Ohlao, Portugal: A Lovely Fishing Village Walk Major Sites, Olhao, Portugal

Seasonal tourism splashes through the quiet fishing village of Olhão, Portugal, a locals-oriented town that fronts the Nature Park of Ria Formosa and sparkles with sweet mariner-oriented gems throughout its waterfront. We fell in love with it immediately.

High rises filled with expats and locals border the western edge of town next to the salt flats. In town, older apartments and two-story fisherman homes create narrow alleys to meander a town with roots that go back to 1378.

Fishermen moved into its abundant coast in the 17th century; it was from Olhão that a small group of 17 Portuguese sailed to Brazil to request town recognition from the Portuguese King who had fled during the French occupation of Portugal.

Start your walk at the train station. You can catch the train several times a day to traverse the Algarve. The Linha do Algarve began in 1858 and connects Spain to Lagos. There are restrooms here for public use.

From the railroad station, walk toward the downtown, first passing by the World War I monument honoring locals who died in Mozambique and France. We enjoyed the sculpture of the sea nymph honoring the Olhãonese who’ve contributed to the world. Also notice the Judicial Courthouse with its lovely mosaics of Portuguese fishing boats. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).