Hotels in Armação de Pêra

As one of the most visited destinations in the Algarve, holidays to Albufeira are undeniably fun. Its spectacular golden sand beaches pull in the crowds, while its buzzing nightlife scene could rival that of any party resort. You’ll find a good mix of traditional and modern charms here too. For a peek into the past, stroll through the stunning Old Town admiring its Moorish beauty, before discovering its super stylish marina, whose colourful buildings are a stark contrast to the area’s whitewashed houses. And when you’re done sightseeing, Albufeira is home to some fantastic activities with a surf school and championship golf courses at your fingertips.

Things to do

From fun-filled excursions to relaxing days on the beach, families won’t run out of things to do on holidays to Albufeira. Find a spot for your towel on the silky sands of Salgados beach, or take a stroll around the ruins of Paderne Castle to learn more about the region’s history. How about some dolphin spotting at the resort’s luxury marina? Here, fancy yachts and speed boats fill the turquoise waters. If it’s adrenaline-inducing watersports you’re after, paragliding, kayaking, wakeboarding and scuba diving boat trips all depart from here.

World-class beaches

Not many places can compete with the Algarve’s beaches, and Albufeira is home to some of the area’s most striking spots. If you don’t want to wander far for a day on the sand, Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) can be found to the front of the Old Town. Stretching for about 225 metres, its combination of soft sand and shallow waters is perfect for families with young children. Plus, there’s no shortage of nearby restaurants when you need to refuel.

To the west, Praia da Coelha promises extraordinary beach scenery with its yellow cliffs and calm waters. Keep walking further along the coast and you’ll come to the stunning Praia de São Rafael. A must for couples seeking privacy, find your own secluded sunbathing spot behind the beach’s scattered rocks. Praia da Falesia is another beautiful stretch thanks to its magnificent red-hued cliffs made from ochre stone. Prefer an upbeat atmosphere while you work on your tan? Then, the Blue Flag Praia d’Oura has a great selection of watersports.

History and culture

Originally Albufeira was known as Baltum and was later renamed Al-Buhera by the Moorish settlers in the 8th century.  Look out for historical gems hiding in the Old Town like The Igreja Santana, an 18th century church, or head inland to see the sandstone ruins of Paderne Castle. From here, you can even explore what’s left of a roman villa with a trip to the ancient site, Cerro da Vila. For a more in-depth look into the site’s past, visit the museum and see artefacts from three eras; Roman, Islamic and the Bronze Age..

A nightlife scene for everyone

What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a nightlife heaven. And there’s a party for all tastes on holidays to Albufeira. Head to the neon-lit Strip for the biggest nights, where the bars and restaurants span for a mile. Sip relaxing post-beach cocktails in a chilled-out setting, or dance until the sun comes up at must-visit clubs like Kiss Disco, which hosts regular themed nights. Those looking for a family-friendly evening will prefer the tamer Old Town. When you’re not sinking cocktails in Sir Harry’s and Merlin’s Bar, the square has a great after-dark atmosphere with street performers and market stalls creating a nightly buzz.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha | Vilamoura

Set between fishing village resorts and the medieval town of Loulé, there’s much more to holidays in Vilamoura than just year-round sun and soft sand. Its coves, beaches, yacht-filled marina, and excellent golf courses have helped put Vilamoura holidays on the map. The resort’s wide streets will take you past the rolling fairways of perfectly manicured golf courses and down to the seafront marina that’s dotted with luxury hotels, restaurants and bars. Nearby you’ll find the well-preserved medieval quarters of Faro, as well as plenty more beaches, some with conditions that are ideal for windsurfing. 

Things to do

Lined with hotels, cosmopolitan bars, restaurants, and shops, the busy marina is a hub of activity day and night. Enjoy some local Portuguese cuisine in one of the marina’s seafood restaurants, or people watch as you stroll along the promenade, ice cream in hand. In the evening, relax to the sounds of smooth jazz or visit the casino to try your hand at some of the tables. Away from the marina, holidays to Vilamoura include rounds of golf on some of the best courses, horse riding, and boat trips to visit Roman ruins. 

Food and drink

Vilamoura isn’t short of places to eat and drink, so you’re bound to find something that suits everyone’s tastes. The majority of restaurants and bars are found in and around the marina and the cuisine on offer is varied. As Vilamoura and Quarteira have a strong fishing community, you’ll find seafood is available on most menus at both resorts. Take a seat along the waterfront and enjoy delicious freshly caught fish. When it comes to drinking, you can take your pick from cosy pubs and wine bars, or if you’re craving a taste of back home there are also many British and Irish pubs where you can grab a pint and watch the football.

History and culture

Vilamoura also has a rich history with origins dating back as far as Roman times. Unleash your inner history buff with a trip to the Cerro da Vila and uncover facts from the Bronze Age. Imagine yourself back in the Roman era as you discover the remains of what was once a luxurious villa and admire the artefacts in the museum. If you’re looking to soak up some culture on your holiday to Vilamoura, you’ll want to head to Quarteira to check out the markets. It’ll give you a taste of traditional Portuguese delicacies and specialities as you mix with the locals and barter with the stall holders.

Golden beaches

If lazing around on golden beaches is your ideal holiday, you’ll love Vilamoura. Its main beach is very easy to find as it’s just a few steps from the marina. Here you’ll find the perfect conditions for sunbathing and many opportunities for you to try your hand at water sports. If you follow the stretch for four kilometres, you’ll end up on the beautiful sandy beach at Quarteira, where its golden sands are lined by calm waters and stony walls. This charming town has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for relaxing days on the sand.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Albufeira | Algarve | Alvor | Carvoeiro | Lagos | Lisbon | Madeira | Praia da Rocha

Nestled on the banks of the Arade River, the laid-back city of Portimão offers a tranquil retreat away from hectic life. Portimão Portugal is so much more than a classic beach resort. Once an industrial fishing hub, it’s now a relaxed tourist centre boasting architectural treasures, ancient sites and exquisite restaurants.  

Located on the Western Algarve, this charming destination attracts all sorts of holidaymakers, from families to couples and groups of friends. Whether you want to enjoy the party atmosphere in the lively marina or relax in one of the quieter coastal villages to the west, Portimão holidays offer something for everyone.    

Best Beaches in Portimão  

You won’t have to journey far to find a picturesque beach in Portimão. As one of the best beach destinations in the Algarve, it’s home to vast stretches of golden sand perfect for soaking up the warm sunshine.   

Spend an afternoon on Praia da Rocha Beach, a spectacular 2-kilometre-long area of limestone pebbles amid a sea of yellow sand. Here, the coastline slopes gently into calm, crystal-clear waters. However, the waves are slightly rougher a little further out – ideal for windsurfers. 

Get involved in a range of watersports, including jet skiing and paragliding, or simply relax on the soft sands and watch the world go by. Situated only a short distance from Portimão, Praia da Rocha resort boasts a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to discover when the sun goes down.  

Day Trips to Lagos  

A 20-minute train journey along the coast will take you to Lagos, a bustling Algarve town with many things to see and do. Explore Lagos' marina or embark on a dolphin-watching tour where you'll spot these elegant creatures swimming in the Atlantic.  

You could also wander around Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, an impressive maritime fort that dates back to the 17th century. For something a little more adventurous, why not go kayaking along Lagos’s coastline? Join a kayaking tour and witness beautiful views of the surrounding landscape while enjoying a spot of exercise.  

When visiting Lagos, indulging in a traditional Portuguese meal should be at the top of your list. From feijoada (bean stew) to Conquilhas à Algarvia (clams), there are plenty of tasty dishes to try.   

Cave Exploring  

Step into adventure with a day of cave exploring during your holiday. Situated close to Portimão is the tranquil fishing village of Benagil, renowned for its spectacular sea cave.  

Popular with tourists and local residents, it’s the most famous cave in the Algarve and is often referred to as the Benagil Cathedral due to its impressive arches. Its huge walls boast many colours, from pale yellow to bright white. The cave is accessible by boat, or you could always rent a kayak or standup paddle from Benagil Beach and travel there yourself.  

After your tour of the cave, spend a couple of hours on Benagil Beach, where you can unwind on the sands and enjoy a refreshment from the snack bar. And if you fancy staying for dinner, Benagil is home to an impressive selection of restaurants, many of which offer wonderful views over the coast and clifftops.