Armacao de Pera
Armacao de Pera has one of the longest sandy beaches on the Algarve. It
attracts crowds of tourists during the dry summer, although it
is a much quieter place in the off-season. This coastal village occupies the
southern coast of Portugal from Pont da Gale to Senhora da Rocha, with its
golden beaches stretching from Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) to
Salomao beach. The coast of Armacao de Pera has characteristics typical of most
Algarvian shores, boasting of wide sandy areas with a backdrop formed by ancient
rock cliffs. The clear water is good for swimming, and the soft sand ideal for
children to play with.
Since the boom of tourism in the area, numerous developments have emerged in
Armacao de Pera. Hotels, villas, holiday apartments, shops, and restaurants have
been built near the beaches, mostly on the hills overlooking the bay, spreading
towards the west. But even though this locality mostly lives on its tourism
industry, much of its natural and cultural appeal remains.
Before becoming the holiday resort that it is today, Armacao de Pera used to
have only a cluster of shacks where fishermen from the neighboring village of
Pera kept their boats. The name "Armacao" is said to have been associated with
the Algarve's huge tuna fishing industry in the 1400s and earlier. The village
of Pera remains to this day largely rustic with an idyllic atmosphere.
Armacao de Pera has been catering to vacationers for years, so you can be sure
there are a lot of things to do in town, aside from enjoy the beaches. During
the day, you can choose from different water sports, go boating or walk along
the coasts to explore the many coves. Close to the village is the Aqualand
waterpark with big pools and exciting slides, which is a real treat for whole
families. Those who love golf can either go to the Salgados Golf Course or any
of the other courses in the nearby towns.
Evenings and late nights in Armacao de Pera offer a variety of entertainment
options. Dancing, singing, live music, good drinks, and friendly people are hard
to miss on the buzzing waterfront lined with several bars and clubs. Restaurants
along the beach serve diverse kinds of cooking, but most of them feature the
day's catch as their specials. When in Armacao de Pera, try not to miss out on
traditional Algarvian and Portuguese cuisine, which many restaurants offer.
Hotel restaurants and cafés, meanwhile, typically have an international menu,
and this is the same for those found around the old village.
For accommodations, you can either book with conventional hotels, or rent your
own holiday apartment or villa. Highly rated hotels include the Hotel Garbe and
Pestana Levante Hotel, which takes advantage of their beachfront, cliff-top
locations to provide guests with a stunning panorama and direct access to the
sandy beach. For a bit more exclusivity, why not try renting your own private
villa with spacious rooms, its own garden and pool, and a countryside feel?
Caixinha, Casa Barreto and Quatro Marias Villa are just a few places you can
stay in that are all very close to the beach and the commercial center of
village. |
