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Olhão: A Day of Discovery by the Sea

VillagesPosted on

Pronounced “ol-yow” (with a soft ‘L’ and nasal ‘ão’), Olhão may be one of the Algarve’s most authentic coastal towns. Just a short drive or train ride west of Tavira, it’s an ideal day trip for those seeking a blend of maritime culture, Moorish architecture, fresh seafood, and vibrant street life. This working town has charm, no polished charm, but in personality — it feels real, lived-in, and full of stories.

Start your visit at the legendary waterfront market , where locals shop for just-caught fish and colourful produce each morning (especially lively on Saturdays). The twin red-brick buildings — designed by Gustave Eiffel’s studio — are architectural icons in their own right. Sit at one of the cafés outside with a bica and pastel de nata, and enjoy the view of fishing boats gently rocking in the Ria Formosa lagoon.

From there, stroll through the historic bairro dos pescadores — the old fishermen’s quarter — where narrow cobbled streets twist past flat-roofed whitewashed houses with North African influences. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, but also a living neighbourhood full of character. Keep an eye out for street art, tiled facades, and local craft shops tucked away in quiet alleys.

No trip to Olhão is complete without stepping onto the water. Ferries and water taxis run frequently to the nearby barrier islands of Armona and Culatra , where time seems to slow down. These islands offer some of the best beaches in the Algarve — wild, unspoiled, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon swim or seafood lunch by the sea. If you have time, hop across to both and compare their laid-back vibes.

Back in town, stop at one of the many seafood restaurants lining the promenade or hidden in side streets. From grilled sardines and clams à Bulhão Pato to octopus and razor clams, Olhão’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the sea. Pair it with a chilled white from the Algarve and you’ve got the perfect end to your visit.

Whether you’re wandering the market, sipping coffee by the docks, or catching a ferry to paradise, Olhão offers an experience that’s honest, sensory, and unmistakably southern Portuguese. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel.

Olhão Market | Image by nickyhardinguk from Pixabay
Olhão Market | Image by nickyhardinguk from Pixabay
olhao
Image RTA – visitalgarve.pt

Borderland Charms: Discover Vila Real de Santo António & Castro Marim

History & Cultural Heritage,  VillagesPosted on

Tucked away at the easternmost edge of the Algarve, at the Spanish border, the neighbouring towns of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim offer a captivating blend of history, riverfront charm, and unspoiled nature. A perfect day trip from Tavira, these villages reveal a more tranquil, authentic side of the region—far from the crowded beaches and bustling resorts.

Vila Real de Santo António, sitting directly on the Guadiana River across from Spain, is an elegant 18th-century town with a distinctive Pombaline layout. Its grid-like streets and grand Praça Marquês de Pombal reflect the Enlightenment ideals of order and symmetry. Lined with shops, cafés, and tiled facades, the town invites leisurely strolls, riverside dining, or even a ferry ride to Ayamonte, just across the water. Don’t miss the marina promenade or the cultural centre housed in the former customs house.

Just a few kilometres inland, Castro Marim is older and more rustic. Dominated by two hilltop castles—the medieval Castelo de Castro Marim and the 17th-century Fort of São Sebastião—the village offers sweeping views over salt marshes, the river, and even Spain. Its historical role in border defence is palpable, and its quiet streets and whitewashed houses reflect a slower pace of life. The area is also known for its traditional salt pans and artisanal flor de sal.

Each August, Castro Marim hosts the Dias Medievais (Medieval Days), one of Portugal’s most celebrated historical festivals. For five days, the town transforms into a medieval village, complete with knights, jesters, artisans, and a bustling market. The 2025 edition is scheduled from August 27 to 31. Visitors can enjoy reenactments, traditional music, and a nightly video mapping show projected onto the castle walls. visitportugal.com

Nature lovers will appreciate the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António , a protected wetland rich in birdlife, including flamingos and storks. Cycling routes and walking trails criss-cross this flat landscape, making it an ideal place for gentle outdoor exploration.

Whether you’re drawn by architecture, birdwatching, history, or simply a riverside lunch, Vila Real and Castro Marim offer a unique window into the Algarve’s quieter charms—where Portugal meets Spain and time slows down.

vila real de santo antonio
Image Câmara Municipal de Vila Real de Santo António
Castro Marim | Marc Ryckaert, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Castro Marim | Marc Ryckaert, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Everyday Essentials in Tavira – Supermarkets and Organic Shopping Near Taste Tavira

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

For guests staying at Taste Tavira, everyday shopping is both convenient and varied. Whether you’re preparing meals in your accommodation or seeking local delicacies, several supermarkets and specialty shops are just a short walk away.

Pingo Doce Tavira – Centro , a well-known Portuguese supermarket chain, is located nearby. It offers a wide selection of fresh produce, bakery items, meats, and ready-made meals. The store is clean, affordable, and features an in-house bakery—perfect for grabbing warm bread and pastries in the morning.

A short stroll further brings you to both Lidl and Aldi , two popular discount supermarkets. Lidl Tavira , located at Largo Santo António Amaro 1, provides a solid selection of international and local products, including fresh fruits, meats, and a variety of Portuguese wines. Aldi , situated on Rua de São Pedro, offers a range of organic produce, pantry staples, and a good bakery section.

For those interested in organic and locally-sourced products, Maria Flaminga is a must-visit. Located behind the Aldi supermarket on the N125, this organic farm shop, run by Isabel Pedras Ribeiro (nicknamed “Maria Flaminga”), offers a variety of fresh, certified organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and eggs. The shop is set in a charming environment, surrounded by blooming fields and a garden nursery. It’s open from Thursday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. (2025)

For a taste of France in Tavira, La Baguette Française is a delightful artisan French bakery offering freshly baked baguettes, croissants, and pastries. Located near the historic center, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or pick up treats to go.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or looking for local treats, Tavira’s supermarkets and specialty shops make it easy to shop like a local and enjoy the flavors of the Algarve.

Locations:

  • Pingo Doce Tavira – Centro
    Rua Silva Domingues, 8800-328 Tavira
  • Lidl Tavira
    Largo Santo António Amaro 1, 8800-703 Tavira
  • Aldi Tavira
    Rua de São Pedro, 8800-255 Tavira
  • Maria Flaminga
    Rua de São Pedro 580A, 8800-405 Tavira
  • La Baguette Française De Tavira
    Rua dos Mouros 20, 8800-410 Tavira
Isabel ´Maria Flaminga´ | Image Taste Tavira
Image: La Baguette
Image: La Baguette

Shopping in Loulé – Handcrafts, Markets, and Local Fashion

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

Loulé is one of the Algarve’s most vibrant market towns, rich in tradition and full of shopping opportunities. The Mercado Municipal de Loulé , located in a striking neo-Arabic building, is the town’s main attraction. Here you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheese, olives, sweets, and local specialties like mel de rosmaninho (rosemary honey). The market also houses stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs.

Every Saturday, the surrounding streets host the Gypsy Market , a sprawling event that draws both locals and tourists for bargains on clothes, leather goods, kitchenware, and fabrics. It’s a great place to practice your haggling skills and pick up something unique.

For more boutique-style shopping, Loulé’s historic center has plenty to offer. Explore the Rua 5 de Outubro for stylish clothing, footwear, and home decor, with an emphasis on Portuguese brands and craftsmanship. Many of these shops blend old and new—some are housed in beautifully preserved buildings with tile façades and wrought-iron balconies.

For a modern shopping experience, visit Mar Shopping Algarve , located between Loulé and Faro. This large complex includes IKEA, a wide range of fashion outlets, restaurants, and an open-air leisure area for kids. It’s ideal for families or a full shopping day with more variety.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado Municipal de Loulé – Praça da República, 8100-270 Loulé
  • Gypsy Market (Saturday) – Largo de S. Francisco and surrounding streets
  • Mar Shopping Algarve – Av. Algarve, 8135-182 Almancil (between Loulé and Faro)
Loule Market | Image Peter from Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Peter from Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Hay Smits for Pixabay
Loule Market | Image Hay Smits for Pixabay