OLHÃO
SKETCHWALK

Ideal for beginners—learn the basics of sketching while exploring Olhão’s most inspiring spots.

Check the booking calender here

After setting up the Faro experience, we decided to expand the offer and introduce this adventure in the picturesque city of Olhão. We crafted an Olhão Sketchwalk session to explore, sketch, and connect with this charming place in the Eastern Algarve.

And, why Olhão?

Once overlooked and often considered a bit rough around the edges, Olhão was long ignored by tourists who favored other parts of the Algarve. But in recent years, the town has undergone a quiet transformation—its authentic charm, working harbor, and raw beauty have drawn in curious travelers. Today, Olhão is on the rise, with a lively summer buzz and a growing reputation as one of the Algarve’s most intriguing and creative spots.

Sketch of a street with the ChaChaCha restaurant, on the way of Olhão Sketchwalk with Lighthouse Artcourses.

Left above: A beautiful entrance of a house in Olhão, painted in an intense shade of yellow. The door is adorned with traditional hand-shaped doorknobs, a cultural detail rich with symbolism and history. These ornamental knobs, often associated with protection and hospitality, are a common sight in the Algarve.

Above: the view of the narrow passage in the town, looking from side at the entrance of the nice “CháCháChá” restaurant.

Below: this sketchbook spread was created on-site in a quiet Largo do Gremio in Olhão.

What to Expect

The Olhão Sketchwalks are designed specifically for those new to sketching and eager to explore their artistic potential. This unique experience blends intuitive sketching techniques with a leisurely walk through Olhão’s most inspiring locations. You’ll not only discover the charm of the city but also learn how to capture those beautiful moments in your sketchbook—step by step, in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Duration: full 3 hours (short pause included & depending on the group!)

Start Times: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM

Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants for a personalized experience

Cost: €55 (all materials included!)

Everything is provided – just bring your curiousity!

Workshop Highlights

Each sketch walk is designed to engage your senses, spark your creativity, and introduce you to the techniques that make sketching on the go both enjoyable and rewarding.

Throughout the course, I’ll share few stories about Olhão’s rich history and the cultural influences that shaped it. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a sketchbook full of memories and a set of new skills you can use to capture the beauty of any place you visit.

Facade of an old house in Olhão with tall windows and decorative Art Nouveau-style doors, now home to a Domino's restaurant

Hand-drawn sketch capturing the layered rooftops of traditional houses in Olhão, Algarve

An open wooden box filled with SupraColor pencils by Caran d'Ache, neatly sorted by hues.

Pages featuring black, gray, and white value studies of Algarvian towns, focusing on light and shadow contrasts.

Why Sketching Matters …

Sketching isn’t just about drawing; it’s about slowing down, observing the world deeply, and creating something uniquely yours, at best without judgement.
This is exactly what we’ll do together during the OLHÃO SKETCHWALKS.

Your Guide to Faro & Olhão Sketchwalks

I’m Grażyna Ostrowska, the guide and creator behind Lighthouse Courses and Faro & Olhão Sketchwalks.
Recently located in Faro, I immersed myself many times in the beauty of both places, and painted it en plein-air!

To find out more about my artistic practice, please visit the about page or my artistic website Grażyna Ostrowska | Artist.