The status of the town was granted to Olhao in 1808 when 17 fishermen crossed the Atlantic with no papers to announce that the French invading armies had been defeated. The buildings in Olhao show a Moorish flavour. There are many crumbling, empty houses in Olhao which have stood empty for several years. On seeing these beautiful buildings Art in The Algarve set out to restore and preserve some of them.
The School House
The School House is a very large restored building which also houses our art school. Situated next to the Pool house the School house sleeps between 7-14 comfortably. An exceptionally large town house one gets an immediate feeling for the space. With a large courtyard on the ground floor guests can enjoy some al fresco dining, painting or some quiet reading under the 150 year old olive tree. There are a further 3 large terraces and courtyards, with the top floor terrace housing the swimming pool. With spectacular views across [ ...read more here]
The Pool House
Set on a quiet street 2 mins from the sea front the Pool House is rumoured to have been owned by the owner of Olhao’s first bank some 150 years ago. Beautifully restored this deceptively large house is a typical example of Portuguese architecture. When you walk into the front door you would never imagine this magical place with enchanting courtyards and a swimming pool. All the bedrooms are very spacious and all have en-suite facilities. Every room has been thoughtfully decorated with antique furniture which adds to the charm of the house [ ...read more here]
The Artists House
The artist’s house is a charming three storey house with lots of character in the old part Olhao. Although in the house is in town the house has plenty of outdoor space giving guests a sense of living both inside and outside. The artist’s house also offers up spectacular views of Olhao where you can catch a stunning sun set or for those early birds a glorious sunrise. The house has been decorated with great attention to detail and has a distinctive Moroccan feel about it [ ...read more here]
If you want to make your own arrangements for accommodation during your Art Course we can provide rates that don’t include accommodation. Please contact us for a quote. From time to time we may use alternative accommodation than the property listed above, full details will be given at the time of booking.
We pride ourselves on our high customer repeat rate, these are just a few comments that some of our previous customers have said.
Sue Jell – 2009
“The booking procedure was very good and thorough and we felt both David and yourself were welcoming and keen to ensure that we
enjoyed the trip. The accommodation met expectations, although just one of our group felt that a single bed was a bit cramped. We all felt that the Schoolhouse was charming, very spacious and well appointed. Breakfast was very good and plenty of it. The restaurants were of a good standard with varied food and very good value.
The tutor, Andy was very helpful and attentive offering some really valuable tutoring and with a ready sense of humour which provided a relaxed atmosphere. The town itself is charming and very natural being a working fishing port without the usual tourist type ambience. A good choice of venues for painting and we all particularly loved the islands and boat trips to and from. Also the markets provided some fun subjects for sketching and painting.”
Shirley Comrie Smith – 2009
“We all had a great time,good small group, good tutor, enthusiastic and encouraging. The studio worked well though some small low tables for paints, water jars etc to be used beside easels would be useful. The self service restaurant was good as it took less time for lunch and had a good selection of food. We all liked the variety of fish of course. Breakfast with the fruit and cheese was very good. I think the rooms are just right for an art school and I would not hesitate to recommend the course to friends.”
Sue Poston – 2009
“The week was very special. wonderful location, great weather and for me a whole new group of people. I think you have achieved wonders with the school house and the pool house and I can fully understand why you choose to live in Olhao. I will spread the word to my painting friends and associates of the delights of the courses you are offering.”
Keith Tottem – 2009
“It was a great week: everyone clearly loved the accommodation, the art school and the town – and Andy proved a great choice of tutor for this rather lively and uninhibited bunch of artists! It’s a tremendous benefit having all the meals included in different restaurants and would obviously been even better in a week when more are open.”
Liz Grant – 2009
“I had a wonderful time in Olhao….. a great place and the art studio was lovely. All the facilities were good and the accommodation was really nice, Breakfasts were fine, though I think one or two people were miffed when they discovered that there were cereals on offer unbeknown to them….. you know what the English are like!!!! I thought it was a fab idea to use local restaurants and the food was really very good indeed……good to have wine included in the evenings”
Margaret Wade – 2009
“Camilla, you pipped me to the post. I was about to email you to say what a lovely holiday its been, we had a great time. Beryl, who at the last moment wondered what she was doing going at all thoroughly enjoyed it. Such a nice group of people and what fun we all had. Dawn was great, I think her attitude to the concept of a painting “holiday” was right so that we did not feel guilty if doing something else on occasions. David looked after us very well, and had chosen restaurants with care even if we didn’t always turn up at the right restaurant on the right day!!!!!”
Olhao enjoys a great year round climate that is ideal for a painting environment. This information was coleected from weather date in 2008. You can get a 1 week forecast from this website link here
The town of Olhão is essentially and historically linked to the local fishing industry and only grew into existence in the 17th Century. It has about 30,000 inhabitants and was raised to the status of a town after 17 local fishermen successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1808 in the fishing boat “Bom Sucesso” without charts. Their purpose was to announce to the exiled King of Portugal, Dom João IV, that the French invading armies had been defeated and had returned to France leaving Portugal free for the King to return. It was in this town in 1882 that the first canning factory for tuna and sardines was established. Very soon canning factories spread along the coast and it became the leading industry of the Algarve.
Architecturally the town is well known in the older quarter where the flat terraced roofs and straight box-shaped chimneys show a definite Moorish flavour. The fish market in a long building on the waterfront is a “must” to visitors. Every morning there is a lively noisy atmosphere and the impressively large variety of fish offered by the local catch is displayed to tempt the housewife.
Traditional Algarve crafts such as basket making, weaving and lace making have survived largely due to the increase in tourism. Pottery is seen all over the Algarve. There are a number of artesanato shops and handicraft stalls in the Algarve and they are well worth a visit to take home memories of the Algarve and to brighten up your home.
There are many different festivals throughout the year in the Algarve, The algarve people like to celebrate its past with dances festivals and carnivals, you will usually find one every month. Algarve events are not to be missed, the Algarvios really know how to party and they invest lots of time and effort putting on events that attract residents and tourists alike.