Guide to Olhao

'Stay in Olhao and you'll be staying in the real Portugal – Moorish houses, seafood galore, and offshore beaches. Holidays here are full of colour and charm.'

Once a fishing village full of Moorish, sugar cube houses, Olhao is now a bustling town. Delve deeper and you'll discover red brick markets on the waterfront jam-packed with handicrafts, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and locals barbecuing fresh sardines on the doorstep. Wander through the fish market and spot seafood that you never knew existed. Explore the narrow streets and admire the squat, Moorish houses. Visit the parish church and step into the tiny chapel where fishermen's wives go to pray for their husbands' safety. Wherever you go you'll be reminded that this is Portugal in its natural state - as it was meant to be. But holidaymakers haven't been forgotten! Ferries leave the pier every 1 1/2 hours in summer for the two long, peaceful stretches of white sand on the offshore islands of Armona and Culatra, where there are limited facilities but plenty of space. And a promenade runs around the harbour lined with open-air bars and restaurants. Whether you're in the thick of the action or watching the world go by from the tower of the parish church, this tiny fishing town will tick all the holiday boxes.

Find the cheapest late deals to Olhao leaving in the next six weeks.