One of the hidden delights of Olhão is that there is always something unusual, unexpected or simply lovely to discover.
On every visit we find something new to explore, visit or place to eat! Here are just a few photographs from the streets of Olhão, things we pass everyday or have found unexpectedly.
I think it is well worth spending a hour exploring the little side streets, and then when you are finished finding a cafe to stop have a Cha Verde (green tea!) and watching the world go by.
The ‘cubes’ of Olhão really do give a special feel to the town, and even the graffiti adds something. In fact in places the graffiti is incredible, I’ve not really captured it here so pop across to Restless Jo’s blog who has taken some amazing photographs of the street art.
If you prefer to have a little bit of structure to your explorations, there is now a short but lovely trail through the back streets called Caminho das Lendas, the legends way. You can’t miss it as there are sculptures throughout its length. More details on the trail can be found in the square opposite the markets. It is well worth doing as at each sculpture there is board sharing the fascinating legends of Olhão, many of which date back to when the Moors ruled the Algarve.
We tend to do little sections of the trail every time we walk back from the wonderful Vai e Volta or are mooching around town. If you are an armchair visitor reading this blog and want to know more about the trail then I have found a slide show of the trail click here or if you prefer read this Spanish blog post which describes the walk.
It is not just the back streets which are worth exploring. There is of course the harbour area, the lovely promenade and Jardim Pescador do Olhanense on the water front, and if you keep going at the end of the promenade there are the salt pans.
I’m presuming you have a home there, Becky, or are regular visitors? I haven’t had chance to look around your blog yet for answers. We’ve had our Tavira house for just past 10 years and usually only come to Olhão when we’re going over to Armona, or occasionally Culatra. We saw Floripes for the first time when we were there in February but haven’t followed the trail yet, so thanks for the details.
Thank you so much for the link to mine. I’m off for a look around 🙂
Hi regular visitors, although given the frequency and length of visits already this year almost a second home!
We love Tavira, have friends with a place there and visit often just for lunch. In fact my next post will be on your lovely home town.
Thanks for follow and tweets.
Just admiring your sunset. It’s a stunner 🙂