The biggest beach in Armação de Pêra is right to the east of the center of town and offers much more space and a quieter atmosphere. In fact, until recently, it was such a nearly-deserted and peaceful place, that it was an unofficial nude beach. Resorts built nearby and the crowds from Armação de Pêra drove away the naturists, making it a beach for local families and tourists staying at the resorts.
Unlike the main beach in the heavily-developed center of Armação de Pêra, here you won’t find any high-rise buildings or even any constructions, except for a restaurant on the western side and a small, wooden bar roughly in the center. This is a protected area, and the beach is backed by extensive dunes (300 meters or nearly 1000 feet wide in places) and a lagoon on the eastern end. That lagoon is the Lagoa dos Salgados, which marks the beginning of the neighboring beach (Praia dos Salgados) and town (Albufeira). On the western end is the Ribeira de Alcantarilha river where it meets the ocean.
The stretch of sand is over 2 kilometers (over 1 mile) long, which explains the name. Because it’s so long, the beach is divided into two sections -- “nascente” (east) and “poente” (west). The western section tends to be the quieter one and was where the naturists used to stay. Those who enjoy nature will also want to head to the eastern side, as it’s possible to walk down boardwalks around the lagoon and observe dozens of different species of birds, including flamingos and ducks. Early morning and just before sunset are the recommended times for a visit. Note that swimming in the lagoon is strictly forbidden.
In the summer, the sea is usually calm and offers good conditions for water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding and windsurfing. In the bathing season (June to September), you can also rent sunshades and loungers from the bar, and will have lifeguard supervision. Those with mobility issues will find wheelchair access on the western end. This is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it offers safety and a clean environment.
Location: Armação de Pêra
Beach for: Families, Nature Lovers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia Grande de Pêra
Praia Grande de Pêra is about 20 minutes by car from the center of Albufeira, heading west on road M526, and about 15 minutes from Armação de Pêra. There’s a parking lot behind the central part of the beach. From there, a boardwalk over the dunes leads to the beach and the lagoon. There’s no public transportation to this beach.
Beaches by Praia Grande de Pêra
If you enjoy walks by the sea, you can walk to the aforementioned Praia dos Salgados to the east (walk to the left when facing the sea) and continue all the way to Praia da Galé in Albufeira. Heading in the opposite direction (west), you can reach the central beach in Armação de Pêra, which stretches to the smaller Praia do Vale do Olival.
Hotels by Praia Grande de Pêra
NAU Salgados Vila das Lagoas
Families will want to stay at this all-apartments property facing the ocean. It’s a short walk from the beaches of Salgados and Grande de Pêra, and surrounded by a garden of palm and olive trees with seven swimming pools. The apartments can accommodate two to six people, and all have two bathrooms and a balcony. For meals, guests may prepare them in the equipped kitchens or head to the restaurant serving local cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: NAU Salgados Vila das Lagoas
Salgados Dunas Suites
It’s in Praia dos Salgados, but a short walk from the sand of Praia Grande de Pêra. An exclusive boardwalk over the dunes takes guests to the beach, and there are sea views from most of the rooms and suites. The six outdoor swimming pools are surrounded by palm trees.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Salgados Dunas Suites
VidaMar Resort Hotel
This 5-star resort is the closest to Praia Grande de Pêra. It’s very close to the parking lot and boardwalks of Praia dos Salgados, which also offer access to Praia Grande. Its lush gardens surround large swimming pools, which many of the contemporary rooms with balconies face. Facilities include four restaurants and a Kids' Club.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: VidaMar Resort Hotel
Holiday Inn Algarve
Located right in the center of Armação de Pêra and its beach, this hotel of the well-known international chain is a more affordable alternative to the 5-star resorts around Praia Grande de Pêra. Most of the rooms have balconies and offer a sea view, as do the terrace with swimming pool, the two restaurants and the bar.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Holiday Inn Algarve