“Olhão antes e depois” 2026: Photography Exhibition in Olhão, Algarve

“Olhão antes e depois” is a photography exhibition in the coastal town of Olhão, in the eastern Algarve, exploring how the city has changed over the decades. It’s ideal for culture lovers, expats and curious visitors who want to see beyond the beaches and get to know local life.

What is “Olhão antes e depois”?

“Olhão antes e depois” (Olhão before and after) is a curated photography exhibition that places historic images of the city side by side with contemporary recreations taken in exactly the same spots. The show is part of the cultural programme celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Câmara Municipal de Olhão (Olhão Municipal Council).

Curated by Luís Torres, the exhibition uses photographs from around 70–80 years ago from the Municipal Archive of Olhão, as well as images from 40–50 years ago from the curator’s personal collection. These are paired with new photographs taken by local young people, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

The result is a fascinating journey through Olhão’s streets, squares and waterfront, highlighting how the urban landscape has evolved while also revealing what has stayed the same.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For tourists, digital nomads and expats, “Olhão antes e depois” offers a deeper understanding of a working Algarve town that is often overshadowed by beach resorts. Instead of just passing through the markets or the marina, you are invited to see how these spaces have changed over generations.

The exhibition is also a great way to connect with the local community. The new photographs were created by students from the Multimedia course at Escola Secundária Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes, along with a member of the Photography Club at Casa Municipal da Juventude de Olhão Hugo Charrão. This gives the show a fresh, youthful perspective on the city’s heritage.

If you are staying in the Algarve for more than a few days and are looking for meaningful things to do in the Algarve beyond the usual tourist trail, this exhibition is a thoughtful and low-key cultural option.

What to expect at “Olhão antes e depois” in the Algarve

The exhibition is spread across four venues in Olhão, forming a small route through the town:

• Mercados Municipais de Olhão – the starting point, by the waterfront and close to the traditional market halls.
• Ria Shopping – a modern shopping centre that contrasts nicely with the historic images on display.
• Escola Secundária Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes – the secondary school where many of the student photographers study.
• Casa Municipal da Juventude de Olhão Hugo Charrão – the municipal youth centre and the final stop on the route.

Across these four spaces you will find around 50 pairs of images, showing streets, buildings and everyday scenes from different decades. The side-by-side comparison makes it easy to spot changes in architecture, traffic, public spaces and the rhythm of daily life.

The overall atmosphere is relaxed and reflective rather than crowded or noisy, making it a good choice if you prefer quieter cultural experiences or are visiting outside the peak summer months.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

The exhibition opens on Saturday 10 October 2026, with the inauguration starting at 10:30 at the Mercados Municipais de Olhão. On the opening day, there is a guided progression through the four venues:

• Mercados Municipais – 10:30
• Ria Shopping – 11:15
• Escola Secundária Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes – 11:45
• Casa Municipal da Juventude de Olhão Hugo Charrão – 12:15

After the opening, “Olhão antes e depois” remains on display until 13 November 2026 in all four spaces. Visits follow each venue’s normal opening hours, which are not specified in the event information, so it is sensible to go during daytime and early evening.

Tickets and prices

The event details do not state whether there is an entry fee for “Olhão antes e depois”. Many municipal cultural exhibitions in Portugal are free, but this is not confirmed here. For now, assume that prices have not been officially announced and check locally closer to your visit if you need precise information.

Accessibility and suitability

The four venues are spread around central Olhão and are generally accessible urban locations. The exhibition consists of static photo displays, so it is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families with children who enjoy visual activities, older visitors and anyone who prefers a slower-paced cultural outing.

How to get there

Olhão sits on the eastern side of the Algarve, just east of Faro, and is one of the main gateways to the Ria Formosa lagoon. The Mercados Municipais and waterfront area are close to the town centre, making the exhibition route easy to combine with a stroll along the seafront.

If you are driving from elsewhere in the region, Olhão is reachable via the main east–west road network. Having a car makes it easier to include this exhibition as part of a wider day trip around the eastern Algarve; if you are flying into Faro, it can be useful to compare Faro Airport car hire options in advance.

For visitors already staying in Olhão, the four venues are within the municipality and can typically be reached on foot or with a short local journey, depending on where you are based.

Tips for making the most of your visit

Because the exhibition is spread across several venues, allow enough time to walk between them and to pause at each set of images. Starting at the Mercados Municipais is particularly pleasant, as you can combine the show with a look at the market buildings and the waterfront.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera or smartphone if you enjoy photography, and consider noting down the locations you find most interesting so you can revisit them later. If you are in the Algarve for longer, you can use this exhibition as inspiration to explore more authentic towns and plan other cultural things to do in the Algarve.

Plan the rest of your day

Olhão is a great base for exploring the Ria Formosa, with its islands and calm lagoon waters. After visiting “Olhão antes e depois”, you might like to take a walk along the seafront or look into Ria Formosa boat trips to see a different side of the eastern Algarve. With markets, cafés and the island ferries nearby, it is easy to turn your exhibition visit into a relaxed day out.

Where to stay nearby

Staying in Olhão itself is the most convenient option if you want to see all four parts of the exhibition at a relaxed pace, as you will be close to the markets, waterfront and town centre. Faro is another practical base, just a short drive or train ride away, with more urban amenities and easy access to the airport. Both towns work well if you are combining this cultural visit with wider exploration of the eastern Algarve.