Things to do in Olhão

Leisure activities in and around Olhão

Golf

Wherever you are in the Algarve you are never far from some of the best golf courses in Europe! The nearest to Olhão are Pinheiros Altos , San Lorenzo (west of Faro) and Colina Verde (east of Olhão).

Diving in Olhao

The waters off Olhão offer plenty of opportunity for diving. Bicho do Mar are situated at the eastern entrance to Olhão on the EN125 near the Cube roundabout

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. To use the pool you will need a swimcap, flipflops for poolside use and lycra style swim trunks (not beach shorts) for the men and full swimsuit for the ladies.

Boat trips around the Ria Formosa

 A ferry to one of the Ilhas is a great way to see some of the Ria Formosa Natural Park or take one of the many boat trips that are available.

Cinema

The Ria shopping centre has a multiscreen cinema showing the latest films (in english). You can check the films currently showing on the Ria Shopping website

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.