Culture

To the east of Albufeira, heading towards Vilamoura, you will find the bustling village of Olhos d’Agua. Olhos d’Agua means eyes of water, a name it gets from the freshwater springs that sometimes bubble up through the sand at low tide. Similarly to Albufeira it has developed over the years from a sleepy fishing village to the renowned tourist destination it is today.

The beach in Olhos d’Água is very popular among residents and tourists alike, with a small promenade along the seafront, lined by palm-trees and many outdoor cafés and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the stunning sea view. As for the water, it’s shallow enough for paddlers and has plenty to keep water sports fans happy too. You may also want to try the beautiful nearby beaches of Maria Luisa and Santa Eulália, only a 5-10 minutes’ drive away.

Olhos d’Água retains much of its fishing village charm. You can still spot the fishermen in their colourful boats hauling in their catch ready to be barbecued at the friendly restaurants later that night. The village’s cobbled streets are lined with a superb selection of restaurants serving international cuisine and, of course, many fresh fish specialities.