December 11th, 2025

What a wonderful week we had in Olhao, a gem of a town in the Parque Naturelle de Ria Formosa! Only 30 minutes from Faro airport but a world away from the golf courses of the Algarve. It's a major fishing port supplying the whole of Portugal, with a large market and a beautiful old town. We took ferries to the islands, walked to the Tide Mill in the nature reserve and took the train to Tavira - considered the Pearl of the Algarve, with its castle, old town and roman bridge. We were wonderfully looked after by the staff of the Casa Rosa hotel and spent some time painting in the studio there. Added to all that we had some amazing meals, good wine and lots of fun!