Things To Do
in Olhão

A fragrant seafood stew cooked in a hinged copper pan (cataplana) with clams, prawns, fish and often chorizo; find it at many waterfront restaurants and traditional taverns.

Must-Try!

A rich, soupy rice dish loaded with mixed shellfish — a comforting local favorite best enjoyed in family-run restaurants and seafood houses.

Clams in a garlicky, parsley and white wine sauce — widely available at casual seafood restaurants and an ideal starter.

Simple, smoky sardines grilled over charcoal, typically served with boiled potatoes or bread; common at summer festivals and coastal restaurants.

The town’s iconic market with separate fish and produce pavilions; go early to see the catch of the day, buy shellfish, and try small snacks or a quick seafood sandwich.

Small stands and cafés along the waterfront sell coffee, pastries, grilled fish sandwiches and light petiscos ideal for a casual outdoor lunch.

Greet shopkeepers and locals with a polite 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon); a handshake is the common initial greeting.

Meals are sociable and can run late in summer; keep noise levels moderate in residential areas, especially at night.

Casual clothing is fine, but dress modestly when entering churches. On public beaches, wear swimwear only on the sand and not at cafés or in the town center.

The Ria Formosa is a protected area; follow signs, avoid disturbing wildlife (especially birds during nesting season), and take litter with you.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: for good service leave 5–10% in restaurants or round up the bill. For small cafés, bars and market stalls a small coin or rounding up is fine. Porters and taxi drivers commonly receive a small tip or rounding up.

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and larger stores; smaller market stalls and cafés may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel if using foreign cards.

Mild temperatures, fewer tourists and blossoming landscapes; excellent for birdwatching in the Ria Formosa and comfortable walking. Ferry timetables start to increase ahead of summer but still quieter than peak months.

Hot, dry weather and busy beaches — peak ferry services to the islands and lively waterfront dining. Expect higher prices and crowded ferries in July and August; book popular boat trips and restaurants in advance.

Warm sea temperatures persist into early autumn, rainfall increases later in the season and crowds thin out. Good time for seafood dining, lower accommodation costs and pleasant outdoor activities.

Mild but wetter weather with cooler evenings; quieter town life and reduced ferry schedules. Not ideal for sunbathing but good for local culture, lower prices and off-season birdwatching.

The closest airport (about 15–25 km west). Regular car, taxi and bus connections to Olhão and onward ferries; the quickest option for most international visitors.

Major international hub about 2.5–3 hours by car or train from Olhão; useful for arrivals with more flight options, followed by domestic transfer by train, bus or car.