The sun has returned in force this week, perfect timing as we have guests. One of our guests is here for a month, but the others only have a few days so we have been sharing with them our classic ‘if you only have a few days in Olhão‘ programme.
Arrival day of course is finding your bearings in Olhão, which depending on your arrival time can involve a stroll along the promenade, finding the markets, ferry terminal and main shopping street. Alternatively it might just mean a trip to the roof to enjoy the sunset!
Day two is a chance to enjoy the sea air by getting out on the Ria Formosa and strolling on one of the Ilhas. This week our guests explored Farol and Culatra, and in hindsight they chose the best day to do so. They had a glorious walk and picnic on the beach in the sunshine albeit it was windy. However that given all of our guests are from the northern Europe or North America, at this time of year even windy or cooler days are better than the weather they left behind!
Day three is a trip to Tavira, a must-visit when in the east Algarve. Our short-stay visitors this week caught the train back to Olhão which meant they also got to see more of the coastline and Ria Formosa. Whilst the car might be faster, and the slow road (N125) and the motorway (E22) are interesting, we feel the train is much more fun and the views are great so visitors often find themselves being encouraged to explore Tavira on their own and to find their own way back by train!
Day four, departure day is something none of us ever look forward to after all who wants to leave the sunshine and Olhão’s storks. It is though another day, and this week an opportunity to explore more of Olhão as well as a scrumptious and long lunch at our favourite restaurant – Vai e Volta. We have also be known on departure days to squeeze in a visit to Estoi or Faro for our guests, both fascinating places and perfect for half day excursions. Departure day activities of course always all depend on the weather, departure timings and how everyone is feeling, so sometimes the spa next door is the best way to end a short break here in Olhão.
Portugal is definitely on my travel bucket list.
Were you there when they returned as European Soccer Champions?
Unfortunately not, but friends who live there said it was amazing.
Do hope you make it one day soon, such a wonderful country . . . we can’t wait to return in the Autumn and to explore more of the north
I’d settle for 4 days! 🙁 Fab photos 🙂
Wish you were still here!
Not as much as I do 🙂 (though we’ve still been out and about, enjoying 🙂 ) Small pause before more guests?
Tiny pause!!!!