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.