The western end of Armação de Pêra's main beach is known as Praia do Vale do Olival. The two beaches are separated by a rock formation. Vale do Olival is small and can get crowded, but is the most recommended of the town’s beaches, which are right in the center. This one is the most beautiful, surrounded by ocher cliffs. These cliffs are the border between Armação de Pêra and the coast of Lagoa. Walking over them will take you to two secluded beaches, Praia dos Beijinhos and Praia dos Tremoços.
From the top of the cliffs you can see all of Armação de Pêra, so even if you don’t plan to walk to the other beaches, do head to the clifftop for the view. When sunbathing at the beach, make sure you keep a safe distance from the cliffs. Although they provide some shade and shelter on windy days, rocks may fall. Also watch out for a few rocks in the water, which is nonetheless good for swimming. It’s shallow, clean (this is a Blue Flag beach) and often calm, making this a good destination for children. You’ll find many families here, who stay at the hotels and apartments nearby.
If you must have shade, bring an umbrella or rent one by one of the two bars/restaurants. There’s wheelchair access and lifeguards on duty in the summer.
Location: Armação de Pêra
Beach for: Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Vale do Olival
Praia do Vale do Olival is within walking distance of the center of Armação de Pêra. The town is 40 minutes from Faro by car (following the A22 highway) and 20 minutes from Albufeira (via road M526). There’s free parking above the beach. Without a car, you can reach Armação de Pêra by bus number 57, operated by Vamus, which runs between Faro and Lagos. It stops in Armação de Pêra in 1 hour and 20 minutes from Faro and in one hour from Lagos. There’s also bus 51 from Albufeira (taking 20 minutes) or Lagos (1 hour and 5 minutes).
Beaches by Praia do Vale do Olival
As mentioned above, there are two beaches to the west that can be reached by walking over the cliffs -- Praia dos Beijinhos and Praia dos Tremoços. Just follow the slightly-hidden path that snakes through them and enjoy the wonderful views along the way. These are very small but romantic beaches, attracting couples and guests of the luxury resort above (see below). If you enjoy long walks by the sea, you may walk east instead (to the left when facing the sea), to Praia Grande de Pêra, Praia dos Salgados and Praia da Galé. These last two already belong to Albufeira.
Hotels by Praia do Vale do Olival
Vila Vita Parc
The luxury resort above Praia dos Tremoços is within walking distance of Praia do Vale do Olival. It’s one of the best in Algarve, guaranteeing a memorable holiday with a special someone. It offers a world-class service, with a spa, six bars, as many as ten restaurants, and a tropical garden with a swimming pool overlooking the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Vita Parc
Holiday Inn Algarve
The only hotel right on the beach in Armação de Pêra is a short walk from Praia do Vale do Olival. Most of the rooms offer a sea view and have a balcony, and guests can also admire the sea from the terrace with swimming pool, and from the two restaurants and bars.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Holiday Inn Algarve
By the Sea - Rooftop Pools
If you prefer to stay in an apartment, you’ll find several at this property right above the beach. They have one or two bedrooms, and some feature a balcony or terrace. They’re fully equipped and offer access to two rooftop pools.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: By the Sea - Rooftop Pools