Surroundings
Oásis Azul
Oásis Azul is half an hour's drive from Faro airport, a five-minute drive from the market village of Moncarapacho with local market, supermarket, restaurants and daily amenities. The charming coastal town of Fuseta, with its beaches and boats to the surrounding islands, is a ten-minute drive away. And Olhão, Tavira, Loulé and Faro can be reached within fifteen to thirty minutes, respectively.
In each accommodation you will find a map with detailed information on walks, restaurants, markets and towns in the area. And of course we will gladly share the 'latest' discoveries.
Moncarapacho
The market village of Moncarapacho is a five-minute drive from Oásis Azul. The village has all basic amenities such as a supermarket, bakery, a market hall and pharmacy. On the cosy little square and in the main street you will find some nice restaurants and terraces.
From Oásis Azul you can walk to the village in half an hour via a beautiful walking route.
Fuseta
The pretty fishing village of Fuseta located on the Ria Formosa, has narrow streets, traditional cubic houses with ornamental mouldings (platibandas) and Algarve chimneys. The village square and bbq restaurants near the market hall are always lively. The nice thing about this village is the nice mix of locals, fishermen and tourists.
Along the coast are several islands, inhabited and uninhabited. A ferry or taxi boat will take you to islands with kilometres of sandy beaches. In Fuseta, you have two beaches: inner beach Fuseta and Ilha da Fuseta.
The inner beach is located on the lagoon. A beautiful bay with beach bar (Borda d'Agua), sun beds and the distinctive old building of the lifeguard.
It is a fine beach and a great place to swim. For Ilha da Fuseta, take a boat that takes you to a very extensive sandy beach on the ocean. Fuseta is a ten-minute drive from Oásis Azul.
Olhão
Olhão is a town for those who love authentic Portugal. Olhão breathes history and culture. Far from being 'slick' but rather somewhat raw, this active fishing town still functions as the most important fishing port in the Algarve. The city has retained its original character with strong Moorish influences and it is lovely to wander its narrow streets.
Olhão is lively all year round and has nice terraces and good restaurants. The striking market hall with its fresh goods is worth a visit and a day trip by ferry to the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol is highly recommended.
Tavira
Charming. That's what most visitors think of Tavira. A lovely town to explore with something for everyone. Life largely takes place along the banks of the Gilão River. Museums, churches, beautiful buildings, terraces, shops and a large market hall. Tavira can charm everyone.
Its charm runs all the way to the Ria Formosa, with its white salt pans. Here, depending on the season, you can spot birds like the flamingo or the avocet. At the Gilão River and in Quatro Águas, boats leave for the beaches of Ilha de Tavira, Terra Estreita, Barril and Homem Nu.
More great cities
Faro's old town, Loulé and Vila Real de Santo António, near the Spanish border, are also worth a visit. And while you're in Vila Real, crossing over to Spain is easy. Ayamonte is on the other side of the famous suspension bridge and is a town on the Rio Guadiana with the unmistakable Spanish liveliness.
Markets
Every week there is a market somewhere in the area. This can be a market with merchandise or a flea market. Especially the cosy flea market of Fuseta is our favourite.
Beaches
With kilometres of sandy beaches, the Algarve is a popular beach destination. The Eastern Algarve is known for its long 'golden' sandy beaches. Here, you can still experience the 'alone in the world' feeling on the beach. Praia da Fuseta, Ilha de Fuseta, Praia do Barril, Ilha de Tavira, Armona, Culatra and Farol are in the vicinity of Oásis Azul.
Ria Formosa nature reserve
Between Faro and Tavira lies (protected) nature reserve Ria Formosa. A 60-kilometre-long lagoon surrounded by a labyrinth of islands, peninsulas, sandbanks, white beaches, dunes, salt basins with the most unusual flora and fauna. A paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Various boat trips are offered from Fuseta and Olhão to discover this area. From Fuseta you can also explore the area on foot or by bike.
Central Algarve
The beaches of the Central Algarve are golden yellow and surrounded by giant rocks and cliffs. Central Algarve officially covers the stretch between Faro and Lagos. This region is home to the well-known, busy seaside resorts such as Albufeira, Lagos, Ferragudo, Olhos d'Agua, Carvoeiro, Armação de Pêra, Quarteira and Praia da Rocha. The more luxurious Vilamoura is also located in this area.
West Coast Algarve
The west coast of the Algarve with its rugged cliffs is still undiscovered. Due to its high waves, this region is especially popular with surfers. Hikers can enjoy the long-distance Rota Vicentina trail here. Here you walk on old fishing paths along the coast. It is a fat hour's drive from Oásis Azul and worth a day trip.
Find out more
There are a lot of nice and clear websites about everything there is to experience in the Eastern Algarve and Portugal. We are happy to share a few links to websites.
- Algarve Fun
