Hidden down a narrow street between a fishmonger and a buzzy restaurant lies a white door in a stone archway, which opens into one of Marrakech’s most stylish riads... Well, not really, but the internal courtyard - with its hand-painted blue tiles, graceful white columns and grand wooden doors - had us fooled. And as we climbed up spiral stairs to a split-level roof terrace, we were delighted by the views across the town's whitewashed roofs to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where fishing boats bob on the waves and the bright sunshine is almost dazzling.
Once a weekday home for rural girls working in Olhão's fish-canning industry, the townhouse was saved from ruin by 2 architects, a historian and a teacher, who remodelled it into this airy, peaceful haven (no under 13s allowed). They carefully preserved and exposed original brickwork, turned former dormitories into 9 romantic bedrooms, and adorned communal spaces with local art and antiques from nearby Fuseta. We loved the sheer style of it all.
Highs
- Fantastic value, and rates include a great breakfast
- The rooftop terrace: a perfect spot for a lazy morning, an afternoon dip in the pool, or a sundowner
- Olhão is only 20 mins from Faro airport, yet it's an authentic fishing town with cobbled streets and simple restaurants serving charcoal-grilled sardines and jarros of wine; ideal for a car-free holiday
- You’re a taxi-boat ride from some of our favourite Portuguese beaches, in the Ria Formosa
- Managers Guillaume and Antje are incredibly welcoming
Lows
- Multi-level with steep spiral stairs - the rooftop cabins are only suitable if travelling with hand luggage only
- No TVs, air con or music docks (though there is WiFi)
- It can be difficult to park, but you don't really need a car here
Best time to go
This area of Portugal is great year-round, but we’d recommend April-October when warm weather is almost guaranteed. That said, we’ve visited in February and November and experienced sunny, dry days. Temperatures can soar in July and August, but the cool Atlantic acts as a welcome respite. Convento is closed in the winter months.
Our top tips
Take a day trip to Spain. Drive along the coastal road to Vila Real de Santo António and jump on the small ferry, which takes you across the Rio Guadiana. Just 5 minutes later, you’ll find yourself in Ayamonte, a pretty Spanish town filled with tapas restaurants. Just remember that Ayamonte is an hour ahead of Vila Real de Santo António, and most restaurants in Spain shut at 4pm; we’ve been caught out before!
- Boutique Hotel
- 9 rooms
- Breakfast only (restaurants nearby)
- Ages 13+ only
- Closed: Nov - Feb
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 9 rooms and suites fan out around the tranquil courtyard, with its tinkling fountain and colourful bougainvillea. All are chic white spaces with gilded mirrors and lamps, handwoven rugs, local antiques and mismatched chairs. Bathrooms have huge walk-in rain showers, with heated marble underfoot. Be aware that only shower gel and handwash are provided so bring toiletries.
We stayed in one of the first-floor Suites, accessed via huge sliding glass doors that allow light to flood in. These were our favourite rooms as they felt very private. The Rooftop Cabins are beautifully designed and romantic; one has a private patio, the other opens directly onto the communal rooftop and is the only room to have a sea view. The Double and Large Double rooms felt airy and spacious, and have their beds tucked under an elegant arch.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is a delight, prepared each morning by Antje and served at a long table in the art-filled breakfast room. Each guest is brought a daily-changing delicacy (we had local cheeses and meats one day; an omelette the next), as well as fresh fruit (papaya, raspberries, kiwi and grapefruit) and Portuguese bread and cakes (including the traditional pastel de nata). If you have any dietary requirements, just let Antje know.
For lunch and dinner, there are some excellent restaurants nearby. Our favourite is family-run O Galo, which serves delectable dishes such as fishcakes with fried sweet potato, as well as a range of tapas. Or there's Chá Chá Chá, a quirky local joint with fresh, locally sourced fare, gluten-free desserts and vegetarian options. For rustic and traditional Portuguese food (grilled fish and meat), try Pitéu along the seafront, deservedly popular with locals.
Before you head out, grab a drink from Convento's honesty bar and pop up to the roof terrace, to make the most of the last of the evening sun. The views of the islands (with swifts and storks flying past) is really special.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Honesty bar
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Explore Olhão’s pretty cobbled streets, harbour and smart red-brick market. There's a daily spread of veg, fruit and fish, plus a farmers' market on Saturdays with budgies and bunnies, baked goods and pottery
- Get a ferry or taxi boat to island beaches. Our favourites are Ilha da Culatra and Ilha Deserta, though all offer stunning stretches of golden sand; the journey takes you through the Ria Formosa’s lagoons. Further afield, and equally lovely, are the beaches of Fuseta, Barrill and Santa Luzia
- Fuseta's antiques market is a must
- Day-trip to Tavira and admire its hilltop castle, Roman bridge and wonderful collection of Gothic and Renaissance churches. There are pretty boutiques, too, which we never leave empty-handed!
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Historical sites
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
Kids
Children aged 13 and over are welcome at Convento, but there are no extra beds so they'll need their own room.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Convento is in the centre of Olhão, a small fishing town in the eastern Algarve, 20 minutes from Faro airport.
By Air:
Faro airport is the closest (15km) but you could fly into Seville (in Spain, 200km) or Lisbon (300km) if you don't mind a longer drive.
Take a taxi or hire a car from the airport; see our rental recommendations. You'll need to park on the street in Olhão.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Faro 15.0 km FAR
- Seville 200.0 km SEV
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 62 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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