Holiday home in Olhão in the Algarve (Portugal)

Discover the hidden gem of Portugal: the wonderful coastal town of Olhão! From breathtaking architecture to gorgeous beaches, friendly locals and delicious restaurants, this charming town in the Algarve is an absolute feast for all the senses. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Olhão with its mix of Roman, Arabic and Portuguese influences or relax on the warm sands of the Algarve's beautiful beaches. And don't forget to try the town's delicious fish dishes, prepared with freshly caught fish from the region. Join us on a trip to Olhão and find out why this hidden gem of Portugal should be on every traveller's bucket list!

WHAT TO DO IN Olhão?

Located on the sun-drenched coast of the Algarve, Olhão can only be described as a hidden gem that offers visitors the perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty.

Olhão has around 45,000 inhabitants and is one of the most important towns in the Algarve when it comes to fishing. With picturesque alleyways, colourful azulejos (painted ceramic tiles) and low-roofed houses, the town's architecture is a feast for the eyes.

The distances in the town are short, which makes a walk into the centre absolutely charming, as the town is known above all for its picturesque alleyways and beautiful beaches. A short excursion through Olhão is something very special and could, for example, first take you through the picturesque town centre and then to the beach promenade. Just skip the map and off you go. An excursion like this is a great way to let your gaze wander over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and the fishing boats returning from their working day to the harbour on the mainland. The fishermen of Olhão have a long tradition and are known for their craftsmanship in making fishing nets and for their special type of fishing, known as "xávega". This involves pulling a sock-shaped net back to the coast. A visit to Olhão in the Algarve therefore offers guests the perfect combination of culture, history, beach fun by the sea and, above all, a fantastic climate.

THE MARKET in Olhão (Mercados municipais de Olhão)

A magnet for visitors is the town's market right by the sea with its truly remarkable glass and iron architecture and its four pretty little towers. Here you can buy everything your gourmet heart desires - fresh fruit and vegetables and, of course, plenty of fish.

OLHão MarkeT OPENING TIMES

When is the market in Olhão open? Of course, we have also noted this for you.

Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm

Saturday: 07:00 am to 1:00 pm

Sunday: closed

THE SEAFOOD FESTIVAl in Olhão 

Olhão can proudly claim to have the largest fishing harbour in the Algarve. This may be one of the reasons why the Festival do Marisco is celebrated there every year in August. The seafood festival in Olhão. But it's not just a seafood festival, it's also a festival of arts and crafts, live music, entertainment, dance and music. If you really want to immerse yourself in the city's culture, you should definitely check out the festival.

And of course, no visit to Olhão is complete without a trip to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, such as Praia da Fuseta or Ilha da Culatra, which are located right next to Olhão and where you can enjoy not only the sun but also the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. This is where the magic of Olhão is at home - a city that takes hearts by storm and will definitely leave you wanting more.

Und natürlich ist kein Besuch in Olhão vollständig ohne einen Ausflug zu den wunderschönen Stränden der Algarve, wie dem Praia da Fuseta oder der Ilha da Culatra, die direkt in der Nähe von Olhão gelegen sind und wo man nicht nur die Sonne, sondern auch das kristallklare Wasser des Atlantik genießen kann. Hier ist der Zauber von Olhão zu Hause – eine Stadt, die Herzen im Sturm erobert und definitiv Lust auf mehr machen wird.

StORKS in Olhão

Olhão is also a popular destination for birdwatchers as it is close to the Ria Formosa nature reserve. And as if all this wasn't romantic enough, a pair of storks have taken up residence on a building on Rua da Soledade. If you keep your eyes open, you can see the couple flying over Olhão. We ask ourselves: how much more romantic can this sweet town get?

WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU HAVE SEEN (EATEN)ß PortugUESE PASTRIES!

Olhão offers its guests a variety of activities. The town has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine and, of course, breakfast. When it comes to breakfast, Portuguese pastries are a must. With its delicious custard tarts, filled puff pastry croissants and eclairs - to name just a few highlights. There are lots of little shops dotted around the city offering treats that are truly out of this world. Incredibly delicious.

SuRFING IN THE Algarve in Portugal - CAN YOU SURF in Olhão?

Portugal is an absolute paradise for surfers - perhaps even one of the most important countries in Europe. The entire region offers numerous beaches and bays with cliffs and good waves that are suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers.

This makes Olhão a very popular destination for surfers. Some of the best surf spots can be found not only in Olhão, but also nearby. For example, at Praia da Ilha de Tavira and Praia do Barril, which are around 25 to 30 minutes away from Olhão. There are also several surf schools in the area that offer surfing lessons and equipment hire.

Souvenirs AND GIFTS FROM Portugal

As a top holiday destination in the Algarve, Olhão attracts thousands of tourists every year who enjoy the warm climate, relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches and natural beauty of the town. Portuguese ceramics are particularly popular as souvenirs from the coastal town. It is unique because of its handmade and traditional production techniques, as its designs are often very colourful and vibrant and show influences from Portuguese culture and history. Portuguese ceramics are considered to be durable and of particularly high quality. You can therefore plan a little more luggage.

WHAT MAKES OUR HOLIDAY HOME in Olhão so INCOMPARABLE

Our stylish apartment on the seafront offers a generous 115 square metres of living space, tastefully decorated with handcrafted furniture and design elements. We believe that if the city is this beautiful, then the accommodation should be too.

Sisters of Paradise Apartment in Olhão feautures  

Like all Sisters of Paradise accommodations, the holiday apartment in Olhão has a king-size bed measuring 180x200 centimetres, a spacious living and dining room with an extra-large table and cosy sofa, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom and guest WC with shower have marble panelling, while the balcony offers a lovely view of the marina. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast there or round off the day with a good glass of wine or dinner. You don't have to go to the local restaurants every evening. 

forget the stress in our holiday   

Another highlight of the apartment in Olhão is the relax room, where you can unwind after an eventful day. A holiday in the Algarve also means a holiday from all the daily stress. Hello relaxation!

And that's exactly what the relax room in our apartment in Olhão is perfect for. With the Algarve sun rising, you can meditate, do yoga and even read a little - before returning to the sights in Olhão and the surrounding towns. Or simply enjoy your beach holiday. We would be delighted to welcome you to our holiday home and are sure that you will love what we have to offer.

holiday Apartment in the Algarve with Pool  

If you find the sandy beaches in the Algarve beautiful, but would also like to sunbathe by the pool from time to time, then there is also an indoor and infinity pool available, which offer you an absolutely fantastic view and make your stay in this wonderful country even more enjoyable. An underground car park also offers secure parking for your car. Of course, our apartment also has a hairdryer, WiFi, a Smart TV and air conditioning.

The Sisters of Paradise apartment offers an incomparable flair and is an excellent choice for your holiday in Olhão and the Algarve. It is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of Portugal. Book today and enjoy the ultimate beach experience!

Architecture in Olhão Portugal 

Anyone interested in architecture on holiday in Portugal is in particularly good hands in Olhão, as Portugal reflects the influence of many different cultures and styles, from Roman and Arabic times to the more recent architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries.

One of the most characteristic features of Olhão's architecture are the houses with flat roofs. These buildings were originally designed for the town's growing fishing industry in the 18th century. Built with a flat roof, they provide ample space for drying and repairing fishing nets and relaxing in the sun during work breaks.

Azujelos – portuguese earthenware tiles  

Another important architectural feature in Olhão is the use of azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tiles. These tiles are very often used to decorate building façades and lend an unmistakably colourful and decorative look and flair. Overall, the architecture of Olhão with its pretty tiles and winding streets creates an absolutely fascinating reflection of the city's history. If you really want to lose yourself on a stroll, Olhão is the place to be. 

HOW FAR IS Olhão From Faro AIRPORT?  

Olhão is also very close to Faro International Airport (14 kilometres), which makes it very convenient for travellers. A journey from the airport to our apartment takes just 19 minutes by taxi or Uber, so your holiday in Portugal can begin immediately.

What is the Sandalgarve in Portugal? 

The Sandalgarve around Olhão is a must-see area due to its impressive natural beauty, historical and cultural significance, as well as its wide range of leisure activities.

As part of the popular tourist region of the Algarve, the Sandalgarve offers visitors a picturesque landscape with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking cliffs. The Algarve is one of the regions that offers many highlights and is therefore perfect for hikes and excursions.

What to see in the Algarve?  

Other places worth seeing for visitors to the Algarve include the islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, an important habitat for rare bird species and other wildlife, as well as the village of Estoi, which is known for its magnificent palace and Roman ruins. The Roman bridge of the Quelfes also exists near Olhão, dating back to the Roman period of the 1st century AD. Anyone interested in archaeological sights will love the area.

Visitors to the Sandalgarve have the opportunity to try out various water sports activities. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing and diving are popular with our guests. And, of course, simply relaxing on the beach. All in all, the Sandalgarve is a beautiful and versatile holiday destination that will delight both nature and culture lovers alike.

Famous Thriller called „Lost in Fuseta“

On the subject of culture: film fans will be delighted to learn that the thriller "Lost in Fuseta" was also set in the area around Olhão. A gripping story set in the small fishing village of Fuseta, where a murder case took place in the film, which the main protagonist Leander Lost must now uncover. His investigation takes him to the breathtaking coastal landscape around Fuseta, a pretty little fishing village about 18 minutes by car from Olhão. The crime thriller "Lost in Fuseta" is absolutely worth seeing and definitely a very nice addition to a holiday in the Algarve and a must for every Portugal fan.

We hope you enjoyed our blog post and that it provides you with a little inspiration when you visit Olhão and the Algarve.