Emer’s guidebook
Food scene
We love Cha Cha Cha as it always has the freshest ingredients from the Market. Its fun and buzzy with a great wine selection. Kevin the owner is a mine of information on Olhao not surprising given his background as a former travel writer for The Guardian newspaper. The restaurant regularly hosts little exhibitions of local artists throughout the summer months. Can't recommend it highly enough. You definitely need to book in advance for lunch or dinner and they book up quickly. They only take cash no credit or debit cards.
20 místní doporučují
Chá Chá Chá @chachacha.olhao
19 Tv. do GaibéuWe love Cha Cha Cha as it always has the freshest ingredients from the Market. Its fun and buzzy with a great wine selection. Kevin the owner is a mine of information on Olhao not surprising given his background as a former travel writer for The Guardian newspaper. The restaurant regularly hosts little exhibitions of local artists throughout the summer months. Can't recommend it highly enough. You definitely need to book in advance for lunch or dinner and they book up quickly. They only take cash no credit or debit cards.
This is lovely family run snack bar very popular with locals and visitors alike. We think they have the best Biffanas in Olhao. Biffana is a Portuguese speciality a bit like street food. Its marinated Pork in garlic and every restaurant has a slightly different take on it. In Chamine they serve theirs with onions. Ask for it in a Papo Seco roll which is lovely and light. Delicious with an ice cold beer. Cash only
Chaminé
87 Rua do ComércioThis is lovely family run snack bar very popular with locals and visitors alike. We think they have the best Biffanas in Olhao. Biffana is a Portuguese speciality a bit like street food. Its marinated Pork in garlic and every restaurant has a slightly different take on it. In Chamine they serve theirs with onions. Ask for it in a Papo Seco roll which is lovely and light. Delicious with an ice cold beer. Cash only
You can get a burger and chips for as little as €5 and a Jar of sparkling wine for €3 if you are on a budget. As well as fantastic fish dishes and dishes of the day. But the reason Delicia is a must see place is their fantastic selection of cakes and breads. That's where we got those lovely Pastel de Nata's from. The cakes are a riot of colour and its popularity is evidenced by the constant stream of locals buying their bread and cakes there. You can pay by card at the counter or by cash at your table outside.
Delícia de Olhão
20A Av. 5 de OutubroYou can get a burger and chips for as little as €5 and a Jar of sparkling wine for €3 if you are on a budget. As well as fantastic fish dishes and dishes of the day. But the reason Delicia is a must see place is their fantastic selection of cakes and breads. That's where we got those lovely Pastel de Nata's from. The cakes are a riot of colour and its popularity is evidenced by the constant stream of locals buying their bread and cakes there. You can pay by card at the counter or by cash at your table outside.
This is a very central small coffee shop/restaurant in Olhao popular for its location where you can watch the townsfolk coming and going. Small menu but we like to go there for a light lunch for tuna baguette and a glass of wine or beer. When the sun is shining its a really social spot. It gets busy and it has a small staff so patience is required. But then you are on your holidays so no rush. Lovely staff. Cash only
Café - Bistrô Lá Bicyclette
35 Rua do ComércioThis is a very central small coffee shop/restaurant in Olhao popular for its location where you can watch the townsfolk coming and going. Small menu but we like to go there for a light lunch for tuna baguette and a glass of wine or beer. When the sun is shining its a really social spot. It gets busy and it has a small staff so patience is required. But then you are on your holidays so no rush. Lovely staff. Cash only
A recent addition to the Olhao food scene but the businesses has been in this family for generations. They young couple running Miga are proud of their history in the town as the restaurant was a family bakery for many years. Nice tapas and sharing plates and good wine list.
Miga
107 Rua do Comércio A recent addition to the Olhao food scene but the businesses has been in this family for generations. They young couple running Miga are proud of their history in the town as the restaurant was a family bakery for many years. Nice tapas and sharing plates and good wine list.
Mo de Cima is a little gem but not actually in Olhao. Its in Fuseta and you can get to it on the train or by taxi. The setting is beautiful as its surrounded by a salt lake and if you are lucky you might even see some flamingos. Its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but you definitely need to book in advance as its quite small and gets booked up quickly. Lovely for some sharing tapas and great wine list. Cash only
Tapas & bar - Mó de Cima
164 R. da LiberdadeMo de Cima is a little gem but not actually in Olhao. Its in Fuseta and you can get to it on the train or by taxi. The setting is beautiful as its surrounded by a salt lake and if you are lucky you might even see some flamingos. Its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but you definitely need to book in advance as its quite small and gets booked up quickly. Lovely for some sharing tapas and great wine list. Cash only
Very very popular with locals Ouro Verde is a lovely, friendly place with lots of fish options. They do a lovely Bitoque with different meats. We particularly like the Bitoque Frango - which is beautifully cooked chicken slices in lemon and garlic served with a carb feast of both chips and rice with a fried egg. Great for a hangover! Cash only
Ouro Verde
72 R. Vasco da GamaVery very popular with locals Ouro Verde is a lovely, friendly place with lots of fish options. They do a lovely Bitoque with different meats. We particularly like the Bitoque Frango - which is beautifully cooked chicken slices in lemon and garlic served with a carb feast of both chips and rice with a fried egg. Great for a hangover! Cash only
We love the P&A for its great service. It has a small but good menu and we particularly like their burgers and chicken dishes. It has lots of screens if you are interested in the football. Its nothing fancy but we've always had a consistently good experience here so definitely recommend it for when you fancy something other than fish. Credit and Debit cards accepted.
P&A Bar
96 Av. 5 de OutubroWe love the P&A for its great service. It has a small but good menu and we particularly like their burgers and chicken dishes. It has lots of screens if you are interested in the football. Its nothing fancy but we've always had a consistently good experience here so definitely recommend it for when you fancy something other than fish. Credit and Debit cards accepted.
Best Pizza in Olhao bar none but also a great range of pasta and salads with a very, very good wine list. Its lovely sitting outside but we also love sitting upstairs where you have a lovely view of the waterfront. They will also deliver. They take both debit and credit cards.
25 místní doporučují
Pizza na Pedra
50 Av. 5 de OutubroBest Pizza in Olhao bar none but also a great range of pasta and salads with a very, very good wine list. Its lovely sitting outside but we also love sitting upstairs where you have a lovely view of the waterfront. They will also deliver. They take both debit and credit cards.
Fantastic fish restaurant. Its patrons are so enthusiastic about the food and ambience they write their views on the walls - literally. Located opposite the markets its a great place to sit outside and eat al fresco while watching the world go by.
20 místní doporučují
Prazeres
94 Av. 5 de OutubroFantastic fish restaurant. Its patrons are so enthusiastic about the food and ambience they write their views on the walls - literally. Located opposite the markets its a great place to sit outside and eat al fresco while watching the world go by.
As the name suggests great offer from land and sea. Good range of steaks and superb range of fish which the waiters will talk you thought. Good wine list to suit most tastes. Sit outside or inside where you will find the table are nicely spaced out so it feels safe and not too crowded. Accepts credit and debit cards.
20 místní doporučují
Terra i Mar
20 Av. 5 de OutubroAs the name suggests great offer from land and sea. Good range of steaks and superb range of fish which the waiters will talk you thought. Good wine list to suit most tastes. Sit outside or inside where you will find the table are nicely spaced out so it feels safe and not too crowded. Accepts credit and debit cards.
Vai e Volta is an institution in Olhao. It's the all the fish you can eat restaurant and believe me they keep it coming until you tell them to stop. You can eat all kinds of fish under their helpful guidance so its a great introduction to the many types of Portugese fish. All for the princely sum of €12 which includes a salad and a drink. It's always busy in the summer so get there early and its cash only.
38 místní doporučují
Vai e Volta
Nº2 Largo do GrémioVai e Volta is an institution in Olhao. It's the all the fish you can eat restaurant and believe me they keep it coming until you tell them to stop. You can eat all kinds of fish under their helpful guidance so its a great introduction to the many types of Portugese fish. All for the princely sum of €12 which includes a salad and a drink. It's always busy in the summer so get there early and its cash only.
Porto Recreio de Olhao is opposite the Marina Hotel at the end of the waterfront as you walk away from the Ferry point. This is a new group of restaurants and bars which are in stunning surroundings. We especially love Bamboo Restaurant and Cocktail bar. If you are just going for drinks then you can sit outside and watch the harbour activity. Its probably one of the best places in Olhao to see amazing sunsets. Drinks and Food in this area are much more expensive than in the rest of Olhao. But its worth the cost to experience the sunset.
6 místní doporučují
Porto Recreio de Olhao
Avenida 5 de OutubroPorto Recreio de Olhao is opposite the Marina Hotel at the end of the waterfront as you walk away from the Ferry point. This is a new group of restaurants and bars which are in stunning surroundings. We especially love Bamboo Restaurant and Cocktail bar. If you are just going for drinks then you can sit outside and watch the harbour activity. Its probably one of the best places in Olhao to see amazing sunsets. Drinks and Food in this area are much more expensive than in the rest of Olhao. But its worth the cost to experience the sunset.
Neighborhoods
Here in Olhao you are in the heart of the Ria Formosa a lagoon covering 60 km. Annually, about 30,000 birds can be observed from Ria Formosa, since the region serves as a migratory corridor and contains some the last remaining nesting grounds in Europe for some bird species.
In Olhao you are surrounded by islands including Ilha Culatra, Armona and Farol. To get to the islands you take the Ferry from Olhao which is only for foot passengers. There are no cars allowed on the islands. The ferries cost around €2 each way. If you want to avoid queues you can ask for a book of tickets which also works out cheaper. They take approximately 45 minutes each way except for Armona which is about 15 minutes away. All of the islands have their own unique characteristics so its worth checking them all. You can also check out the price of water taxis if you don't want to wait for the Ferry (usually around €40 Euro for five people.
Once you reach Armona there is a 1.5km walk to a 10 km long stunning beach. This has a wonderful restaurant near the beach called Lanacosta and a great little bar nearer the beach called Camaleao. This is an amazing place to watch the sunset but be careful not to miss your ferry back to Olhao!
Ihla de Farol is our particular favourite with its impressive lighthouse. There is another island called Ilha Deserta which you can only access from Faro this is literally deserted save for one lovely restaurant Estamine - its a unique place and definitely worth your time. Do remember to bring cash with you if you intend eating on the islands as there are no ATM's . We particularly love Cais Acqui restaurant on Farol fantastic food and lovely views. Check here for Ferry times and other water taxi/tour options
52 místní doporučují
Ilha da Armona
Here in Olhao you are in the heart of the Ria Formosa a lagoon covering 60 km. Annually, about 30,000 birds can be observed from Ria Formosa, since the region serves as a migratory corridor and contains some the last remaining nesting grounds in Europe for some bird species.
In Olhao you are surrounded by islands including Ilha Culatra, Armona and Farol. To get to the islands you take the Ferry from Olhao which is only for foot passengers. There are no cars allowed on the islands. The ferries cost around €2 each way. If you want to avoid queues you can ask for a book of tickets which also works out cheaper. They take approximately 45 minutes each way except for Armona which is about 15 minutes away. All of the islands have their own unique characteristics so its worth checking them all. You can also check out the price of water taxis if you don't want to wait for the Ferry (usually around €40 Euro for five people.
Once you reach Armona there is a 1.5km walk to a 10 km long stunning beach. This has a wonderful restaurant near the beach called Lanacosta and a great little bar nearer the beach called Camaleao. This is an amazing place to watch the sunset but be careful not to miss your ferry back to Olhao!
Ihla de Farol is our particular favourite with its impressive lighthouse. There is another island called Ilha Deserta which you can only access from Faro this is literally deserted save for one lovely restaurant Estamine - its a unique place and definitely worth your time. Do remember to bring cash with you if you intend eating on the islands as there are no ATM's . We particularly love Cais Acqui restaurant on Farol fantastic food and lovely views. Check here for Ferry times and other water taxi/tour options
Sightseeing
There are too many boat activities to us to list here but we have left you some brochures in the house that have these details. Also, if you take a walk down the waterfront both towards the Ferry and then back up to the Marina Hotel you will see lots of small booths that advertise tours. They can take you to see Dolphins and then have lunch in a Fishermans cottage, or take you for a romantic sunset champagne experience, or around all of the islands in one go. It's really up to you. The port are near the Marina Hotel is undergoing some regeneration with new shops and restaurants opening soon so we are excited to see what they will be like as new additions to the Olhao culinary and retail scene.
There is also the Ria Formosa Nature Park to explore where you can see the wonderful flora and fauna of the Ria Formosa from salt plains to exotic birds unique to the algarve.
242 místní doporučují
Přírodní park Ria Formosa
There are too many boat activities to us to list here but we have left you some brochures in the house that have these details. Also, if you take a walk down the waterfront both towards the Ferry and then back up to the Marina Hotel you will see lots of small booths that advertise tours. They can take you to see Dolphins and then have lunch in a Fishermans cottage, or take you for a romantic sunset champagne experience, or around all of the islands in one go. It's really up to you. The port are near the Marina Hotel is undergoing some regeneration with new shops and restaurants opening soon so we are excited to see what they will be like as new additions to the Olhao culinary and retail scene.
There is also the Ria Formosa Nature Park to explore where you can see the wonderful flora and fauna of the Ria Formosa from salt plains to exotic birds unique to the algarve.
This lovely old building at 14 Avenida da República is operating as an arts centre with regular visual art exhibitions and events. Its got a programme of concerts and offers Fado music with a set meal in the restaurant. We'd definitely recommend you have look around at the building, its lovely courtyard and exhibition spaces. It also houses an organic market on Wednesdays mornings. The food and wine is expensive relative to the rest of Olhao so check out prices before your order. But we love the architecture and the relaxed vibe if you are there at sun down you will hear all the birds returning to their trees for the evening - its quite an impressive sound. Check out their programme for events.
Associação Cultural Re-Criativa República 14
14 Avenida da RepúblicaThis lovely old building at 14 Avenida da República is operating as an arts centre with regular visual art exhibitions and events. Its got a programme of concerts and offers Fado music with a set meal in the restaurant. We'd definitely recommend you have look around at the building, its lovely courtyard and exhibition spaces. It also houses an organic market on Wednesdays mornings. The food and wine is expensive relative to the rest of Olhao so check out prices before your order. But we love the architecture and the relaxed vibe if you are there at sun down you will hear all the birds returning to their trees for the evening - its quite an impressive sound. Check out their programme for events.
If you like the artwork on the kitchen wall in the house over the dining table then you should visit the artists studio at Atelier Zea. The work is lovely representing Algarve life but particularly the architecture of Olhao with its lovely quirky doors. She has some small works that are quite tourist friendly momentos of your time in Olhao.
Atelier Zea
5 Rua da Fábrica VelhaIf you like the artwork on the kitchen wall in the house over the dining table then you should visit the artists studio at Atelier Zea. The work is lovely representing Algarve life but particularly the architecture of Olhao with its lovely quirky doors. She has some small works that are quite tourist friendly momentos of your time in Olhao.
You will find Entre Bairros in the main square where the mermaid of Olhao strides purposefully forward. There is no sign over the shop but you will be drawn in by their lovely products. If you want to buy high-quality Portugese goods then I would highly recommend this shop. I've listed this under Arts & Culture but they stock everything from Portuguese soaps, to ceramics to art prints. More information with their opening times here
Entre Bairros
7 Praça Patrão Joaquim LopesYou will find Entre Bairros in the main square where the mermaid of Olhao strides purposefully forward. There is no sign over the shop but you will be drawn in by their lovely products. If you want to buy high-quality Portugese goods then I would highly recommend this shop. I've listed this under Arts & Culture but they stock everything from Portuguese soaps, to ceramics to art prints. More information with their opening times here
The Municipal Auditorium is an impressive building and you should see some storks nesting in its lovely redbrick chimney. They have an ongoing series of events, concerts, films, Fado music etc so worth checking out. Their events are listed here (in Portuguese).
8 místní doporučují
Municipal Auditorium Olhão
1 R. Diogo de Mendonça Corte RealThe Municipal Auditorium is an impressive building and you should see some storks nesting in its lovely redbrick chimney. They have an ongoing series of events, concerts, films, Fado music etc so worth checking out. Their events are listed here (in Portuguese).