Casa Calisto Portugal

A charming, Moorish-style townhouse, Casa Calisto is located in the town of Olhão on the Algarve coast. Around 10 minutes’ drive from Faro, and its airport, this stylish 2-bedroom property lies in the heart of historic Olhão, offering wonderful views of the town and its own rooftop pool.
This old fishermen’s house has been thoroughly renovated, and is now a contemporary and very inviting home. Characterised by high ceilings, tall windows and its whitewashed exterior, Casa Calisto has something special waiting for you at the top of the house. The 4m x 2.5m private pool on the rooftop is accompanied by a shower and seating area. Additionally, you have an outdoor dining terrace on the first floor with seating for four, perfect for dining anytime.
Inside, you have a living area with two sofas – this is located on the ground floor, along with the two gorgeous double bedrooms. Both of these have king-size beds, and one has its own en suite bathroom with shower. A separate bathroom is also available for the use of those occupying the other bedroom. With wonderful attention to detail in the styling, all of these rooms are a real treat.
The same is true of the well-equipped kitchen, found on the first floor. There is a dishwasher, microwave, fridge freezer and Nespresso coffee machine, and all the other things you may need for cooking and dining are provided too. A lovely dining area inside provides an alternative to the one on the terrace, plus there’s stool seating at the island. Casa Calisto is also equipped with free Wi-Fi and has free on-street parking.
What was once a small fishing village has developed into a significant town – and Olhão is now the largest fishing port on the Algarve. It’s only around a 5-minute walk to many of the shops and cafés of Olhão, and you will find numerous terraces where you can sit outside and enjoy the sun. Olhão is famous for its fish market, which still operates today, and for its two island beaches, Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona. These are served by regular ferry crossings.
The nearby city of Faro offers yet more to explore, such as the cathedral which looks out over the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Boat tours of this beautiful area are a popular activity. Also less than 30 minutes’ drive from Olhão is the traditional market town of Loulé, with its own Moorish-inspired marketplace.
Olhão has become a popular Portuguese beach resort in recent years and, with Faro Airport only 10-15 minutes’ drive from the town, it’s an easily accessible one too. Olhão’s roots lie in the fishing industry, and the town has the notable claim to fame that it was the site of the first canning factory in 1882.
Today, it’s still a lively fishing port, as seen in the bustling fish market on the waterfront. Be sure to pay it a visit – as well as fish, you can get all sorts of other local produce there, like fruit, meat and honey.
Olhão is known as the capital of the Ria Formosa, a large area of lagoons and marshes that hosts marine and birdlife. The area has Natural Park status and is a popular destination to explore by boat, especially by those who want to spot the flamingos and the many migrating birds on their way from Europe to Africa. It is also the home of the Portuguese Water Dog – originally bred to help the fishermen retrieve fish.
Olhão’s island beaches, Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona, also form part of the region. At around a 15-minute ferry ride, Armona is the closest – on arrival, you can take a pleasant walk down to the beach where there are sun loungers. The larger Culatra is about 35 minutes away, and at the western end of the island there is a beach at Farol, as well as a lighthouse. An uninhabited island known as Ilha Deserta can also be visited. There is just natural beauty and a solitary restaurant to be found.
The Old Town area of Olhão is a highlight, with a Moorish influence to the architecture, while the waterfront provides a great range of places to eat and drink. Naturally, there is plenty of fish on the menus, but there is much more to enjoy too. The café terraces around the market buildings are fine places to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Olhão.
Attractive garden areas also line the waterfront – each August, the Jardim Patrao Joaquim Lopes or Jardim Pescador Olhanense host the Festival do Marisco, where great seafood and live music come together.
Excursions beyond Olhão include the city of Faro, which is much more than the area’s transport hub. With a pretty fishing harbour, marina and many historic monuments – including the Gothic cathedral and the Arco da Vila archway which leads to the Old Town – Faro is well worth a visit. You will also find a regional history museum there, and the Jardim Manuel Bivar. This pretty garden plaza between the marina and Old Town provides a charming spot to relax.
At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!