The Algarve coastal resort of Armação de Pêra is located around 15km west of Albufeira. The huge sandy bay is something of a beach-lovers paradise. In addition to beautiful beach, there are many cafes, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Like other resorts on the Algarve, there is a mix of the old and the new in Armação de Pêra. It is a bustling town, with many high rise apartment buildings, but walk along the cobbled streets lining the seafront in the old part of the village you will find the 16th century fort (Fortaleza de Armação de Pêra), which was built to defend the town and fishing fleet from the North African Barbary pirates. From here there is a great view out over the beach and along the coast. Set inside this fort's low whitewashed walls is a little chapel, the Capela de Santo António, which dates back to around 1720.
The villages main church is set in a small square just off from the beachfront. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, or Igreja Matriz de Armação de Pêra as it is more commonly known, is a relatively new church only built in the late 1950s. With its typical Algarvian styling and set amongst the trees in this central square the church is quite a pleasant spot.
One of the best spots in Armação de Pêra is the headland of Nossa Senhora da Rocha. About 1km along the coast, past the beaches of Praia dos Tremoços and Praia dos Beijinhos, the jutting cliffs here are home to a medieval fortress and tiny chapel. Below the headland are beaches to either side - the quiet Praia Nova to the west and the charming little praia da Senhora da Rocha to the east. The headland is also the start of a popular coastal path leading west along this fascinating coastline as far as Praia da Marinha.