Guide to Olhos D'agua

'This is a genuine fishing village – so authentic that you can still turn up on the beach each morning and buy the day's catch fresh from the boat.'

Just a stone's throw from the bright lights of Albufeira, Olhos D'Agua offers a decidedly laid-back break. For starters, the nightlife is virtually non-existent. Evenings revolve around a stroll along the seafront and a good meal in one of the waterside restaurants. Days, on the other hand, are normally spent on the beach where the freshwater springs which give the town its name - Olhos D'Agua means 'Eye of Water' - bubble through the sand. Plus there are plenty of rock pools to explore and some hidden coves where the snorkeling is excellent. Pine clad cliffs and rocky promontories frame the beach and colourful fishing boats are hauled up on the sand – it's safe to say it's got wow-factor by the bucket-load. Of course, you can always laze the day away on your beach towel admiring the sun-spangled sea views. For a change of scene, try the long sandy beach of Praia de Falesia nearby, which stretches all the way to Vilamoura. Back at base, the hilly, cobbled streets of the town can get busy in high season. But either side of July and August, this is a quiet place, where locals queue shoulder to shoulder with the holidaymaker to buy fresh fish and vegetables at the seafront early in the morning. If you prefer to stock up at the supermarket, then there are several to choose from, as well as a large shopping mall nearby. As traditional as they come, this is a perfect pocket of real Portugal.

Despite its quiet, calm persona, Olhos D'Agua has plenty to prevent boredom - the beautiful beach and all its attractions, including the fresh spring water that bubbles through the sand. Watersports are fairly limited but there are some on offer. The stunning views across the warm Atlantic Ocean will keep you occupied for hours, as they progress through the spectrum from dusk til dawn.

Find the cheapest late deals to Olhos D'agua leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Olhos D'agua hotels and apartments

Riu Palace Algarve

Hotel Porto Bay Falesia

Clubhotel Riu Guarana

Olhos D'agua hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Olhos D'agua include Clubhotel Riu Guarana, Hotel Porto Bay Falesia, Riu Falesia Mar Apartments and Riu Palace Algarve.

More Algarve holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Algarve? Our Algarve holiday destinations include Acoteias, Albufeira, Alcantarilha, Almancil, Alte, Alvor, Armacao De Pera, Balaia, Boliqueime, Bordeira, Branqueira, Caramujeira, Carvoeiro, Cerro D'aguia, Cerro Grande, Espiche, Estoi, Ferragudo, Ferreiras, Gale, Goldra, Guia, Lagos, Loule, Luz Bay, Moncarapacho, Monchique, Montechoro, Montinhos Da Luz, Olhao, Olhos D'agua, Pera, Porches, Portimao, Praia Da Gale, Praia Da Luz, Praia Da Marinha, Praia Da Rocha, Praia Do Vau, Quinta Do Lago, Quinta Dos Alamos, Santa Barbara De Nexe, Santo Antonio, Sao Bras, Sao Joao, Albufeira, Sao Rafael, Tavira, Vale Da Ursa, Vale De Garrao, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura.

Beaches

There is a stunning sandy beach here with hidden coves offering some exciting snorkelling. If you head down there early enough you can watch the fishermen returning with their catches.

Eating out

There are plenty of places to eat here and you'll have plenty of opportunity to sample some wonderfully fresh seafood - try 'arroz de marisco' - mixed fish in rice. Other tastes will be catered for too, including traditional Portuguese, Italian and Chinese.

Nightlife

The evenings are a perfect time to indulge in the slow pace of life in Olhos D'Agua. Take a walk along the seafront followed by dinner at one of the restaurants that take advantage of some fantastic sea views. Afterwards, stroll to a bar for a glass of 'medronho' - the national liquor made from a fleshy, red fruit grown in Portugal.

Shopping

Olhos D'Agua has several supermarkets, a pharmacy and an off-license. There is also a large shopping mall nearby selling everything including contemporary fashion. If you fancy a change from the beautiful beach and all its attractions, head for the brilliant Saturday market at Loule.

Local information

Olhos D'Agua means 'eye of water' in Portuguese. It was named after the spring water that bubbles through the sand at low tide. Enjoy a paddle through the warm, fresh foam.