I have been to Armacao de Pera several times, we try to visit the Algarve three times a year, January, May and October so all low season, and find we always gravitate to Armacao, probably because it has everything. It is a popular destination with Portuguese holiday-makers. A lot of guide-books seem to be dismissive of it as there are a lot of high-rise buildings, but we find the local people very friendly and helpful. It is quiet out-of-season but a lot of places cater for locals too so stay open all year. There are some good cafes and several restaurants. Pastelaria Tinirose (near the Post Office) is great for coffee and snacks, with very friendly owners and staff. There are shops and supermarkets for all your needs, and there are bus services to all the other towns round about, though it's handy to have a car to get to some of the remoter beaches. There is a fantastic long beach, with part of it being the fishing area where you can watch the fish being landed (you can buy it fresh at the morning market). Most of the beach is watched over by lifeguards in the summer. Towards the west the cliffs get higher and you can walk out along the cliff-tops and see the amazing coastal scenery. Although I said Armacao has everything, that doesn't seem to include a doctor apart from private ones. If you're relying on your EHIC and need to see a doctor, you will have to trek to Silves where there is a health centre with open-access GP surgery.

Having been a visitor to Armacao for the past 18 years I suppose we like it a lot. There have been a lot of changes but it still maintains an old world charm at the fisherman's end of the beach. Plenty of good, reasonably priced restaurants all within walking distance of the sea front.

This is alovely resort beautiful beach and lovely prom quaint old town Good restaurants Portors, El Grelhra Ze Leitetro Estrela do Mar The Teo bars we frequented were Pedros Beach bar down near fishermens huts,great for early evening or late afternoon drink and snack and the Waterdog for post dinner Best WE go late March and late September early October just so quiet and laid back at this time very relaxing. Least Having to come home

Very quiet and relaxing, very safe to walk around at night and a nice friendly atmosphere.

This is a small old fishing village with narrow streets and a higgledy piggledy arrangements of shops. There are modern parts, but these tend to be apartments and restaurants. The beach is huge and includes at one end the local fishing fleet and market, where you can see the catch being landed and nets being repaired.the night life is restricted, but available.

Nice beaches, lots of places to eat at good prices not commercialised, no mcdonalds etc

Very pleasant area. Lovely beach, including some delightful restaurants and several little tourist shops.

Buzzing, few restaurants but nice to walk to in the evening!

Lovely and relaxing resorts with nice beach and little coves

As a resort it's a bit built up but the beach is one of the best. Food generally good but don't go if you want night life it's more of a family resort