Pera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Julie Parry
Photo by Cider Hoff
Photo by Nikki Emery
Photo by Cider Hoff

Pêra is a beautiful village with old-world charm. With its narrow cobblestone streets, built for pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles, and cute architecture from times gone by, it truly makes for a gorgeous, quaint retreat under the Algarvian sun. The proximity to the beaches and dunes of Praia Grande and birdwatching in the Salgados Lagoon doesn’t hurt either.

Visit Pêra Main Church

Built in the 18th Century, the highlight has to be the Baroque altarpiece in the chancel with its pyramid-shaped throne. Another notable feature is the Baroque style figurative tiles depicting the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Get your camera ready! This is definitely an attraction worth visiting.

Enjoy Praia Grande Beach

Praia Grande is a very popular beach located about a five minute drive away from Pera town centre. This is an expansive beach with a calm sea that’s great for families with small children or just those wanting a bit of a swim. You can also enjoy the nature trail that runs along the beach, giving you the best of both the natural greenery and the gorgeous sea views.

Birdwatching in Salgados lagoon

The Salgados lagoon is a bird-watcher’s paradise. It serves as a refuge for many varieties of bird, including mallards, waders and funky pink flamingos. The best time to visit is in the evening when the sun is just beginning to set, which really sets up for some beautiful photography. The bird population varies depending on the water levels in the lagoon, but you can usually observe the common-coot and the little grebe, while patches of reeds provide a home to moorhens all year round.

Play Golf

With such a great selection of golf courses around Pera, golfers are spoilt for choice. However, the Oceânico Faldo course, famously designed by Sir Nick Faldo, has to be the top pick. Designed and built with strategic play in mind, this 6598m PAR 72 championship course also offers incredible views over a beautiful rolling landscape.

VIsit Real Picadeiro

Real Picadeiro is a great horse riding school that not only offers top quality lessons but also a top notch eatery (Restaurant Clube Lusitano) that offers specialties like ‘Cataplanas’ and fresh fish, chicken Piri Piri and other classic Portuguese dishes, all accompanied by Fado and other kinds of live music. Real Picadeiro really has all the bases covered and will keep you entertained from sun-up to sun-down.

Admire Professional Sand Sculptures

Every summer the International Sand Sculpture Festival (FIESA) comes to Pera. It’s the largest sand sculpture event in the world and attracts some of the biggest talents in the movement. At night, the sculptures are lit-up, which can really make some of the designs look quite magical. There’s also live music to entertain.

For the Kids

If you’re travelling with children, the Zoomarine Water Park, just a five minute drive from Pera, is a great place to learn about marine life while having lots of fun. Not only are there educational shows, but also waterslides, wave machines and fun pools that are fun for the whole family.

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is £312 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£312
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Cliff top paradise
"Great location and great property. Deck around pool needs some TLC but everything else was postcard perfect. 5 stars! So many places to swim and have adventures within close walk."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Rua Raul Brandão, 2 - Bloco B, Lagos
The price is £183 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£183
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
"Very nice property clean great staff only complaint was there was no milk in the room for our morning coffee we had to down to the bar to get it each day which makes no sense when there is a mini fridge"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
RR Hotel da Rocha
RR Hotel da Rocha
4 out of 5
Ave Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved the location! Beach, strip, repeat!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

RR Hotel da Rocha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peralux
Peralux
Largo 1º de maio nº 23, Pera, Silves, Faro
Stay at this apartment in Silves. Enjoy an outdoor pool, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Salgados Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Great property manager."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Peralux
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (783 reviews)
"Excellent pool good facility"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Villa Doris Suites
Villa Doris Suites
4 out of 5
Praia De D. Ana, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Dona Ana Beach and Camilo ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (342 reviews)
Fantastic vill
"Very clean, fantastic custodial staff. Beautiful, well-situated property with ample amenities. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Villa Doris Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Pera