Olhão's Municipal Markets have secured their place in the National Grand Final of the New 7 Wonders of Portugal, after being selected last Saturday among the 21 heritages competing for the national decision. The Algarve markets are the only representatives from the Algarve region in this final phase of the contest, which elects the New 7 Wonders of Portugal 2026. The Municipality of Olhão considers the qualification to represent a moment of particular significance for the city and the region, following a candidacy marked by strong community involvement.
The Mayor of Olhão, Ricardo Calé, stated that the Markets no longer represent just Olhão, but the entire Algarve, emphasizing that reaching the Grand Final as the only Algarve heritage among the 21 competitors is a cause of enormous pride. The mayor also highlighted that, after the "folar" and Ria Formosa, the election of the Markets would make Olhão the only municipality in the country with three Wonders.
With over a hundred years of history, the Municipal Markets constitute one of the most recognized elements of Olhão's urban landscape, maintaining a strong connection to commercial activity and daily life in the city. The municipality highlights the relationship of this space with Ria Formosa, fishing, and gastronomy, considering the markets a place associated with the memory and identity of the people of Olhão. The buildings are competing in the Twentieth Century category of the New 7 Wonders of Portugal initiative.
The National Grand Final takes place on Saturday, September 12th, at 9:30 PM, at a gala broadcast live by TVI. During the broadcast, the New 7 Wonders of Portugal 2026 will be announced. Public voting remains open until the final, with votes castable through the number 761 207 097 or the TVI Pass application, with each vote costing one euro, plus VAT.
