Praia dos Olhos de Água

The basics

Praia dos Olhos de Água gets its name—which translates from Portuguese as “Eyes of Water”—from the hot springs that bubble up from the sand on the eastern side of the beach among the rocks. Many Algarve boat tours cruise past the beach and on their way to see the famous Benagil Cave, or while trying to spot the area’s bottlenose dolphins. You can also admire Praia dos Olhos de Água from above during a paragliding flight.

Things to know before you go

• You can rent sun loungers and shades on the beach; it’s best to bring cash.

• There’s a boardwalk running parallel to the beach and a stone ramp leading down to it, so it has easy access for travelers in wheelchairs and with strollers.

• There are several restaurants overlooking the beach that serve freshly caught seafood.

How to get there

Praia dos Olhos de Água is 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the center of Albufeira; it’s a 15-minute drive by car or if using a rideshare app. You can also take the number 6 bus there directly, which departs from central Albufeira and drops you off at the market in the town of Olhos de Água, a 10-minute walk from the beach.

When to get there

Praia dos Olhos de Água is typically most crowded in July and August during the European school holidays. The Algarve is best visited during the shoulder seasons of May and October, when the weather is still gorgeous and it’s much quieter. To access the natural hot springs, you’ll need to visit the beach at low tide; this changes throughout the year, so check online for the exact time.

The best seafood to eat in Olhos de Água

The resort of Olhos de Água was once a tiny fishing village, so there’s still an emphasis on seafood in its restaurants. Traditional Algarvian meals begin with sardine or tuna paté with crusty bread, followed by a traditional cataplana (seafood stew with tomatoes) and oysters, which are typically harvested from the Ria Formosa National Park near Faro.