"Fish market town" Top 5 Page for this destination Olhão by Gerrem

Olhão Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 140 photos

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.

Last visit to Olhão: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Sep 18, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Churches Things to Do (4)

There are some impressive churches in the town. This is one of them. more travel advice

Fresh fruits Shopping (1)

Muriel was hungry, so we bought a single banana in the market hall ;-) more travel advice

The old town Things to Do (4)

more travel advice

Fruits and vegatables market Things to Do (4)

A veritable plethora of fruits, vegetables and all manner of typical Portuguese delicacies....in particular, the very... more travel advice

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
pepples46 Oct 19, 2005 at 11:35 AM

but I visited here *..* and we ent up the Church Tower overlooking an old moorish Town. and yes, the fish dishes where great. lovely intro pic
Reply
- Report abuse
freya_heaven Sep 30, 2005 at 3:56 PM

Grim fish photo! lol. I dont think we visited here, looks a lovely little page. Impressed variety of fruit & veg. (~_~)