With many delightful courses, pure coastal breeze from the Atlantic ocean, great fresh gastronomy and fantastic weather conditions, Portugal is a Golf Bliss for most golfers.
Portugal Golf - Olhão
Olhão History
The town of Olhão is essentially and historically linked to the local fishing
industry and only grew into existence as a significant location in the 17th
Century. It has about 30,000 inhabitants and was raised to the status of a town
in 1808 on the 16th of June when they revolted against the French occupying
army. Then 17 local fishermen successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean without
charts in their small fishing boat “Bom Sucesso”. Their purpose was to announce
to the exiled King of Portugal, Dom João IV, that the French invading armies had
been defeated and had returned to France leaving Portugal free for their King to
return. It was in this town in 1882 that the first canning factory for tuna and
sardines was established. Very soon canning factories spread along the coast and
it became the leading industry of the Algarve.
Olhão Description
Architecturally the town is well known for an older quarter where the flat
terraced roofs and straight box-shaped chimneys show a definite Moorish flavour.
Another curiosity is the fish market in a long building on the waterfront. Every
morning there is a lively atmosphere and the impressively large variety of fish
offered by the local catch is displayed to tempt the local housewife.
Olhão Nearby Locations
Travelling east from Olhão is the small sea village of Fuseta with the ruins of
a castle and the older similar architectural style houses. To the north is the
village of Moncarapacho with a 16th Century Church and a small local museum next
door. On the nearby hill named Cerro da Cabeça there is a popular grotto named
after the village. From the town of Olhão there is a ferry service that takes
visitors to the nearby small islands of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona. With
their un-spoilt sandy beaches and lack of construction these islands act as a
pleasant contrast to the noise and bustle of the neighbouring town.
Olhão Events
Town Holiday - 16th June
Festival do Marisco (Shellfish) - August
Feira da Laranja - 3rd Saturday & Sunday of August
Market Day - 3rd Monday every month
Flea Market - (Fuzeta) 28th of every month
Olhão Information 800 296 296 - Support to Tourists 112 - SOS 289 700
100 - Town Hall 289 713
202 - Fire Brigade 289 702
144 - Police 289 704
648 - Emergency Treatment 289 702
108 - Ambulance 289 713
936 - Tourist Office
Olhão Locations of Interest
Caves - (Moncarapacho)
Island of Armona
Island of Culatra
Island of Fuzeta
Quinta de Marim Nature Reserve & Centre
Olhão Beaches
Praia da Armona
Praia da Fuzeta
Praia da Ilha da Culatra
Praia da Ilha de Faro
Praia do Rato
Portugal Golf
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
