Annie’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
The Eastern Algarve is situated to the east of Faro and is very different to the rest of the Algarve as it has not yet been developed to the same extent. There is a tranquil feel about it, and you will find that the tourism seems to blend in with the local activities almost effortlessly.
Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão is Algarve’s largest fishing port and continues to be a working town. It was here that the first canning factory in the Algarve was established in 1882, sparking a trend that was to spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve's main source of income.
Olhão’s fish market is a sight to behold. The two market buildings sit side by side. They were designed by Gustav Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower and built in 1915. It’s a bustling place especially in the early mornings with the fresh catch of the day. One hall sells local produce, honey, olive oil and meats. The other has a huge variety of fresh local seafood. The halls are surrounded by pavement cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the view of the marina and take in the colors, smells and energy of the town.
The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-shaped chimneys. It is known as the ‘cubist city’ due to the cube-shaped homes along the narrow cobble streets of its historical center.
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Olhão
The Eastern Algarve is situated to the east of Faro and is very different to the rest of the Algarve as it has not yet been developed to the same extent. There is a tranquil feel about it, and you will find that the tourism seems to blend in with the local activities almost effortlessly.
Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão is Algarve’s largest fishing port and continues to be a working town. It was here that the first canning factory in the Algarve was established in 1882, sparking a trend that was to spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve's main source of income.
Olhão’s fish market is a sight to behold. The two market buildings sit side by side. They were designed by Gustav Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower and built in 1915. It’s a bustling place especially in the early mornings with the fresh catch of the day. One hall sells local produce, honey, olive oil and meats. The other has a huge variety of fresh local seafood. The halls are surrounded by pavement cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the view of the marina and take in the colors, smells and energy of the town.
The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-shaped chimneys. It is known as the ‘cubist city’ due to the cube-shaped homes along the narrow cobble streets of its historical center.
Tavira is considered one of the most charming towns in Portugal. It is known as Venice of the Algarve for its many waterways, canals, and bridges. Tavira is the perfect setting to grab a drink and people watch in many of the riverside cafes. Try the fig ice cream at one of the outposts of Gelataria Delizia; Dig into the roasted chestnuts sold street side; Or browse for Portuguese artisan crafts at many of the boutique shops.
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Tavira
Tavira is considered one of the most charming towns in Portugal. It is known as Venice of the Algarve for its many waterways, canals, and bridges. Tavira is the perfect setting to grab a drink and people watch in many of the riverside cafes. Try the fig ice cream at one of the outposts of Gelataria Delizia; Dig into the roasted chestnuts sold street side; Or browse for Portuguese artisan crafts at many of the boutique shops.
The Eastern Algarve is situated to the east of Faro and is very different to the rest of the Algarve as it has not yet been developed to the same extent. There is a tranquil feel about it, and you will find that the tourism seems to blend in with the local activities almost effortlessly.
Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão is Algarve’s largest fishing port and continues to be a working town. It was here that the first canning factory in the Algarve was established in 1882, sparking a trend that was to spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve's main source of income.
Olhão’s fish market is a sight to behold. The two market buildings sit side by side. They were designed by Gustav Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower and built in 1915. It’s a bustling place especially in the early mornings with the fresh catch of the day. One hall sells local produce, honey, olive oil and meats. The other has a huge variety of fresh local seafood. The halls are surrounded by pavement cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the view of the marina and take in the colors, smells and energy of the town.
The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-shaped chimneys. It is known as the ‘cubist city’ due to the cube-shaped homes along the narrow cobble streets of its historical center.
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Olhão
The Eastern Algarve is situated to the east of Faro and is very different to the rest of the Algarve as it has not yet been developed to the same extent. There is a tranquil feel about it, and you will find that the tourism seems to blend in with the local activities almost effortlessly.
Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão is Algarve’s largest fishing port and continues to be a working town. It was here that the first canning factory in the Algarve was established in 1882, sparking a trend that was to spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve's main source of income.
Olhão’s fish market is a sight to behold. The two market buildings sit side by side. They were designed by Gustav Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower and built in 1915. It’s a bustling place especially in the early mornings with the fresh catch of the day. One hall sells local produce, honey, olive oil and meats. The other has a huge variety of fresh local seafood. The halls are surrounded by pavement cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the view of the marina and take in the colors, smells and energy of the town.
The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-shaped chimneys. It is known as the ‘cubist city’ due to the cube-shaped homes along the narrow cobble streets of its historical center.
Sightseeing
Ilha da Culatra is a large sand bar island in the natural park of Ria Formosa, near the town of Olhão. The main attraction of Culatra Island is its beautiful beach, which can be considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve. It is the perfect destination for a day trip. The island is part of the Ria Formosa National Park, so it has had very limited development. There are no paved roads on Culatra and the only method to reach the island is by ferry. Along the southern side of the island there are golden beaches, with calm crystal-clear waters and on the northern side are lagoons. The Ilha da Culatra is the perfect location to escape the crowds even in the summer where most of the Algarve is bustling with tourists.
Ilha da Culatra is a great place for hiking. You can walk from the village of Culatra all the way to the village of Farol. There are two ways to do this: along the beach, or on a wooden path in the dunes. The walk is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You will see a variety of vegetation and wildlife and will truly appreciate the beauty of this island. You can arrive on Culatra, walk to the beach, and then walk along the sea to the west, all the way to Farol. There you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and take the return ferry to Olhão.
The island is permanently inhabited by around 1000 people, who mainly live on fishing and tourism. Ilha da Culatra consists of three parts:
Culatra (on the northern banks). Culatra is a small fishing village that is mainly inhabited by fishermen.
Farol (in the west). Farol is a small village with a lighthouse (Farol means lighthouse in Portuguese). This part of the island is sometimes called Ilha do Farol (Farol Island). This name suggests it is another island than Ilha da Culatra, but actually it is a different part of the same island. Culatra and Farol are the only villages on the island.
Hângares. This is named after an old hangar for marine seaplanes. Hângares is a quieter area, with very little infrastructure and few tourists.
Ilha da Culatra is connected to the mainland by a small passenger ferries which depart from Olhão or Faro. For both routes there are in excess of 10 departures per day in the high season but drop to only a handful in the winter. Departure times change seasonally (and even weekly) so check locally at ticket office especially for the last return ferry. There are also ferry taxis in the event you miss the final departure, but they are considerably more expensive.
From Olhão, the ferries depart from the main jetty and make two stops at Farol (€7.00 return, 45 minutes) and Culatra (€6.00 return, 30 minutes). The distance is short but the journey takes a surprisingly long time due to the shallow waters of the Ria Formosa. The ferry service from Faro departs from the Porta Nova Pier and connects to Farol (€5.00 return, 30 minutes) and Culatra (€6.00 return, 40 minutes).
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Culatra Island
Ilha da Culatra is a large sand bar island in the natural park of Ria Formosa, near the town of Olhão. The main attraction of Culatra Island is its beautiful beach, which can be considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve. It is the perfect destination for a day trip. The island is part of the Ria Formosa National Park, so it has had very limited development. There are no paved roads on Culatra and the only method to reach the island is by ferry. Along the southern side of the island there are golden beaches, with calm crystal-clear waters and on the northern side are lagoons. The Ilha da Culatra is the perfect location to escape the crowds even in the summer where most of the Algarve is bustling with tourists.
Ilha da Culatra is a great place for hiking. You can walk from the village of Culatra all the way to the village of Farol. There are two ways to do this: along the beach, or on a wooden path in the dunes. The walk is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You will see a variety of vegetation and wildlife and will truly appreciate the beauty of this island. You can arrive on Culatra, walk to the beach, and then walk along the sea to the west, all the way to Farol. There you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and take the return ferry to Olhão.
The island is permanently inhabited by around 1000 people, who mainly live on fishing and tourism. Ilha da Culatra consists of three parts:
Culatra (on the northern banks). Culatra is a small fishing village that is mainly inhabited by fishermen.
Farol (in the west). Farol is a small village with a lighthouse (Farol means lighthouse in Portuguese). This part of the island is sometimes called Ilha do Farol (Farol Island). This name suggests it is another island than Ilha da Culatra, but actually it is a different part of the same island. Culatra and Farol are the only villages on the island.
Hângares. This is named after an old hangar for marine seaplanes. Hângares is a quieter area, with very little infrastructure and few tourists.
Ilha da Culatra is connected to the mainland by a small passenger ferries which depart from Olhão or Faro. For both routes there are in excess of 10 departures per day in the high season but drop to only a handful in the winter. Departure times change seasonally (and even weekly) so check locally at ticket office especially for the last return ferry. There are also ferry taxis in the event you miss the final departure, but they are considerably more expensive.
From Olhão, the ferries depart from the main jetty and make two stops at Farol (€7.00 return, 45 minutes) and Culatra (€6.00 return, 30 minutes). The distance is short but the journey takes a surprisingly long time due to the shallow waters of the Ria Formosa. The ferry service from Faro departs from the Porta Nova Pier and connects to Farol (€5.00 return, 30 minutes) and Culatra (€6.00 return, 40 minutes).
Algar de Benagil is the famous Instagram worthy cave that is as stunning in person as it is in the pictures. Join a boat trip from Carvoeiro to visit the rocks of Algar Seco and the Bangali Cave
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Μπεναγκίλ
Algar de Benagil is the famous Instagram worthy cave that is as stunning in person as it is in the pictures. Join a boat trip from Carvoeiro to visit the rocks of Algar Seco and the Bangali Cave
Restaurants
Open for lunch only from 12:00- 15:30 Tuesdays - Sundays.
A no non-sense all you can eat grilled fish restaurant. Grilled fish platter accompanied by salad, boiled potatoes, garlic mash, olives, bread, and homemade tuna salad. The fresh fish is chosen daily from the Olhão fish market. All this for 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for kids.
Largo do Grémio, N 2 Olhão
Tel: +351 968 027 525
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Vai e Volta
Nº2 Largo do GrémioOpen for lunch only from 12:00- 15:30 Tuesdays - Sundays.
A no non-sense all you can eat grilled fish restaurant. Grilled fish platter accompanied by salad, boiled potatoes, garlic mash, olives, bread, and homemade tuna salad. The fresh fish is chosen daily from the Olhão fish market. All this for 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for kids.
Largo do Grémio, N 2 Olhão
Tel: +351 968 027 525
Open daily from 12:00 to 15:30 and 19:00 to 22:30
Our favorite local Portuguese restaurant serving up the best cataplanas and seafood dishes.
Avenida 5 de Outubro 14- 16 8700-302 Olhão
Tel: +351 289 702 504
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Restaurante Olhão - Restaurante Ria Formosa
14 Avenida 5 de OutubroOpen daily from 12:00 to 15:30 and 19:00 to 22:30
Our favorite local Portuguese restaurant serving up the best cataplanas and seafood dishes.
Avenida 5 de Outubro 14- 16 8700-302 Olhão
Tel: +351 289 702 504
City/town information
The capital of the Algarve is a versatile city that will attract people for different reasons. Captured within Faro’s ancient walls is a peaceful old town full narrow cobbled streets and historic monuments. Check out the Faro Cathedral, construction of this monument was started in 1251 and you can see hundreds of years of history in its bones. Speaking of bones, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) at the rear of the Igreja do Carmo church is decorated with the skulls and bones of over 1000 Carmelite monks as a reminder of the transient nature of life. The Alameda Joao de Deus Garde is located right behind the Municipal Library of Faro and a few dozen peacocks have made this garden their home. Be greeted with a stately welcome from Faro’s waterside gateway, Arco da Vila. Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset from Rooftop Eva.
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Faro
The capital of the Algarve is a versatile city that will attract people for different reasons. Captured within Faro’s ancient walls is a peaceful old town full narrow cobbled streets and historic monuments. Check out the Faro Cathedral, construction of this monument was started in 1251 and you can see hundreds of years of history in its bones. Speaking of bones, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) at the rear of the Igreja do Carmo church is decorated with the skulls and bones of over 1000 Carmelite monks as a reminder of the transient nature of life. The Alameda Joao de Deus Garde is located right behind the Municipal Library of Faro and a few dozen peacocks have made this garden their home. Be greeted with a stately welcome from Faro’s waterside gateway, Arco da Vila. Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset from Rooftop Eva.
Take a detour from Algarve’s coastal towns and spend a little time in this cute medieval town filled with citrus groves and vineyards. The Castelo de Silves, at the top of the hill, was occupied by the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors until its capture by King Afonso III in the 13th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal and definitely fun for the whole family. The Silves Cathedral constructed in the 13th century is also a sight to behold. You must have a drink, snack, lunch, or dinner at Segredo dos Mouros!!! You will be rewarded with amazing views and fantastic hosts.
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Silves
Take a detour from Algarve’s coastal towns and spend a little time in this cute medieval town filled with citrus groves and vineyards. The Castelo de Silves, at the top of the hill, was occupied by the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors until its capture by King Afonso III in the 13th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal and definitely fun for the whole family. The Silves Cathedral constructed in the 13th century is also a sight to behold. You must have a drink, snack, lunch, or dinner at Segredo dos Mouros!!! You will be rewarded with amazing views and fantastic hosts.
The nightlife and beach capital of the Algarve. There are 25 beaches to choose from but check out the Praia de São Rafael, a beach with a rugged shoreline with seaside cliffs. This stunning beach is a bit closer to Albufeira’s old town but totally removed from the resorts. Or the Praia da Falésia with its 6 km beach with a spotless strip of golden sand. The nightlife action is at Avenida Dr Francisco Sà Carneiro, “The Strip”, with its many bars, clubs and restaurants.
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Albufeira
The nightlife and beach capital of the Algarve. There are 25 beaches to choose from but check out the Praia de São Rafael, a beach with a rugged shoreline with seaside cliffs. This stunning beach is a bit closer to Albufeira’s old town but totally removed from the resorts. Or the Praia da Falésia with its 6 km beach with a spotless strip of golden sand. The nightlife action is at Avenida Dr Francisco Sà Carneiro, “The Strip”, with its many bars, clubs and restaurants.
Cross the border into Spain and have some tapas just 30 minutes away from our apartment by car. The charming old quarter of Ayamonte, with its labyrinth of narrow streets is dotted with attractive plazas where you can enjoy a drink and some tapas in one of the many bars and restaurants.
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Ayamonte
Cross the border into Spain and have some tapas just 30 minutes away from our apartment by car. The charming old quarter of Ayamonte, with its labyrinth of narrow streets is dotted with attractive plazas where you can enjoy a drink and some tapas in one of the many bars and restaurants.
Carvoeiro was an old fishing town built into steep red sea cliffs and now is one of the more popular tourist spots in the Algarve. Carvoeiro has a colorful history of pirates and naval attacks,
stretching back to Roman times. Now this small town is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Walk up the hill from the cove beach and you will reach The Algar Seco. This true wonder of nature consists of a series of rocks and rugged caves, sculpted for hundreds of years by the wind,
and with natural pools of incredibly blue water. The holes in the rocks give them the appearance of windows and balconies. It is a must see and make sure you have comfortable shoes to
explore this marvel.
Catch the sunset at the end of your day at Boneca Bar with fantastic cave and sea views.
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Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro was an old fishing town built into steep red sea cliffs and now is one of the more popular tourist spots in the Algarve. Carvoeiro has a colorful history of pirates and naval attacks,
stretching back to Roman times. Now this small town is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Walk up the hill from the cove beach and you will reach The Algar Seco. This true wonder of nature consists of a series of rocks and rugged caves, sculpted for hundreds of years by the wind,
and with natural pools of incredibly blue water. The holes in the rocks give them the appearance of windows and balconies. It is a must see and make sure you have comfortable shoes to
explore this marvel.
Catch the sunset at the end of your day at Boneca Bar with fantastic cave and sea views.