Property for Sale in Olhao

Most people will tell you to head west of Faro to Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago, but head fifteen minutes east, and you have charming Olhão. Dating back to the 17th century, Olhão is a historic port city. But while many other locations along the Algarve have transformed from a fishing village to a tourist hub, in Olhão, you will still see fishermen headed out in the morning. For a burst of modernity, there’s the Ria shopping centre. Plus, the creation of the Marina Village with its condominium-style living, suggests that the landscape of Olhão could be changing soon. Overall, in Olhão, the streets are cobbled, the buildings are Moorish, the fish is fresh, and you’ll hear mostly Portuguese. 

Aside from fishing, Olhão is famous for the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a lagoon that hugs the coast of southern Portugal. Recognised as one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders in 2010, the Ria Formosa is an incredible hiking spot. It is also home to flamingos, the European Chameleon (it is one of the few places you can observe this bird), dolphins, newts and dragonflies. Technically speaking, Olhão does not have beaches. However, you can get a ferry or water taxi to some beautiful, unspoiled ones. Located within Ria Formosa, Ilha da Armona is known for its stunning white sands. No cars are allowed so you can be assured of its cleanness. There are cafes and restaurants on the island, but even at peak season, it does not swarm with tourists like other parts of the Algarve.  

Conveniently, Olhão is just a nine-minute drive away from Faro. Or even a six-minute train ride for around a euro. Additionally, Faro International Airport, which has affordable international flights throughout the year, is about fifteen-minute drive away. The city of Olhão is very walkable. This, combined with great transport links, means that a property for sale Olhão would be well-suited to anyone who would rather not own a car in Portugal. Plus, if you do ever feel like immersing yourself in the glitzy, busy resort life of much of the Algarve, it is all just a drive or train ride away. But a property for sale in Olhão could serve as your calm base to return to.  

The warm season lasts from June through to September. August is the hottest month with an average daily maximum of 27°C. While July boasts of the most sunshine at an impressive 361 hours. You’ll be coldest in January and February, with an average daily maximum of 15 degrees.  

One great benefit of Olhão being as yet undiscovered by holidaymakers and second homeowners alike is that there are considerably more affordable property options than you can find in the rest of the Algarve. Apartments for sale in Olhão start from €140,000 – in Vilamoura, you would need closer to €200,000. But perhaps the biggest difference is seen in houses for sale in Olhão. Elsewhere in the Algarve, for a multi-bedroom house, you would need at least €700,000. In Olhão, a starting budget of €400,00 will find you a lovely family villa. Moreover, Olhão has less luxury properties for sale than its neighbours west of Faro. The more laidback, authentic feel of Olhão and lower property prices might be just what you are seeking.