Eastern Algarve

Olhão is a traditional fishing town and one of the most authentically Portuguese towns in the Algarve. It's perfect for a day trip, whether you're exploring the market and shops, relaxing at a waterfront café, or visiting one of the nearby islands.

At the heart of the town is the Olhão Market, divided into two buildings: one for fresh fish (the largest in the Algarve) and another for local produce. On Saturdays, the market extends outdoors, filling the area with stalls set against the beautiful Ria Formosa.

The town has a charming waterfront, a busy fishing harbour, and many narrow cobbled streets to explore. Regular boat trips take visitors to the barrier islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol, which provide an opportunity to take a trip along the Ria and visit the islands and their beaches.

Estoi Village: Cobblestones, History, and Charm

A few kilometers inland from Olhão is Estoi. It is the usual Algarve village with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and relaxed atmosphere. However, being just a few kilometres inland makes it a very different, much more relaxed world than the nearby coast.

The village is known for two main attractions: Palácio de Estoi and the Milreu Roman Ruins. The Estoi Palace is painted a distinctive pink colour and is surrounded by beautiful ornamental gardens. Visitors can explore its exterior and grounds free of charge and enjoy the café on-site. The Milreu Roman Ruins showcase a 2nd-century Roman villa, featuring ancient columns, a temple, and several mosaics from a historic bathhouse.

Besides these two better known attractions the best place to experience the relaxed atmosphere is in the cafes and open-air restaurants.

Fuseta: Tranquil Streets, Fresh Seafood, and Unspoiled Beaches

Fuseta is a charming, unspoiled fishing village just past Olhão. Despite its small size, it offers a laid-back vibe, tiled streets, and great fresh fish and seafood restaurants. The village remains authentic, with fewer tourists than nearby towns, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy local life.

During the summer, Fuseta's small harbour comes alive. In the restaurants around the harbour, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood, often grilled outdoors. As the restaurants are always very full during peak season, it's best to arrive early, as many don't take reservations. The marina also has stands selling boat trip tickets to explore the Ria Formosa or nearby islands, as well as birdwatching tours.

Fuseta's beaches include Praia da Fuseta, easily accessible on foot from town, and Praia da Ilha da Fuseta, only reachable by boat (around €2 return).