The twin markets of Olhão, Portugal are perhaps the best-known hallmark of the city. With their large cylindrical turrets and brick-colored walls, they stand out among the small, white, cube-shaped houses of the city. When here in the city and while going for a morning stroll along the Avenida 5 de Outubro, which runs alongside the Ria Formosa waterfront, you should definitely stop for a look at ‘Mercado de Olhão’.
Mercado de Olhao
Our first day in Olhão had been amazing. Truly just the way we had expected it to be. Almost completely relaxed with lovely walks during the afternoon and evening. With beautiful views of the river, the boats and learning a bit of history of the city. Furthermore the laid back time on the terrace of our accommodation, watching the sun set down. And add to that the lovely lunch and a heartwarming Indian Dinner, well Portugal was touching new chords in our heart everyday. And so did the replica of Caique Bom Sucesso, the pride of Olhão.
‘Caique Bom Sucesso’ replica
In 1808, Bom Sucesso, a small vessel with a crew of 17 men from Olhão had sailed across the Atlantic to ‘Rio de Janeiro’ to inform the exiled Portuguese King João VI that Napoleon’s invading army had been defeated. As a result the town was rewarded with the grant of a royal charter and developed as a fishing port.
Olhão
Memories refreshed
I often go back to my childhood days when growing up in a small town was so much fun. We had a big garden in our house and my father’s passion was to grow vegetables. Therefore we had all the fresh varieties of produce right from the garden to our kitchen.
Imagine a vegetable and it was right there. Potato, Papaya, Brinjal, Tomato, Cucumber, Green chilly, Beans, Ladies Finger, Pumpkin, Bottle Gourd, Wax Gourd. And then during the winter months the Cabbage, Radish, Cauliflower, Capsicum, Onion, Coriander, Fenugreek, Spinach, Carrot, Green Peas, Mustard leaves and more. Those days were so refreshing. It was time to relive the colorful sights again. This time in Olhão.
Mercado de Olhão – The Twin Vegetable & Fish Markets
As a Bengali of Indian origin, the world refers to us as ‘Bongs’. And a Bong’s passion apart from fish and food, is to visit the market. Hence the Bong in me woke me up early in the morning to visit this brick-colored identical markets. The Twin Vegetable & Fish Markets. Because it was a Saturday, it was the perfect day to be there. Since on this day of the week, the market extends outside the market area and all along the riverfront. And on offer are a variety of household goods and personal use items, in addition to vegetables, fruits, processed foods, milk products, fish and sea animals.
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A bit of history
The Municipal Markets of Olhão, began to be built in 1912 and was inaugurated four years later. Its construction consisted of consolidating the buildings through a process known as pile drivers, with each building supported by 88 piles, connected to each other through brick masonry arches.
It is a place to visit, for these and many other reasons. Every Saturday is like a celebration day, because that is when the market is in full bloom. With locals from the islands arriving on boats to buy their groceries and fresh fish. While for us it’s time to go around and experience.
The Vegetables & Fruits Market
Fresh Vegetables from the farms
And the fruits
Also the best of processed food
The Fish Market
This market is a paradise for all those who love fish in their daily diet. Moreover if you are also a sea animal fan, you’ll get the complete range here. The most widely-eaten fish including salmon, bacalhau, tuna, trout, snapper, mackerel, cod, carp, catfish and sardines are all available for you to choose from. The seafood options include lobsters, crabs, crayfish, prawns and shrimps. Also the oysters, mussels, scallops, periwinkles, squid and octopus all fresh and some even live. In other words, truly a fascinating place to be in, even if you are just a tourist.
Come take your pick
For your meals
Or your evening Barbecue
Time for a Coffee
After a refreshing visit to the twin markets it was time to have a coffee. There are many restaurants and coffee shops just outside the market where you can sit out, relax and have your favorite drinks. We chose one of them for ours.
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Mercado de Olhão. The iconic twin Vegetable & Fish Markets of Olhão. When in this fishing town of Algarve, you must not miss out on this opportunity to feel refreshed.
Ugh, I wish we had more markets like this in the US! If I could get all my fruits and vegetables from local sources and markets I would. If I make it to Portugal I’d love to visit these twin markets!
Yes it would be fun for you when you are there Chloe.
During my travels, I always made it a point to visit local markets. I totally love them. They are the gateway to local food culture. Olhao markets seems like a great place to explore. Would definitely visit them when in Portugal.
The twin markets of Olhao in Portugal reminds me of the ‘farmers markets’ in many parts of the world especially the USA. Everything from fresh vegetables, meat, fish, coffee are available under one roof. This place would be a big attraction for visitors who love to shop, cook and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Yes, having a vegetable garden in your backyard is probably the best, with options to run and pick the fresh vegetables of your choice for the day!
I always loved fresh fruits and vegetables markets. Just like you, my memories also’s refreshed when I see stalls and stores like these. Don’t we all love fresh harvest and from farm to table? Sure we do. Twin markets of Olhao Portugal is absolutely a place to visit not only on Saturdays but also everyday. You can never go wrong with fresh stuffs, especially fish. And grabbing a cup of coffee is the best!
Yes Catherine. Olhao has that childhood touch for us. It was so refreshing being there.
Very usefull blog 🙂
I love Olhão, that is the best Market to buy fresh fish , Olhão stills authentic, their 3 islands beaches are amazing.
You were not far from my town Tavira, i really recommend you to visit Tavira !
Yes I missed Tavira last time. Hope to visit Portugal again and be in Tavira, Porto and few other places.
I like visiting fresh market like this. It reminded me of traditional markets in Indonesia. Fruits and vegetables in one section, fish in one section, and meats in another section. I especially like the fish. They look so fresh and I can see myself a regular at the Olhao Twin Market.
Yeah Umiko. You feel so refreshed being there.
Olhao looks unique place to visit in Portugal. Never knew about these twin markets before reading your post. I loved the fresh vegetable farm market. Good to know that Saturday is perfect to visit here and see all vibrant market activities.
I’ve been there and can attest to how amazing it is! I loved getting there as the fishermen were bringing in their fresh catch of the day before the city comes alive. It’s a lively market and a great experience to visit.
Yes truly a gem Renée. Lucky We.
Portugal has long been in our list of places to go. We like the idea of going to more offbeat or localized towns like Olhao instead of the big cities. We especially love fresh markets, having a lot of them in France. We can imagine taking our van there, stopping by to purchase to local produce and having a relaxing holiday.
Yes you both would love being there.
I love experiences that bring back fond childhood memories. I went to a festival once, and there was a stand selling home canned foods, and I bought a jar of pickled beets. Trying one out, it took me right back to being ten years old and my aunt canning them in her kitchen. It was amazing, so I can relate to your experience here.
Yes Erica nothing like nostalgia. The more as we grow older.
the place looks beyond wonderful! i love it! Would very much enjoy my there as well