15 Best Best Beaches in Armacao De Pera

For those of you who are staying in the somewhat hectic resort of Albufeira, Praia da Gale offers a welcome respite. Located to the west of Albufeira, the beach runs around the bay of Armacao de Pera to a quiet, unassuming town that boasts just a few cafes and restaurants and a supermarket.

This sheltered little cove is located just to the west of Armação de Pêra. The beach here is very different to those in the resort itself, instead of endless low sand dunes Praia da Senhora da Rocha is flanked by high sandstone cliffs which protect it from the wind. 

Praia Nova is one of the lesser known beaches in the Armação de Pera area. Neighbouring the popular Praia da Senhora da Rocha these two beaches are in fact joined by a tunnel which has been cut through the headland that separates them.

Set around a kilometre east of the resort of Armação de Pêra is the Praia dos Salgados. It is really just one section of a massive crescent of beach that stretches from the resort, halfway to Albufeira.

Unlike the coast further east, towards Albufeira, with its cliffs and rock formations, Praia dos Salgados is backed by low sand dunes. These are criss-crossed with wooden boardwalks to keep this important conservation area intact.

The beach of Praia de Albandeira lies roughly midway between the resorts of Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. It is set in a part of the Algarve coast that is home to many little coves and bays etched into the yellow limestone cliffs. All these beaches are home to the same crystal-clear water, golden sand and wonderful (and sometimes weird) rock formations.However, each beach has its own character too. As a bonus, despite being located between resorts, much of this coast has not suffered from any development.

Praia da Marinha is the archetypal Algarve cove. Clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations that have graced the covers of a hundred holiday brochures. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, but what has saved it is what it doesn't have. Despite being located in the middle of the Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha lacks the facilities and most importantly, the easy access of other Algarve beaches.

Praia do Evaristo is far enough outside of the resort madness of Albufeira to retain an air of charm and remain civilised even in the summer! Backed by low, sloping ochre cliffs this pleasant sandy beach is dotted with large rock formations which are great for exploring and give it a slightly cosy feel.

Set at the bottom of a deep valley by the fishing harbour of Benagil there's lots to explore here. Caves and rock formations abound.

The small beach of Praia do Castelo is located on the wonderful stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra (about 6km from the former). There are a number of small bays along the several kilometres of coast here, all of which have the same ochre coloured sandstone cliffs eroded into various rock formations; some more fantastical than others.

Located on the lovely stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pera is the charming little Praia da Coelha. Translated this means "Rabbit beach" although the only rabbit of any note here is the one on the sign.

To get to the beach involves a short walk along a footpath through assorted greenery. There are olive trees, bamboo groves and ancient carob trees which all lead you towards the wooden stairs down to the beach. Once on the beach you won't be disappointed; there are the same golden cliffs, crystal clear azure waters and perfect sand as the neighbouring beaches.

The crystal clear, shallow waters and silky soft golden sand make Praia de São Rafael one of the most popular beaches in the Albufeira area. The beach is just far enough away from the resort town to not be overrun, but close enough to be within easy reach (2 km to be precise).

Wide sandy beach backed by large cliffs. Easily accessible by wooden steps. Great spot for snorkelling or just soaking up the sun

Praia do Peneco (also known as Praia do Túnel) is one of Albufeira's two main town beaches. In fact it really is part of the same stretch of sand as neighbouring Praia dos Pescadores with just the jetty and slipway separating the two.

Peneco beach is named after the huge sandstone rock which rises out of the sand towards the western end of the beach. Penedo is the Portuguese word for boulder.

Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman's beach) is situated right in front of Albufeira's old town. It is one of the resort's main beaches along with neighbouring Praia do Túnel and as such can get pretty busy in the summer months. Of course there are advantages; it is easily accessible from the Old Town - there is even an escalator down to beach level from the cliffs behind.

Once, just a typical Algarve fishing village nestled in a valley and flanked by high limestone cliffs, Carvoeiro is now a popular, ever expanding resort town. That said the beach is still the focus of the town and this area retains much of its charm. Whitewashed, terracotta-tiled villas and cottages cling to the cliff sides forming a kind of amphitheatre with all eyes on Carvoeiro's prime asset - the beach. The Praia do Carvoeiro is a smallish sweep of fine golden sand sheltered by high, ochre cliffs to either side.