Odiáxere is a small village situated on the N125. The origin of the village’s name dates from the Moors with odi meaning river.
Whether you are planning to live and work in the Algarve, retire or invest, the region has something for all.
Odiáxere is well placed in the western Algarve, being close to three International Schools; Barlavento International Primary School, Vale Verde in Burgau and Nobel in Lagoa, Faro airport, public and private hospitals, and also a motorway network connecting the Algarve to the rest of Portugal and Spain.
Whilst infrastructure is important, so too is lifestyle and in the Algarve, you can enjoy whatever pace of life you prefer. The region offers year-round cultural events, an international racetrack, major golfing tournaments and much more for visitors and residents alike. With many of the Algarve’s beaches winning the Blue Flag the coast is an important asset for residents and a major tourist attraction.
Odiáxere has a year-round international community living in its environs. For those enjoying sports there are tennis clubs, various golf courses a short drive away, cycling routes, diving centres, dance groups, various gyms and centres to enjoy yoga, tai chi etc plus great local areas for bird watching and the opportunity to enjoy walking trails. For those who prefer less energetic activities there are local choirs, amateur dramatic groups, bands and much more to keep you busy.
Most faiths are represented in the region offering the opportunity to worship locally.
Restaurants and bars
There are a variety of places to eat and drink in Odiáxere, with the coast not far away offering more restaurants and cafés.
To download a guide to the Algarve’s wine, click here
For a Cataplana recipe book click here
For traditional Portuguese recipes download here
Shopping
There are quite a few local shops in Odiáxere offering a wide selection of goods however Lagos, just 7kms away, is very well provided with supermarkets stocking a wide range of products including those for many dietary requirements.
There is a daily market offering local produce and every fourth Monday of the month the gypsy market is held in the village, near the windmill.
There are two shopping malls a short drive away, one in Portimão and Algarve Shopping in Guia (near Albufeira), both to the east, where shoppers will find all their favourite stores. With plenty of seats in the sun, restaurants and cafés and a multi-screen cinema located in Algarve Shopping, the late-night shopping means you can work or relax throughout the day.
Events
Throughout the year there are many fairs, festivals and shows, too many to list however, for up-to-date information on current events click here
History
The parish church of Odiáxere was built in the 16th century and was renovated in the 17th century after the Restoration War (between Portugal and Spain). Key features include the Manueline doorway, the 17th century azulejo panels and the gilded wooden altarpiece.
Nearby, Lagos has always had a seafaring connection, originally visited by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. During the 15th century it was the base for the Voyages of Discovery, instigated by Prince Henry the Navigator, with trade between Africa and Portugal bringing a great deal of wealth to the town.
The older part of Lagos is still encircled by the city walls that were constructed during the 16th century when it was the Algarve governor's residence. The fort, Ponta da Bandeira by Praia da Batata (Batata beach), is part of the 17th century fortifications that were added to protect the town. Behind the fort (on the opposite side of the road) you will find the Porta de São Gonçalo, with a watchtower on either side and just to the right of this is the Governor's Castle (built by the Arabs).
Walking along the cobbled street at the back of Praça Infante Dom Henrique (along R. Gen. Alberto da Silveira), just past the Santa Maria church, you will come across the famous Lagos 'golden church' of Saint Anthony, Igreja de Santo António, which was rebuilt in 1769. Access to this church is via the museum. Both the museum and the church are well worth visiting.
On the north side of the Praça Infante Dom Henrique can be found the Slave Market, which dates to the 15th century, and holds a small museum about the use of the building.
If you are feeling in need of an active history lesson, an interesting trail to follow in the Algarve is the Umayyad Route, the path which the Arabs travelled throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Europe starting in the 8th century through to the 13th.
For more information on places of interest in the area click here for Lagos and click here for Portimão