Armacao de Pera's active beach life. Photo credit: jamiejohndavies

Algarve, Portugal is widely renowned as the playground of the British. In fact, the population of this naturally beautiful wine region doubles during the summer season. If feasting on sumptuous fresh seafood, surfing in sparkling blue water, and dancing the night away sounds like a holiday in heaven, then Armacao de Pera in the Algarve is the place for you.

Once a remote tuna fishing village, Armacao de Pera is now the center of activity in Algarve. Surrounded by majestic cliffs and hillsides, the tranquil beach still provides the delicious seafood served up at local restaurants. Several hotel resorts, including some the offer an all-inclusive experience, line the shore. There are a few shopping centers, markets, and golf courses located in the town too. Perfectly suited for visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors, the area boasts a Lagoon and nature reserve unspoiled by human hands. Spend your days exploring the caves nestled along the shore, climbing the hillside, or exploring the ruins of the town’s original fort and cathedral. Spend lazy days lounging on the beach, frolicking in the sand, or charter a boat and make your own catch of the day. The beach views in Armacao are breathtaking and unmatched anywhere else in Algarve.

Armacao de Pera at dusk. Photo credit: jamiejohndavies

The restaurants in town offer reasonably priced meals. In addition to a staple of fish and other seafood, expect to dine on chicken, pate, olives and bread. The Algarve is well known for its extensive night-life and Armacao is no different. Local clubs and bars offer both live bands and top 40 dance hits. Some clubs boasts several different rooms where party-goers can dance to reggae, country, rock, and even rhythm and blues.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing to vacation in the town is its central location. Nearby towns, easily accessible by car, offer a perfect day trips on days that you don’t want to just hang out on the beach. Albufeira, just one town over from Armacao, offers family fun and water play at the Aqualand Algarve and dolphin shows at Zoomarine. Equally close by are the town of Pera and Porches which offer visitors a myriad of cultural items such as crafts, pottery, and arts centers. Slightly to the north of Armacao is the town on Silves which houses many historical landmarks of the Algarve like the Silves castle and other building believed to be built as early as the 8th century. The open market towns of Loule, Algoz and Alcantarhilla are also very close by. Visitors can tour the winery at Guia, just east of Armacao, sample the Vida Nova wines, and experience a guided tour of the winery.