There is much to see and do in Armação de Pêra, but how do you choose the best activities in order to better enjoy your holidays? That is why we have decided to review our top activities to do in Armação de Pêra.
Spend the day at the beach
Armação de Pêra offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. With warm waters and rocky formations that hide caves and shelter reefs, the beaches of Armação de Pêra are true pearls in the paradise of the Algarve. Enjoy such beaches as Praia de Armação de Pêra, Praia dos Beijinhos or Praia da Senhora da Rocha, among others. You can also stroll along the seafront or sit on an esplanade facing the ocean.
Visit the Caves
This stretch of the coastline enjoys some of the most impressive caves, cliffs and rock formations in the Algarve. The small boats which operate from the beach are perfect for going right inside the caves. From Armação de Pêra the famous Benagil cave and Marina beach are also within easy reach of the boats so make sure you take your camera.
Bone Chapel
The Bones Chapel, in neighbouring Alcantarilha, constitutes a different attraction with an strange beauty. Attached to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Bones Chapel dates back to the 16th century. Its interior is covered by more than 1500 human bones, which are thought to have belonged to the Jesuits who perished in the region.
Historical Algarve Tour
This trip has pickups available in Armação de Pêra and includes the most interesting and popular historical sites of the Algarve. On the same trip, you will have the opportunity to visit Silves with it’s impressive Moorish Castle, to stroll through Serra de Monchique, to climb Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve, to see Lagos and its historical slave market and to go to Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwestern point in Europe.
Krazy World Zoo
This fantastic attraction combines a zoo with a fun park and is only 15 minutes away. As well as being able to feed goats, llamas or birds, youngsters will also be able to observe lemurs, African turtles and one of the largest snakes in Europe at over 8 meters long. Activities such as go-karting, inflatables, mini quad bikes, pony rides, a crazy golf course, paintball or swimming in the pool are also available for those who manage to keep their energy levels throughout an exhausting day.
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Chapel of the Lady of the Rock) stands on a towering promontory that enters the sea and offers stunning views making it a fantastic place for weddings or to simply sit enjoy the scenery. . The chapel itself, small in size, white as the lime of the typical Algarve houses, is charming and begs to be visited. Stroll through the chapel on a sunny and cloudless day and we assure you that you will immediately fall in love with the Algarve.
Snorkeling
With a warm, transparent and shallow sea, it is only natural that Armação de Pêra is a popular destinations for snorkelers. Marvel at the splendour of the abundant marine life that habits the waters of Armação de Pêra. Snorkelers should remain aware of boats as this is also a busy area for caves trips and its therefore best not to venture too far from the shoreline.
Zoomarine
Take your family to Zoomarine which is only about 10 minutes away and let yourself be amazed by the spectacles of dolphins, seals or parrots and macaws. Watch out for pirates and dare to experience the most radical attractions.
Swimming with dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is a dream that can come true, in the Algarve, in the nearby Zoomarine theme park. In a special area of the park, where calm and quietness offer you the best possible conditions to enjoy the experience, you can swim with dolphins. The Zoomarine team follows a philosophy based on conservation and environmental education, making sure these incredible marine mammals are well treated.
Route of the Seven Suspended Valleys
The Route of the Seven Suspended Valleys comprises a walk across the tops of the imposing cliffs of Armação de Pêra, offering a breath-taking spectacle and contact with a calm and relaxing nature. The walking route also offers a view of the Algar de Benagil cave, one of the most beautiful in the whole of the Algarve.
Algarve Landscapes, Pottery and Wine Tasting Tour
Relax aboard a comfortable Land Rover while being transported from Armação de Pêra through the Algarve’s interior to visit regional potteries, wineries where you can taste traditional wines, and discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. This is a unique ride created precisely for visitors who only know the coastal Algarve and want to discover more inland.
Renting a Jet Ski
Riding a jet ski is unbelievably fun and there is nothing like the feeling of cruising through the sea at high speed. Rent a jet ski at Armação de Pêra beach near to the Holiday Inn and enjoy “flying” through the translucent waters of the Algarve.
Visiting Aqualand
This water park located in the centre of the Algarve, just minutes from Armação de Pêra, offers a great choice of slides and attractions to its visitors. The most popular attractions are slides like the Hydra, the Crazy Race, where you can compete with friends or family to see who is the fastest to make the descent, and the Flying Mattresses.
FIESA – International Sand Sculpture Festival
The spectacular 12-meter-high sand sculptures await you in the grounds of the world’s largest sand sculpture festival in Pêra which just 5 minutes from Armação de Pêra. In 2019 the park will move nearer to Lagoa, however it will still be within easy reach. In addition to the 35,000 tons of sand used for the sculptures, the festival also includes live music shows several times a year. During the summer FIESA is open until midnight so it’s a great way to spend an evening.
The Wonders of Ria Formosa
With Armação de Pêra being right in the middle of the Algarve it’s a great place to use as a base to explore the whole region. The Wonders of Ria Formosa tour picks up from Armação de Pêra and aims to show you the amazing biodiversity of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve in the eastern Algarve. The trip also includes a boat trip which allows you to explore the islands of Ria Formosa.
Water Skiing
Water skiing is great fun and if you haven’t tried it before then Armação de Pêra is a great place to learn as the start as there are experienced instructors available to help you.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
In nearby Algoz, just 10 minutes from Armação de Pêra you try clay pigeon shooting. This is a great experience to try all-year-round and is also perfect if you’re ready for some time away from the beach. It’s also great fun for groups and those with a competitive streak!
Flyboard
Have you ever wished you had one of those flying boards that appear in the movie Back to the Future? The Flyboard is probably what most resembles to it these days. This board has thrusters on the bottom that make it possible to stand in the air, a few feet above water. Without a doubt, an unforgettable experience that looks like a science fiction movie without ever leaving Armacao de Pera.
High Speed Inflatable
On the beach of Armação de Pêra you can experience this fun activity which is great fun for all the family is available from speed boats departing from the beach. This is a great way to add some adrenaline for those who don’t wish to sunbathe all day, which consists in you holding on to the inflatable while it is towed at high speed by a boat. We assure you that it is harder not to fall than what it seems.
Stand Up Paddle
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a great way to explore the coast and with so many caves, rock formations, coves and bays along the coast near to Armação de Pêra it’s the perfect place to enjoy this water sport which has be gaining popularity in the Algarve.
Surfing
While the west coast and Sagres might be the most famous surf destinations in the Algarve, Armação de Pêra is a great spot to learn surfing for the first time. The huge beach which stretches almost 5km to Albufeira has plenty of space for surfers, swimmers and those who just want to sunbathe.
Bodyboarding
If you’re looking for something a little simpler and quicker to learn than surfing, then try some bodyboarding. Boards can be purchased at shops along the beach front and they’re also available to rent.
Kayak
Explore the secret beaches and mysterious caves of Armação de Pêra aboard a kayak with space for up to three people which means its great for all the family. Take a kayak tour through the rocks and cliffs of this area getting closer than boat can go and at your own pace. From Albufeira Marina (about 20 minutes away) there are also trips with a dedicated support boat to take you to the best areas, and you can also rest onboard when you’ve had enough of paddling!
Horse riding
Who has ever dreamt of being able to ride a horse through verdant fields or virgin and untouched sandy beaches towards the horizon? Just 5 minutes from Armação de Pêra at Salgados is one of very few locations in the Algarve where it is possible to ride on the beach so it’s a great place to go for a trek.
Treks are available all year, however in peak season it may not be possible to go on the beach so do check before booking. However whichever route you take the natural beauty of the lagoons and dunes of this area means you won’t be disappointed. If you do not feel comfortable enough on the saddle, lessons are also available.
