Olhao is still undiscovered...:
Situated a short drive (12km) east of Faro Airport, Olhão (pronounced ‘ol-ee-ow’) is a pretty fishing town reminiscent of the typical North African villages across the sea in Morocco.
The peculiarity of its architecture gives it a distinct Moorish appearance. Notable for its white cube-shaped houses with terraced roofs, Olhão was the scene of an historic uprising against the French garrison in 1808. Following the French departure, the local fishermen sent a small vessel known as a caíque across the Atlantic to Brazil to transmit the news to the exiled king João VI, who later rewarded them with a town charter. A full size replica of the Bom Successo caique is moored at the seafront.
There are many fine churches in Olhão including the Baroque Nossa Senhora do Rosário parish church, built on the Praça da Restauração between in 1698. From it, the narrow pedestrianised streets of the old quarter wind down to the waterfront with lots of very good restaurants and café bars.
Restful Olhao!:
Unlike many of the resorts to the west of Faro, Olhao has no Irish or English Bars, no late night (or early morning) Discos to disturb a good nights sleep. It is a relaxed, laid back and friendly town where you can wine and dine at extraordinarily low prices.
The Beaches...:
Armona Island is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 60km protected coastal area, dedicated to protecting the wildlife, fauna and culture of the Eastern Algarve. A major part of the park is encompassed in the barrier island system including Armona Island. Shellfish farming is extensive, with 80% of Portuguese clam exports coming from this area alone. For more information, read about Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Olhão-Armona Ferry Schedule crossing time: 10-15 minutes price: €1,35 per person; half-price age 6-12; under 6 free Remember: Taxi-Mar available 24 hours (€15-20, up to 8 people) Taxi-Mar(Water Taxis) at dock…Oct 2007 - March 2008 EVERYDAY Leave Olhão Leave Armona 8:30 9:00 12:00 12:30 15:00* 15:30* 17:00 17:30 *15:00 boat everyday in October & 15Dec2007-5Jan2008; Sat/Sun/Hols only from 1Nov-14Dec & 6Jan-14Mar2008 April & May 2008 EVERYDAY Leave Olhão Leave Armona 8:30 9:00 10:00 10:30 12:00 12:30 15:00 15:30 17:00 17:30 19:00 19:30 Bitmap
How d
Golf:
There are a number of 18 and 9 hole golf courses within a 15minute drive. Or the big courses at Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo are only a 20minute drive in the opposite direction.
Other Activities:
visit to Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
