Here are my five top tips for what to eat and drink in Olhão:
1. Pastel de Nata - Any trip to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without at least one pastel de nata… or even one a day! Head early morning to a local bakery to pick up a coffee and one of these delicious Portuguese snacks! You absolutely won’t regret it!
2. Clams – Despite being a small town with less tourists than the more well-known Algarve hotspots, Olhão offers an abundance of restaurants, most of which pride themselves on the fresh fish and seafood they serve, caught the very same day that it is put in front of you on your plate. The amêijoas (clams) are particularly popular, however, make sure you try the smaller conquilhas for a sweeter and, in my opinion, tastier dish! They come cooked in heaps of garlic, plenty of wine, and bread to mop up the irresistible juices!
3. Cataplana – Possibly the most typical dish from the Algarve region. The cataplana pan is of Moorish influence, similar in style to a tagine pot, and is a clam shaped dish used to slow-cook fish and seafood with onions, tomatoes, peppers, wine, herbs and seasonings. Most commonly served simply with bread, it is a rich and flavoursome dish, and an absolute ‘must-try’ whilst in Olhão to make the most of the delightfully fresh fish on offer!
4. Porto Branco y Tónica – Head to the restaurant Chá Chá Chá not only to be ‘wowed’ by their fantastically unique menu, but also to try the delicious ‘White Port and Tonic’ cocktail- a twist on the British Gin and Tonic classic and a nod to the owner’s background.
5. Fresh fruit and vegetables – When staying in Olhão, you must visit the indoor market by the seafront early morning to pick up some fresh fruit and veg just as the locals do! They flock here daily (except Sundays) for the best produce on offer which is fresh, rich in flavours, extremely well-priced and the atmosphere in the market will draw you back the very next day!
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