Here is a list of characterstics of Olhão given as tourist information.
Authentic fishing town.
Lively market with fresh fish and vegetables.
The Ria Farmosa gate way.
North African inspired cubic architecture.
This is what we found:
I spoke to fellow campers and asked: ‘ Why do you come here and what is special?’
Their answer: ‘ The people are friendly and the town authentic. It really isn’t as busy as other towns.’
A visit to the market showed it was a fishing town. A large variety of fish was on display and I also had a moment when I had to tell myself that fish didn’t have lungs and ask what was being sold. Do you know?
The bean shaped pouches contain fish eggs. I was told they are eaten grilled or cooked in a soup. The other ingredients for that soup were out of one door and into another large red brick market area.
Well stocked fresh vegetables and selling quickly.
The tangerines were fresh and sweet as a local person showed me a pile and told me they were excellent because they were in season.
The streets of the old town had white cuboid architecture.
There are also a number of modern blocks of flats and as can be seen in this photograph the red brick market is an important part of the town.
The view across the salt pans was best seen from our bikes as there was a cycle track going towards Faro. However, the last part is still under construction. I believe this is the Ria Farmosa Gateway.
North African inspired flat roofed white house.
The paths between the salt pans.
A pleasant peaceful short ride with a number of different species of birds.
A fine place to visit exactly as said in the information given.
Take care,
Sandy 🙂
Ps
This will be my last post from our Algarve experience for now, but I have two questions from looking at my photographs that I haven’t answered: Why did the beach in Faro have so many fine holes in the sands as waves went out and what made the patterns on lower low tide rock in Praia do Luz?
Are the holes made by small mollusks that bury under the sand when the tide goes out? I’ve seen similar holes on beaches here in Florida, especially on Sanibel Island, which is known for the abundance of seashells on its beaches.
I did try to dig in and find one of them but there weren’t any. The holes are very fine/ small. Do you think it could be air coming up.
My father used to fish as a hobby and he would fry the fish roe (eggs) for me for breakfast. He told me it was fish sausage and I loved it 😄
Is it like caviar, except still in its poach? A student brought caviar to class for us to taste it was quite salty if I remember well. Food brings back vivid memories and here in your case they are good.
Yes still in its pouch. Indeed food does bring back memories.
I have never tried the fish eggs fried It looks like a lovely town Are you heading back home?
Yes, we are. I have an appointment that has come through from the NHS. Never keep busy people waiting! 🥰🤗