Colina Verde' (east of Olhão) are the closest courses.

• Municipal swimming pool: 
  Opening hours - Monday to Friday  09:00h to 14:00h and 16:00h to 21:00h. 
  Saturday 09.00h to 19.00h. Closed Sundays and holidays.

• Boat trip around the Ria Formosa: Either hire a boat and take yourself or join one of the trips. A ferry to one of the Ilhas is a great way to see some of it and enjoy the ilha at the end of the journey.