A 48-year-old family legacy...
From Generation to Generation, the history of Villa Peixe Rei accumulates years of tradition of hospitality in the heart of the Algarve
This is a family business, run by grandmother Maria Guilhermina, daughter Serilia, son-in-law Martinho and grandson Décio.
A humid zone of international importance, the Ria Formosa estuary is a labyrinth of canals, islands, marshland and sandy beaches that extend 60 km along the Algarve coast between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota.
This diversity of eco-systems attracts a varied range of animal life including many bird species such as the purple swamphen, the symbol of the Nature Park. Visitors who would like to admire the elegant plumage of this bird and learn everything about the protected area, should start their visit in the Marim Environmental Education Centre, that will indicate the most appropriate pedestrian trails and observatories where it is possible to spy on the day-to-day activities of the various species. The Park also organises various rides in a traditional boat that was formerly used for tuna fishing.
One of the most friendly species that can be found here is the Portuguese water dog. This is a long-haired dog, which helps fishermen in their work, by diving and catching fish caught in the nets.
Other traditional activities of the local population living in the estuary area include extraction of salt and gathering of shellfish and bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams, razor etc). These are then used with great skill and art in order to create delicious gastronomical specialities, such as fish soup or razor fish rice, that can be enjoyed calmly in the seaside restaurants.
The island is situated 10 km from Faro and 6 km east of Olhão. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Faro parish (Sé e São Pedro). The island stretches approximately 6 kilometers in length, with widths varying between 100 to 900 meters. Public access is available year-round via ferry services from both Faro and Olhão, and private water taxis can also be arranged.
The Municipal Market in Olhao was designed by Gustaf Eiffel, before he became famous for the Tower. It is divided in 2 sections, one for Fish and the other for fruits, greens and butchers. On Saturday mornings local farmers set up outside to sell their products.
The Market consists of in 2 sectors. One for Fish where in the morning you can buy the catch from the night before
The next sector is for the fruits, greens and the butchers
Every Saturday, the outside is taken over by local farmers to sell their produces, fruits and honey,
