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 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
(Area Map )
Olhão Events
Feira da Laranja - 3rd Saturday & Sunday of August
Market Day: 3rd Monday every month
Municipal Day: 3rd September
Olhão Photos
Church
· Square
· Store
· Street
· Marina
· Sea
· Town
· Island
Olhão Restaurants
Selected list for Olhão area
 Useful Olhão Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 289 700 100
Fire Brigade - 289 713 202
Police - 289 702 144
Emergency Treatment - 289 704 648
Ambulance - 289 702 108
Tourist Office - 289 713 936
Useful Olhão Facts
Postal Code - 8700
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
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