Convento, Olhao, eastern Algarve, Portugal - Explore & Book
"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 breakfastThe rooftop terrace: a perfect spot for a lazy morning, an afternoon dip in the pool, or a sundownerOlhão 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 holidayYou’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 onlyNo 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" - Emily McDonnell
