Olhão, situated in the heart of the Sotavento Algarve, stands out as a municipality with a strong connection to the sea and the Ria Formosa. This coastal city is recognized for its vibrant fishing community and the unique architecture of its cubist houses, which lend a particular charm to its streets and alleys.
Olhão's municipal market, one of the largest and most renowned in the Algarve, is a central point of local life. Its two imposing buildings by the estuary are an epicenter of activity, where the freshness of fish and seafood, as well as the diversity of regional horticultural products, are evident. Strolling through this place allows one to observe the authenticity and dynamism of the city's daily life.
The Ria Formosa, a natural park of unparalleled beauty, is a defining element of Olhão's landscape. This labyrinth of channels, barrier islands, and sandbanks is a vital habitat for a wide range of bird species and marine life. From Olhão's riverside area, the estuary invites contemplation of landscapes of serene natural beauty.
Olhão's culture and traditions are deeply rooted in its maritime heritage. The rhythm of the city is marked by the tides and fishing activity, offering an authentic glimpse of the Algarve. It is a place where the authenticity of coastal life remains alive, far from the hustle and bustle of other destinations.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
This emblematic dish reflects the fishing essence of Olhão. It consists of a stew of various types of fresh fish from the Algarve coast, such as wreckfish, conger eel, ray or monkfish, slow-cooked with tomato, peppers, onion, potato, and aromatic herbs. It is a dish prepared in an earthenware pot that celebrates the abundance of the sea and the simplicity of traditional flavors.
A delicacy deeply linked to the culinary tradition of the Eastern Algarve, particularly the coastal area of Olhão. This dish is a type of cornmeal porridge cooked with fresh clams from the Ria Formosa, garlic, cilantro, and olive oil. It is a rustic and flavorful dish that represents the connection between the sea and the land, and the mastery in utilizing local resources in a simple and nutritious way.
Although cataplana is the copper utensil in which the dish is prepared, 'Seafood Cataplana' is a gastronomic reference in the Algarve, and Olhão is no exception given the richness of its seafood. This dish consists of a stew of various fresh regional seafood, such as clams, grooved carpet shells, shrimp, shore crabs or lobster, steamed with tomato, onion, garlic, peppers, and white wine. Cooking in the cataplana keeps the flavors concentrated and the aroma of the marine ingredients intense.
This is a simple and fresh dish, highly appreciated in Olhão, especially during the warmer months. The horse mackerel is cooked (boiled or scaled and grilled) and then flaked, being 'seasoned' with olive oil, vinegar, chopped garlic, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro. It is a dish that enhances the flavor of the fish with Mediterranean seasonings, ideal for a light and traditional meal.
Weather Olhão
On-duty Pharmacy Olhão