Matriz Church Olhão
The
history of Olhão is linked to the local fishing industry
since the 17th Century when the town grew into existence. Already
in 1882 the first canning factory for sardines and tuna was founded
there, and similar factories spread along the Algarve coast.
The status of a town was granted to Olhão in 1808 when 17
fishermen crossed the Atlantic Ocean without charts to announce
to the exiled king of Portugal that the French invading armies had
been defeated.
The architecture of the older quarter of Olhão shows a Moorish
flavour. Every morning the fish market at the waterfront offers
an impressive variety of fresh fish and seafood in a lively and
noisy atmosphere.
A ferry service takes the visitors to the nearby small islands of
Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona, where unspoilt sandy beaches
invite to a pleasant bath in the Atlantic.
