The Sunday Times’ Big Shot weekly competition was won by Mark Bishop at the end of June, with his photograph of the bright, multicoloured umbrellas hanging in the historic centre of Olhão.
Entitled Height of brolly, the photo beat others from Botswana, Canada, Stockholm and Norway and is shortlisted for inclusion in the competition’s final, after 52 weekly competitions.
The most famous of umbrella streets, in Portugal certainly, are perhaps those of Águeda. Every July the city comes alive with its annual festival, Agitàgueda, offering local food, drink, street entertainment, music and of course art.
Talking of festivals, this weekend Alvor is hosting its Medieval Fair. The focal point will be on the riverside with festivities starting at 3pm.
On the western coast of the Algarve at Arrifana, the annual Fishermen’s Festival, Festa dos Pescadores de Arrifana, begins at 5.30pm tomorrow, Saturday July 27. Visitors will be able to taste sardines at their best and enjoy a cool Portuguese beer by the harbour.
Images: Mark Bishop / The Sunday Times