The town, not long ago just a collection of small shacks for fishing boats for the local residents of Pera, is nowadays composed of large blocks of holiday apartments with many bars and restaurants on the ground floor. In the summer months the town overflows with tourists, but for the rest of the year it is a peaceful holiday location.

The tourist popularity is due to one of the finest and largest sand beaches at the Algarve. Close to the eastern side of the town are a number of fish restaurants serving excellent fresh fish and seafood. The adjacent area is now happily protected against any further development. And the nearby rural village of Pera is a gentle reminder of the unspoiled sleepy Algarve.