Originally a fishing community, Olhos d’Água is now a popular tourist district in Albufeira, about 6km (or close to 4 miles) from the center of town. It’s named after the freshwater springs that gush up from the ground along the shore, visible on the eastern side (to the left when facing the sea) of this beach when the tide is low.
The eastern side is also where you can still see fishing boats, by a number of fishermen huts. However, the beach now has more tourists than fishermen, and can get crowded in the summer. It’s relatively small when the tide is high. When the tide recedes, you can go around the rocks on the western side (to the right) and find more space. Here you should watch out for underwater rocks, however.
In the official bathing season (usually from mid-May to mid-October), there are sunshades and sunbeds for rent and lifeguard supervision. Although cold, the water is clean and safe for children when the tide is low.
A promenade lined with palm trees and paved with the traditional Portuguese cobblestone designs is a good place to sit and admire the beach. It has restaurants open throughout much of the year, facing the sea. A ramp makes it accessible to the disabled.
A scenic trail over the ocher cliffs on the western side offers wonderful views and takes you to the neighboring beach of Maria Luísa. Part of it has wooden steps and boardwalks, but it’s mostly a trail through nature, narrow in places and with a few trip hazards, so not recommended for children or anyone wearing flip flops.
Beach for: Families, Couples
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de Olhos d’Água
Buses number 8 and 9 of the Vamus company depart from the bus station in Albufeira and pass by this beach in about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re driving, it takes about the same amount of time to get here from central Albufeira. There’s a car park a few feet from the beach. You’ll have to spend a few euros, but that’s your only option, as there are no parking spots in the vicinity. An alternative is going by taxi or Uber. To know how to get to and around Albufeira, see our transportation guide.
Beaches by Praia de Olhos d’Água
As mentioned above, a trail goes from this beach to Praia Maria Luísa to the west. That’s the only beach within walking distance. If you’re driving, don’t miss the stunning Praia da Falésia, about 10 minutes to the east.
To locate these beaches, see the Albufeira beaches map.
Hotels by Praia de Olhos d’Água
TUI BLUE Falésia
This adults-only hotel stands on a cliff, right above Praia de Olhos d’Água, which is five minutes away, down a staircase. It features double rooms (most with sea views), outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness center, a restaurant and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: TUI BLUE Falésia
Oceanus Aparthotel
Families and groups will want to stay at this aparthotel located 5 minutes up the road from the beach. It consists of studios and 1-bedroom apartments, but the larger apartment accommodates as many as 5 people. There are indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Oceanus Aparthotel
Velamar Boutique Hotel
From this highly-rated 3-star hotel you can walk to this beach and to Praia Maria Luísa. It was one the first hotels in the area, but a renovation turned it into a contemporary boutique hotel. It offers rooms with balconies, sea views from the breakfast room, and an outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Velamar Boutique Hotel
Apartamentos Turísticos Monte da Vinha II
These apartments are meant for two people. They’re about a 5-minute walk from the beach, and some have a partial sea view. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a garage.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Apartamentos Turísticos Monte da Vinha II