Olhão

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Shopping in Olhão – Markets, Makers, and Maritime Charm

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Olhão is a coastal town known for its strong fishing heritage and its bustling Mercado de Olhão, which sits right by the waterfront. This market is one of the most iconic in the Algarve, with two red-brick buildings full of local products: one dedicated to fresh fish and seafood, the other to fruit, vegetables, meat, and delicacies like fig compote and carob liqueur. On Saturdays, the outdoor market fills up with local farmers and artisans.

Beyond the market, wander through Olhão’s narrow streets and you’ll find small boutiques, ceramic studios, and shops selling cork products, lace, and hand-painted azulejos. It’s a place where shopping feels like discovery—many of the best finds are tucked between traditional townhouses and lively cafés.

For more variety, head just outside town to the Ria Shopping Center. While small compared to Faro’s Forum Algarve, it features essentials like clothing shops, tech stores, and a supermarket—ideal if you’re staying nearby.

Olhão also hosts regular artisan fairs and events in the summer months, where local artists and craftspeople present their work—from jewelry to home décor, much of it inspired by the sea and the nearby Ria Formosa.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado de Olhão – Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700-307 Olhão
  • Ria Shopping – Estrada Nacional 125, 8700-137 Olhão

Salt Pans of Tavira and Olhão– A Shimmering Landscape

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Just outside Tavira lies a surreal landscape of salt pans, where seawater is slowly evaporated in shallow basins to produce high-quality sea salt, including the prized “flor de sal.”

You can visit the Salinas do Grelha (Olhão) to learn about the traditional salt harvesting process that dates back to Roman times. Guided tours explain how the pans work and how salt is manually harvested with wooden rakes.

Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the geometric pools and the changing colors caused by algae, minerals, and bacteria. And yes—there’s usually a small shop on-site where you can buy artisanal salt to take home.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot flamingos feeding in the briny water nearby. Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along the salt pan trails, and end with a cool drink back in Tavira town.

Olhão and the Islands – Gateway to the Wild Side of Ria Formosa

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Olhão is the perfect starting point to explore a very interesting side of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a labyrinth of salt marshes, sandbanks, and islands that stretch along the Algarve coast. While the town itself has a strong fishing identity, it’s the connection to the lagoon and its islands that makes Olhão truly special.

From the marina, you can catch a ferry or water taxi or book a (half) daytrip to the islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol. These islands have no cars, just sandy paths, modest cottages, and unspoiled beaches. Culatra, home to a small fishing community, offers a rare glimpse of traditional island life—complete with colourful boats and drying octopus racks. Armona is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming and walking, with wide sandy shores on both the lagoon and ocean sides.

The boat journey itself is a highlight. As you glide across the calm waters of the lagoon, you’ll pass oyster beds, fishing nets, and flocks of birds wading in the shallows. The views constantly shift with the tides, making each trip feel slightly different. For a quieter, more ecological experience, you can also book a solar-powered boat tour through the Ria Formosa’s winding channels.

Whether you’re birdwatching, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the salty air, Olhão offers a deeper, wilder connection to nature. The islands here aren’t about beach bars or crowds—they’re about space, silence, and the simple beauty of sand and sea.