Relatively unaffected by tourism, Olhao (altitude: sea level) is the second largest town on the Algarve, a few miles east of its chief town, Faro. The town's main industry is its sardine and tuna fisheries, the catches being processed straightaway in the local cannery. The port has the second largest turnover in the Faro district (after Portimao)
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Townscape
The townscape and atmosphere of Olhao are different from those found in all other towns in the Algarve. It is often described as the most North African of Algarve towns, and it certainly has a very Moorish air about it. This is mainly because of its characteristic white flat roofed houses. The fishing quarter in particular consists of labyrinths of two or three story square houses of this kind; they are all similar but no two are exactly the same. They are all topped with terraces (açoteias), on which is a small lookout used, so it is said, by the wives of fishermen to watch for their menfolk sailing home.
The North African influence on the architecture is mainly the result of trade links between Olhao and towns on the coast of North Africa. This style of building was, however, also adopted here as being particulary suited to the climatic conditions. Large areas of the town were built in the 19th C., with new buildings being found further inland on the N 125. Olhao has no particularly outstanding sights, but the harbor has plenty of atmosphere. Those wishing to see buildings would do well to follow the Avenida da República towards the sea. It passes by the parish church erected by fishermen in 1681-89 (fine view from the tower); opposite is the chapel of Nossa Senhora where the wives prayed for the safe return of their menfolk. The pedestrian zone leads to the two covered fish markets and the promenade.
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