The village of Olhos de Agua, although small, has an intimate
feel with the beach approached via a narrow road that ends in a newly formed pedestrianised area. Along this road is
a variety of small shops and businesses catering for tourists.
At the sea end of the road there is
a wide promenade and some beachfront cafes before you reach the beautiful beach. Depending
on the tide the clear blue sea can be very calm or have some good waves, so both swimmers and non swimmers can enjoy
it.
In the main village there are all the facilities you would need on a day to day basis i.e bank, shops, chemist,
medical centre, etc. etc. There are also a number of cafes, take aways and restaurants within walking distance which cater
for all tastes, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, English and Portuguese. A short walk up the main road towards Albufeira
on th right hand side you will find a new cafe/bar called "soft cafe". This is run by Bruno and his Mum and
they are very very friendly and also offer snacks and cheap beer (€2 for a large one at last look). In the main
square is a very friendly English run bar called Tracies. Here they serve a good range of beers/spirits together with
a large selection of English food. In season there is often live music performed in the square so you can listen while you
have a drink or a meal.
Nightlife in the village and down by the beach is mainly low key with only a few music bars and
venues for live music and these are located far enough away from the apartment so they will not disturb you. There is
a bar called the Galleon close to the beach, which has recently been taken over by a very friendly Portuguese family.
Since taking over they have completely re-furnished and re-furbished the place and will usually put sky sports on for
your preference if you ask. There is also a pool table upstairs. There is another friendly bar/restaurant at Torre
de Medronheira called the 3 Marias which is only a few minutes level walk from the apartments. Under this restaurant
is a bar with 3 very good large american pool tables. These are hired on meters so that you can play as long as you want. Another
nice nearby bar is "Captains Bar" which opens evenings only from 8pm. This is located down the steps that
are opposite the main entrance of the Oceanus hotel. It is run by a very friendly couple from Manchester and they hold
regular pool and darts competitions on Friday nights and a quiz on a Sunday night
As
an alternative the very lively night time resort of Albufiera with its many clubs and discos is only 10 minutes away
by car or taxi.
There is a very good Inter-Marche supermarket with an ATM within 100 metres of the
development which stocks all the provisions that you would need. Also alongside this are some brand new shops. At present
these include a café/bakery offering a good selection of cakes and also fresh baguettes made to order, a pay by
weight restaurant, pizza take away, speciality supermarket stocking all British foods, a newspaper shop selling
English newspapers/beach goods, Bank, Bar, Chemist and an Excursions booking agent.
The
excursions agency deals with all the major attractions in the area so this is very convenient if you wish to
arrange to visit attractions or go on excursions. The agency also can arrange car hire for you. Most attractions have
courtesy buses that will pick you up from the agency if you require.
Also
within 15 minutes walk is the club Balaia complex. This boasts tennis courts, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, golf
driving range and a 9 hole golf couse. This is open to non residents and all the facilities can be used upon payment
of the appropriate fee.