Olhao Riverside Markets

Market

Olhao's twin market buildings stand side by side on the Avenida 5 de Outubro, facing the Ria Formosa lagoon and the ferry terminal that connects the town to the barrier islands. Built in the early twentieth century with red brick exteriors and iron-framed interiors, the two halls divide neatly between fish and produce. The eastern hall is dedicated entirely to seafood, while the western building handles fruit, vegetables, flowers and dry goods.

The fish market is widely regarded as the finest in the Algarve, and possibly in all of southern Portugal. Fishermen land their catches at the adjacent quay each morning, and the stalls display an extraordinary range of species: sea bass, bream, sole, monkfish, octopus, clams, cockles, razor clams, cuttlefish and sardines in season. Prices are competitive and the quality is exceptional. Locals arrive early to secure the best picks, and by mid-morning the busiest stalls have sold through their stock.

The produce market opposite offers Algarvian staples including almonds, carob, figs, citrus fruits, olives, and the region's distinctive smoked sausages. Vendors of honey, local cheeses, herbs and spices occupy the inner stalls, while the perimeter hosts cafes and small restaurants where visitors can eat grilled fish bought minutes earlier from across the road.

Olhao's cubic architecture, influenced by centuries of trade with North Africa, gives the town a distinctive character unlike anywhere else on the coast. The waterfront around the markets has been pedestrianised and landscaped, creating a pleasant space for an evening passeio after the market traders have packed up for the day.