Beach Bars.

All restaurants in Portugal are obliged to offer a Tourist Menu.  This normally represents very good value and covers 3 courses plus wine, beer or soft drinks.

ARMACAO DE PERA
ASSADA DE SARDINHAS:
For this restaurant you need to have a good appetite!!  Situated at the far end of the beach (West side) and below the car park near hotel Garbe this beach bar is by far the most popular out of the three situated at this end of Armacao. Should you decide to order the Sardines, beware they just keep cooking them and serving them till you surrender.  Record stands at 43 (the last time I heard!!)  Alternatively the menu offers fresh fish of the day and some meat dishes.  Worth a visit for lunch.

ROCHA DE PALYA 
Luis has run this very busy open beach bar restaurant for many years. Located near the red house towards the old part of town and on the beach, it offers good quality food at very reasonable prices.  You will need to be early to ensure a table of your choice. Fish is always excellent.

ESTRELLA DO MAR     
Located by the fishing boats and right on the beach by the roundabout, this bistro type food and atmosphere has always been good and well served. Very reasonable prices.

                                                        

PRAIA GRANDE
(Nr Ferragudo - overlooking the Portimao Estuary)

JONY’S                   

The bar is right on the seashore, and seating comprises of bean bags on the sand or indoors and large coffee tables – very North African style decor.

ESCONDIDINHO     
The name means ‘The Hideaway’ and you certainly have to look for it.  When you get to the bottom of the steps leading to this beach, follow the flagstones to the right and around the corner you will find this lovely little beach bar tucked away under the cliff. The beach is ideal for those wishing to learn windsurfing as it is very shallow on this side of the harbour. The menu is very limited, mainly English dishes but ideal for those with young children.

CARLOS                   
You can almost see this beach bar from the villa (providing you have bino’s with you) Situated between Armacao and Gale, halfway along the long sandy beach, offering good fresh fish daily.  Family run with friendly service. 
Directions: From the villa turn left onto the road to Armacao de Pera and keep going for about 2km till you come to a T junction, here you have to turn right and join the main road going into Armacao.  At the roundabout, go back on the road you came along to the next roundabout – here turn right.  This road leads across the valley towards Pera, next roundabout take the first right exit, follow road to next roundabout and take first right exit leading towards the beach.  Follow this tarmac road to the point where it forks, take the right fork onto unmade road and follow for 1 km and you will see the parking area for the beach bar.  This beach area is ideal during the hectic summer period – not many people bother to use this stretch of beach – too far a walk from Armacao de Pera.