Things to do:

Olhão

Just 25 minutes from Villa Lage, Olhão is a lively coastal town celebrated for its authentic fishing heritage and vibrant market life.

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Its historic waterfront is lined with white, cube-shaped houses in Moorish style — a legacy of the town’s deep connection with the sea and North Africa. The Mercado de Olhão, housed in two red-brick pavilions by the marina, is one of the Algarve’s most famous: a feast for the senses where locals shop for fresh fish, seafood, and regional produce.

 

Art lovers will enjoy the Museu Municipal de Faro, housed in a 16th-century convent, or a visit to the Fábrica da Cerveja, now transformed into a space for contemporary art exhibitions. Shoppers will find elegant Portuguese design at LOULÉ Design Lab or Armazém Central, while those drawn to craftsmanship can explore ceramics ateliers and local linen boutiques tucked within the old streets.

Stroll through the old quarter, filled with narrow alleys, tiled façades, and hidden cafés, or visit local artisans’ workshops for ceramics and textiles. Art lovers can explore Galeria Sul and other contemporary spaces that reflect the town’s creative revival. From the marina, boats depart to the barrier islands of Armona and Culatra, ideal for a day trip or lunch by the sea.

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