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Olhao Holidays

Once a fishing village full of Moorish, sugar cube houses, Olhao is now a bustling town. Delve deeper and you'll discover red brick markets on the waterfront jam-packed with handicrafts, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and locals barbecuing fresh sardines on the doorstep. Wander through the fish market and spot seafood that you never knew existed. Explore the narrow streets and admire the squat, Moorish houses. Visit the parish church and step into the tiny chapel where fishermen's wives go to pray for their husbands' safety. Wherever you go you'll be reminded that this is Portugal in its natural state - as it was meant to be. But holidaymakers haven't been forgotten! Ferries leave the pier every 1 1/2 hours in summer for the two long, peaceful stretches of white sand on the offshore islands of Armona and Culatra, where there are limited facilities but plenty of space. And a promenade runs around the harbour lined with open-air bars and restaurants. Whether you're in the thick of the action or watching the world go by from the tower of the parish church, this tiny fishing town will tick all the holiday boxes.

Holidays in Olhao are snapshots of what living in Portugal, in 2008, is all about. It's a delightful mix of modern amenities enjoyed against a backdrop of the sea, ancient architecture and earning a livelihood by traditional means, like fishing. Take last minute holidays to Olhao and you'll find yourself in the midst of a fascinating fishing village which has grown, over the centuries, into a thriving town centred around its attractive working harbour, and the produce it brings in from the sea.

So you can expect, on your holidays in Olhao, to dine out on a wonderful variety of seafood. Fresh caught herrings being the ultimate local delicacy, served grilled in any number of tiny family-owned restaurants. The fish market is one of the largest in the region ad and worth visiting, even if you're not buying. And sightseeing on your summer holidays to Olhao will also take you through the winding streets of the Fisherman's Quarter, past irresistibly charming Moorish, 'sugar cube' houses - take your own picture postcards here - and on into the cool of the tiny ancient chapel dedicated to the safety of those on the sea.

Then take a boat ride yourself. Holidays in Olhao afford you the luxury of visiting beautiful beaches on castaway islands like Armona and Culatra, or the opportunity to see eagles, flamingos, storks and terns in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve - also reached by regular ferries. Making late deals to Olhao the perfect summer getaways.