CLASSIC PORTUGAL - Olhão

This was the perfect way to start off my year. If like me you're filled with wanderlust almost every day, you'll understand the itch to hop on a plane and explore - even if it's just for a long weekend. 

I've visited the beautiful little seaside town of Olhão a couple of times now, as my dad is lucky enough to spend most of his winter there.

This almost completely untouched town is so quaintly stunning. It exudes an air of authenticity which is sorely missed in Europe these days. It doesn't cater to tourists almost at all, with everything written in the local tongue and you are more often than not greeted in Portuguese by the locals too.

This all may sound obvious but more and more little holidays/trips I go on, I find myself searching for authenticity, culture and experiencing life as it is for the people who live there.

Olhão does just that. It allows you to go unnoticed and experience another culture and life. Ponder through markets without anyone batting an eye at you, or trying to get you to buy or eat simply because you look like a tourist. 

We were lucky enough to stay in a beautiful old classic Portuguese house. This old architecture is wonderful and quirky. The guy who owns these Moorish-style houses in Olhão bought them simply to preserve the history of this architecture. He's also an incredible hoarder, so it's loads of space to keep whatever 'treasure' he's picked up from the market. 

Don't miss:

• The two market buildings - Extremely fresh fish and seafood straight from the port and the vast array of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Wandering the cobbled winding streets and exploring the gorgeous houses. Look out for iron balconies, carved stonework and tile decorations.
• Boat trip to Ilha da Culatra - an island in the natural park of Ria Formosa.