5 Best Sights in Olhão, The Algarve

Four local street artists turned the dilapidated walls of this former factory into an outdoor art gallery of gorgeous black-and-white murals that depict local fishing traditions. In many cases, the artists worked from period photos, and some locals say they can recognize their parents in the scenes.

Inside a handsome 19th-century building that was rescued by a group of local artists, this cutural center has lively art openings, interesting concerts, and a sociable small-town bar.

Tiny white vacation villas dot the pedestrian-only Ilha da Armona, a small island 15 minutes by boat from Olhão. About 9 km (5½ miles) long and just under 1 km (½ mile) wide, the island has some fine, isolated stretches of sand, as well as cafés and bars. It's popular among those who long for a quiet respite from the buzzing throngs of tourists. A wide range of water sports is available, but many people just explore the sandy dunes by foot. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; walking.

Sandy Ilha da Culatra is crisscrossed with wooden walkways that guide visitors around the island. It has several ramshackle fishing communities, a number of tasty seafood restaurants, and, at the southern village of Farol, pleasant beaches. Some stretches are supervised by lifeguards, others are not. The car-free island is 15 minutes by ferry from Olhão, and the boat trip itself is a fun experience. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (some). Best for: walking.

The ruins at Milreu, about 10 km (6 miles) northwest of Olhão, were first excavated in 1877. The settlement once known as Roman Ossonoba—including a temple (later converted into a Christian basilica) and mosaic fragments adorning some of the 3rd-century baths—date back to the 2nd through 6th centuries.