The sea front here is similar to Quarteira in that it has a large number of ugly apartment blocks with cafes underneath. There is, however, a less seedy atmosphere and, generally, a much less rundown feel to the place especially when you leave the sea front and walk along the narrow streets. The beach is long, very long, and stretches from the western cliffs and rock pools into the east where the town peters out and the fishermen ply their trade.
The only real problem reaching Armação de Pêra is getting through the village of Pêra close to the EN125 and some miles north of Armação de Pêra. The road signs all seem to lead you into the maze of narrow twisty streets - all alike. Escape is possible, but tests the nerves so that a walk along the beach or a rest in a cafe is mandatory when you reach Armação de Pêra itself. As for car parking, well, try to arrive at about midnight, or, drive to the eastern end (by the field designated as the bus station and next to the fisherman's club) for an easy place to park.
Warning! - In 1999 it was rumoured that the eastern end of the beach was used by Nudists.
See also the adjacent area of Albufeira.