The Algarve's capital and airport, where most flights from the rest of Europe land: a walled old town (Cidade Velha) with a cathedral tower view, the Carmo church's Chapel of Bones, and the Ria Formosa at its door, a lagoon natural park of salt marshes, flamingos and barrier islands (Culatra, Deserta, Farol) reached by boat. Tavira's riverside old town and the Ilha de Tavira beach are 30-40 minutes east by train, and the resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura 30-40 minutes west. Quieter and cheaper than the western Algarve, and open all year. Trains run to Lisbon in about 3 hours.
Highlights
- The walled old town and cathedral tower
- Boat to the Ria Formosa islands
- Flamingos in the salt marshes
- Tavira's Roman bridge and old town
- Olhão's fish market
Things to do
- Old town and the cathedral towerMorning · 2h
- Ria Formosa boat trip to Culatra or Deserta islandAfternoon · 4h
- Day trip to Tavira and its island beachMorning · 6h
- Chapel of Bones and the marina at duskEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – October
Worth knowing
Wildfire Season
From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in the forests of the centre and north, the Algarve hills (Monchique) and Madeira, as in 2017, 2024 and 2025. Follow the civil-protection text alerts, obey road and trail closures, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check before a hike. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.