Olhao is one of those places that rewards travelers who love authentic, hands-on experiences. This fishing town in the Algarve isn’t just a pretty port; it’s a hub of natural beauty, tasty local food, and lively traditions. What makes Olhao particularly appealing for tours and experiences is its proximity to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a vast, protected wetland teeming with birdlife, salt marshes, and barrier islands that are perfect for boat trips and wildlife watching. We especially like the Olhão: Ria Formosa 2 Islands Boat Tour for its balance of relaxed exploration and expert narration. It showcases two islands on a scenic 3-hour cruise, with plenty of opportunities to walk and take photos.
If you’re a sunset lover, the Ria Formosa Boat Tour with Sunset offers a more intimate way to experience the estuary’s quiet magic. Meanwhile, food and drink enthusiasts will appreciate the Algarve Wine Tasting and Portugal Wine Tasting in Olhao, which introduce you to regional wines paired with local cheeses, chorizo, and olive oil. For those interested in deeper cultural insights, the Lenda Encantado tour walks through Olhao’s historic streets and legends, revealing the town’s authentic character.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a broad spectrum of experiences—from scenic boat trips exploring the Ria Formosa (see the full list here) to wine tastings, island-hopping adventures, sailing tours, and cultural walks. Whether you want a family-friendly island cruise, a romantic sunset ride, or an in-depth local history walk, Olhao has something to suit every taste. Now, let’s get into the details of each top-rated experience.
1. Olhão: Ria Formosa 2 Islands Boat Tour
At number 1, we highlight the Olhão: Ria Formosa 2 Islands Boat Tour, which scores a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 from 67 reviews. This 3-hour trip takes you on a gentle cruise through the Natural Park, with a focus on experiencing two islands—Culatra and Ilha do Farol. What makes this tour stand out is the combination of nature and local guide expertise. The itinerary includes a guided walk on Culatra Island, plenty of sightseeing from the boat, and free time on Ilha do Farol for photos and strolls.
The boat’s route offers a comfortable, relaxed way to observe local birdspecies and salt marshes, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights along the way. Many travelers appreciate the flexible schedule, which includes multiple stops and scenic photo opportunities, especially on the self-guided walk on Ilha do Farol. The cost is just $41 per person, making it good value considering the quality of wildlife viewing and the small group setting.
Bottom Line: If you want a balanced introduction to the Ria Formosa’s islands with expert commentary and easy access to nature, this tour is an excellent choice—especially for first-timers or families.
2. Ria Formosa Boat Tour with Sunset – Olhão
Coming in at number 2, the Ria Formosa Boat Tour with Sunset is a 3-hour experience that combines the best of scenic cruising and evening ambiance. With a 4.9/5 rating from 15 reviews, this tour is perfect for those who want to unwind and soak in the golden light of late afternoon.
The route takes you along the calm channels of the Natural Park, with two stops: Armona Island, where you can stretch your legs and explore, and Culatra Island, with its photo opportunities and self-guided walks. The highlight is watching the sunset over the water, which many find deeply peaceful and photogenic. Small groups ensure a personalized experience, and the modern boat provides a comfortable ride.
What sets this tour apart is the relaxed pace and the chance to observe the ecosystem during the magic hour of sunset. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable crew and the stunning views, with comments like: “Jaime was a great guy with good energy. He explained a lot and made this trip a great experience.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or anyone seeking a scenic, intimate cruise with a memorable sunset, this tour offers a peaceful, picture-perfect experience.
3. Olhão: Algarve Wine Tasting
Number 3 on the list is the Algarve Wine Tasting, a 1.5-hour session hosted at Casta Nova Wine Shop. It scores a perfect 5/5 from 11 reviews, making it a must for wine lovers exploring Olhao.
Founder Sara and Diogo lead the tasting, which features five distinct wines from the Algarve region. What makes this experience special is the personal touch—guests enjoy sampling regional wines alongside cheeses, chorizo, and local olive oil. Hosted in front of Olhão’s lively market, the tasting also offers stories behind each wine and insights into the region’s viticulture.
Guests consistently praise the hosts’ knowledge and hospitality, with one review noting: “Sara was very knowledgeable and made us feel relaxed, staying longer than planned.” The wines vary from fresh whites to more complex reds, providing a good overview of Algarve’s winemaking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine tasting with learning, this intimate wine experience offers excellent value and authentic regional flavor.
4. Olhão: Portugal Wine Tasting
For around the same price, the Portugal Wine Tasting provides a guided journey through five carefully selected Portuguese wines. Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, this tour is ideal if you’re curious about Portugal’s diverse wine regions.
The tasting, hosted at the same Casta Nova Wine Shop, emphasizes small producers and authentic flavors. Diogo, the host, provides engaging stories behind each wine, and there’s plenty of cheese, bread, and meats to complement the tasting. Reviewers highlight the bespoke approach, with one describing it as “a great experience with wines we wouldn’t have found on our own.”
This tour is best suited for wine connoisseurs or those eager to deepen their understanding of Portugal’s wine diversity. The intimate setting makes it easy to ask questions and try new varieties.
Bottom Line: A highly personalized experience for lovers of Portuguese wine, especially those keen to explore beyond the mainstream brands.
5. Olhão – Route of 2 Fantastic Ria Formosa Islands
Number 5 features a 3-hour tour that takes you through the calm waters of the canals and salt marshes towards two spectacular islands. The Route of 2 Islands has only 2 reviews but scores a perfect 5/5 for its well-organized and scenic experience.
This trip emphasizes local wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters. The boat glides quietly through the salt flats and bird habitats, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers and families. The captain, Juan Patrick, gets high praise for his attentiveness and explanations.
If you want to see immaculate beaches and observe local fauna up close, this tour offers excellent value for a relaxed, nature-focused trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, wildlife-rich cruise that emphasizes scenery and family fun.
6. Albufeira, Olhão, Faro: Visit to a Vineyard, Free Time in Silves
This full-day experience, rated 5/5, combines a vineyard tour with free exploration of Silves. Starting from Olhão, the 7-hour trip takes you through the wine-making process, including a visit to the vat room and French oak barrels, plus tastings of three regional wines. Afterward, you’re free to explore Silves’ castle and charming streets.
The highlight is the blend of wine education and culture. The vineyard visits provide insight into Algarve’s wine industry, while the free time in Silves lets you enjoy its scenic views and local shops. Reviews mention the friendly guides and the opportunity to buy wine directly from the producer.
This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive day that balances wine, history, and regional scenery.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine enthusiasts and history explorers alike, this tour offers a day of learning and relaxing.
7. Algarve: Olhão Highlights Tour and Ria Formosa Boat Trip
At 8.5 hours, this full-day tour combines the best of Olhão’s local market, the boat trip through Ria Formosa, and a guided walk of the old town. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to Olhão’s fishing port and cultural spots.
Starting with a visit to the vibrant Traditional Market, the tour then transitions onto a boat to explore the park’s immaculate beaches, birdlife, and barrier islands. Afterward, a stroll through the historic streets reveals Olhão’s authentic character.
While the price is $96 per person, the value lies in the variety of experiences included. Travelers appreciate the local flavor and the balance of outdoor and cultural activities.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those with a full day to enjoy Olhão’s markets, nature, and history.
8. Olhão: Sailing Tour on a Small Catamaran
Rated 4.8/5, this 3-hour sailing tour offers sporty wind sailing in the Ria Formosa, with close-up wildlife viewing and access to spots larger boats can’t reach.
The itinerary includes wildlife watching, scenic sailing, and a chance to take a break on a deserted beach. The small size of the boat makes for a more intimate experience, and the active sailing aspect appeals to those who want a bit of adventure.
Guests mention the crew’s enthusiasm and the up-close birdwatching opportunities. If you like the idea of combining sailing, nature, and some physical activity, this tour is a perfect fit.
Bottom Line: For active travelers and sailing enthusiasts, this tour combines sport and serenity on the water.
9. Tour of the Ria Formosa Islands 5 Hours Tour
This 5-hour boat tour has a 5/5 rating and focuses on immaculate beaches and marine life. It’s designed for those who want an in-depth exploration of the barrier islands and the natural reserve.
The tour includes stops where you can swim in crystal waters, observe flora and fauna, and enjoy family-friendly activities. The route is carefully planned to maximize time on the most scenic beaches and wildlife spots.
Perfect for families or nature lovers, this trip offers a comprehensive look at the Ria Formosa’s ecological richness and stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: If you want a longer, more immersive experience in the island and wildlife environment, this tour delivers.
10. Olhão & the Enchanted Legends / Lenda Encantado
Finally, the Olhão & the Enchanted Legends tour offers an engaging 1.5 to 2-hour walk through the town’s historic streets, focusing on legends and local stories. Starting from Olhão, the tour includes sightseeing, photo stops, and narratives that bring the town’s culture to life.
This experience is especially suited for travelers interested in local lore, history, and tradition. It’s a relaxed walk, ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Olhão’s heritage without the need for physical exertion.
Guests describe the tour as a charming and immersive way to see Olhão through the lens of its stories and legends.
Bottom Line: Great for history buffs and cultural explorers who want to connect deeply with Olhão’s stories.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Olhão
Choosing among these options depends largely on your interests, time, and budget. For a relaxed, scenic day learning about birdlife and islands, the Olhão: Ria Formosa 2 Islands Boat Tour strikes a good balance. If your focus is wine, the Algarve Wine Tasting or Portugal Wine Tasting offer authentic flavors and local stories. For a full day that covers markets, nature, and history, the Olhão Highlights Tour is ideal.
Those seeking adventure and active sailing will love the Sailing Tour on a Small Catamaran, while cultural enthusiasts should not miss the Legends Walk. Consider your interests, fitness level, and time available as guiding factors—most tours are seasonal, so booking early is always wise.
In summary, Olhão offers a diverse range of tours that showcase its natural beauty, culinary richness, and lively culture. Whether you opt for a quiet island cruise, a vinous tasting, or a walk through its stories, these experiences promise to enrich your stay. Start planning now and secure your spot early—these popular options fill quickly in peak season.