Set in a secluded location, Villa Mabella is five kilometres from the local town of Armação de Pêra, and a mere six kilometres from the local beach, Praia Grande. Bars, local restaurants offering typical Algarve cuisine and supermarkets are less than two kilometres away in the village of Pêra.
Armação de Pêra is a blend of somewhat weather-beaten buildings offering authentic cobbled atmosphere and seafront new builds. The old village to the east of the town by the fisherman’s beach offers more typical Algarve flavour. The 17th-century fort remains; originally built to defend the city from pirates, this part of the town has a certain Moorish charm.
Set between Carvoeira and Albufeira in central Algarve, Armação de Pêra has initially been a small collection of Fishermans huts used by the inhabitants of nearby Pêra. Interestingly, the word Armação is a reference to a Moorish netting method that fishers used to employ to catch tuna - the primary industry and source of income for centuries in the Algarve.
Stretching the length of the town is the long, golden stretch of beach between Ponte da Galé and Senhora da Rocha including a backdrop of lime and sandstone cliffs, caves and coves to explore along the coast.
Venturing a little further, Albufeira is worth a day trip. Albufeira is the liveliest and busiest town on Portugal’s beautiful southern Algarve coastline. Previously a modest fishing village, it is now a well known coastal town brimming with holiday potential.
Traditional charm by way of original Moorish flair, the ‘Old Town’ offers a little taste of historical and sleepy small-town authenticity. A stone’s throw from the quiet white-washed streets you will find the dynamic and edgy “Strip” for a buzzing nightlife experience.
For those who wish to venture further afield, day trips to Silves, Faro and Loule are worth considering. Boat and coastal tours offer a leisurely pace for exploring.
The beaches along the coastline are lovely. Whether it be long, lazy days on the loungers or taking advantage of the many water sports including deep sea fishing, windsurfing, diving or dolphin watching, the region is rich with natural beauty.
There is something for everyone in the southern Algarve region. Golf players or those who love water sports won’t be disappointed, while culinary enthusiasts can take advantage of the many restaurants offering rustic cuisine and seafood.