Olhos de Água

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Olhos de Água

Located in the heart of the Algarve, Olhos de Água still recalls the atmosphere of the old fishing town with small boats pulled onto the sand and the fishermen tending their nets by the shore. Although it is getting known - and loved - by more and more tourists every year, Olhos de Água still retains its welcoming and charming atmosphere. Among its typical tourists, you will mainly find young families with kids and more mature couples. However, Olhos de Água is perfect for anyone looking for a calm and relaxed holiday that is still close enough to the main resort town in the Algarve, Albufeira.  

How To Get Here

The main international airport of the Algarve is Faro airport, located 35km away from Olhos de Água. Most European countries now have direct flights to Faro so you won't have trouble getting there. However, there aren't many public transport options so you might want to book a private transfer prior to your arrival or queue for a shared transfer in the airport. If you're coming from Lisbon by car, it will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, following A2 to IC1 in Albufeira.

What To Do

One of the best things to do in the Algarve is, of course, to visit any of its wonderful beaches featuring golden sand and calm waters. At the beach, you will be able to practice a variety of water sports, such as surf, body board or kitesurf. An activity you should not miss is going on a dolphin cruise or taking a boat tour from Vilamoura's marina. Olhos de Água is also a great destination for a golfing holiday as it is located near Vilamoura where you can find numerous award-winning golf courses, such as the Pine Cliffs Golf Course. However, if you're traveling with kids, there are many other activities you can do for a fun day. Theme parks such as Zoomarine or the Slide & Splash waterpark are two great options. And if you're traveling in August, don't miss the opportunity of attending the Sardine Festival and taste a typical Portuguese dish.

What To See

Olhos de Água features a small yet beautiful beach surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, very typical in the Algarve. During low tide, you will be able to see incredible freshwater springs lying between the rocks that were actually the inspiration for this town's name - Eyes of Water. The beach offers a high-quality range of facilities and services, including fantastic restaurants facing the sea where you can enjoy a delicious meal with fresh fish that came straight from the ocean. And just a short walk away you will find Praia da Falésia, one of the region's finest beaches that extends for 5km to Vilamoura.

Where To Eat

Olhos de Água is a beautiful little town with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and a market where you can find lots of fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables. There are also plenty of options when it comes to where to eat. You will find restaurants that suit everyone, ranging from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisines. Some popular choices are Calheiros, O Manuel, and A Lagosteira.

Smart Tips

You might have chosen Olhos de Água because you were looking for a more quiet holiday destination away from the most popular resort towns. However, if one day you're craving a cultural trip or want to explore a different side of the region, one of the best things about Olhos de Água is that it is located in the heart of the Algarve so you can easily discover a new town. You can find Albufeira, one of the biggest resort towns in the region, just 4 km away where you can discover its wonderful Old Town or experience its vibrant nightlife. An alternative is to head to Vilamoura where you can find a completely different town known for its luxury lifestyle and gorgeous marina.