| Olhão is the largest and most important fishing port in the Algarve. Away from the industrial dockside area with the fish-canning factories and the Spoursal salt works, the centre of the old town is still very much the traditional, water’s edge, fishing village it has always been. |
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| Sometimes referred to as the “Cubist” village on account of its cube-shaped houses, the old town is certainly the place to be if you have a penchant for fresh seafood; there is lots of it around and it is very reasonably priced. The town has a well stocked local fish market and every year there is a festival dedicated to seafood. |
| Historically, do not be fooled by the Moorish look and feel in the old town, Olhão was founded in the 18th century, over 500 years after the Moors had left. Perhaps the most conspicuous historical event was the 1808 initiation in Olhão of the rebellion against the Napoleonic occupation of Portugal. Further, it was from Olhão that 17 intrepid fisherman embarked on the mammoth voyage to Brazil to carry the news of the French departure from Portuguese territory to the Portuguese king (then in exile). |
| In addition to visiting the fish market, which, incidentally, is good for fresh vegetables and local handicrafts, you might also do well to take in the 17th century parish church, whose bell tower affords wonderful panoramic views and perhaps take one of the many boat excursions on offer to one of the nearby beautiful sandy islands of Armona, Culatra or Farol (all part of the Park Natural da Ria Formosa). |
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