Painting holiday in Portugal

5th May - 12th May 2027: fully booked

6th October - 13th October 2027

Set on the banks of the Ria Formosa in the unspoilt eastern Algarve, Olhão is a lovely old fishing town that still has the sea at its heart and you’ll find its fresh bounty in the town’s market and restaurants. Once you see the light in Olhão, you’ll understand why it attracts painters here. The old town has a maze of cubist houses on cobbled streets and as you move further north the style changes to something a little grander. You won’t find the skyscrapers and overdevelopment that you do elsewhere in the Algarve. It’s an easy-going place, with a very distinct heart.

Casa Rosa is a small boutique hotel situated in a beautifully restored townhouse, on a tree lined avenue in the old town of Olhão. There are 10 delightful bedrooms, a courtyard with small heated pool (in winter) and rooftop terraces for relaxing and sunbathing. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated with modern furnishings, triple glazed windows, all rooms are en-suite with large bathrooms and luxury beds - super comfy I can tell you! There are 6 rooms on the ground floor and four on the first floor. The hotel was featured and recommended by the Times in a travel article about Olhão and it is a hidden gem!

The hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy a stroll to the waterfront promenade where you’ll find the harbour, the indoor markets and a good selection of low key cafes and bars. It’s easy to explore the old town on foot, with its tiled houses, old doors and characterful mansions and there are plenty of small independent shops.

The art studio is bright and spacious and is situated on the first floor (there is a flight of steps and 2 small steps)

There are plenty of tables and chairs in the courtyard if you prefer to spread out and there will be plenty of opportunities for sketching on location in the town. There are a few fold up stools and easels if you need them and there are benches all around the town.

Olhão has many historic squares, quiet cobbled streets and plenty of inspiration for artists if you like old doors, tiled houses and fishing boats. As well as a harbour for working fishing boats the town boasts a large marina and you can admire the sailing boats whilst sipping a drink on the promenade. There is a bustling outdoor market on a Saturday, which stretches along the promenade - a great place for sketching. There are also 2 indoor market halls which were designed by Gustav Eiffel. The barrier islands of Culatra and Armona can be easily reached by a short ferry ride and here you will find beautiful beaches, traditional fishing huts and a few restaurants. We will take a visit to one of the islands during the painting week.

Olhão is only 15 minutes ride by taxi from Faro airport.

“The best saved to the last - Pam’s teaching was effective and enjoyable. Activities were well planned and prepared. Introductory demonstration and ‘talk through’ was supported by follow up guidance as required and was always developmental and insightful. Participants were able to follow their own artistic inclination should one aspect of the course capture their particular interest. The group was mixed, some experienced and talented painters, though to me ‘the beginner’. My apprehensions were laid to rest. Pam’s course was pitched to be inclusive and I was able to progress with my desire to paint flowers, throughout the week, using the impressionist techniques which Pam introduced at the beginning. I learned a lot and look forward to next year’s ‘jolly’ with Pam which I have already booked” LE

To book visit Friendship Travel Website

The holiday is organised by Friendship Travel who have exclusive use of Casa Rosa Villa. For prices and further details visit 'Friendship Travel' who can answer any queries you may have about the holiday. You can email or give them a call - 0289 446 2211 It's also very easy to book online.

The cost includes your flight: please visit the website for an up to date price.

includes:-

Return flight to Faro

5 days of tuition with Pam Smart

7 nights accommodation in a double/twin room with en suite

7 breakfasts

4 lunches

5 dinners inc 1/2 bottle of wine per person

Tea and coffee available

Exclusive use of the studio

Pool towels

Ferry ticket to one of the islands