Salema is one of the last fishing villages in Algarve. Although it now lives mostly from tourism, it remains a small, traditional place and has been able to escape the overdevelopment of similar coastal villages in the region. In the morning, you can still see fishermen mending nets and unloading their catch on the beach, and outside the summer it’s a very quiet and nearly deserted village.
Between June and September, it’s a destination for tourists looking for a more authentic Algarve, away from the major resorts. There’s the convenience of restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation just steps from the sea, but also a laid-back and even slightly bohemian atmosphere that seems to enchant many visitors. The popular American travel writer and travel show host Rick Steves even said that Salema’s beach “may be the most purely enjoyable beach in all of Europe.” In 2016, British newspaper The Guardian placed it on its list of 50 best beaches in the world, and the American magazine Travel & Leisure considered it one of the best secret beaches on Earth.
The 1km(over half a mile)-long beach is a sheltered bay and has colorful fishing boats on one side and wicker parasols and sunbeds for rent on the other. Although it’s rarely crowded, if you want a quieter spot, head to the eastern end (to the left when facing the sea). On both ends are limestone cliffs dating from around 150 million years ago. In 2001, geologists were studying fossils and found large dinosaur footprints by the staircase on the western end.
This is a very clean beach, as certified by the Blue Flag. Its waters are usually calm in the summer, so good for swimming and child-friendly. There are lifeguards on duty in the bathing season and it’s accessible to the disabled. Although it’s close to Sagres, which is known for its surfing waves, here the main activities are windsurfing, kayaking and standup paddleboarding. You can rent equipment in the square behind the beach. It’s also possible to dive to a shipwreck from 1759. The French ship L’Océan was attacked by the British and seeked help from the Portuguese forts in the Sagres region, but ended up sinking close to Salema. The PuraVida dive center, based in Sagres, can take you there.
Active travelers might also want to follow a trail over the cliffs to the east. There are fabulous views of the coast and you’ll encounter the ruins of the 17th-century fort of Almádena before reaching the beach of Cabanas Velhas.
Salema’s open-air cafés and restaurants facing the beach are where most people end their day.
Location: Sagres/Vila do Bispo
Beach for: Families, Water Sports
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Salema
Salema is 15 to 20 minutes from Sagres, less than 15 from Vila do Bispo, and 25 from Lagos. There’s a parking lot right behind the beach with space for about 60 cars, but you should go early to find a spot. There’s a bus that goes between Sagres and Lagos that stops in Salema. That’s number 47, operated by Vamus, but it’s mostly a weekday service (there are only a couple of departures on weekends).
Beaches by Salema
There are no beaches within a reasonable walking distance from Salema. A similar beach and village, Burgau, is about 10 minutes by car to the east. Before it is the aforementioned Praia de Cabanas Velhas, a smaller and quieter beach. To the west are Praia das Furnas (about 15 minutes) and Praia do Zavial (also about 15 minutes), both known as naturist-friendly beaches.
Hotels in Salema
Salema Beach Village
This is the best place to stay in Salema. It’s highly rated for its facilities, staff, cleanliness, and location. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the beach, but a free shuttle will take you there even faster. It consists of townhouses with two or three bedrooms, some of them with a sea view. They all have three bathrooms and a contemporary décor. Outside is a swimming pool with a bar where light meals are served throughout the day.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Salema Beach Village
Hotel Residencial Salema
The closest hotel to the beach offers sea views from most of the rooms. They’re double or twin rooms and have private balconies. Although the interior looks a little dated, it’s very clean and a good value, considering the location.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Hotel Residencial Salema
The View - Santo António Villas Golf & Spa
Located on a clifftop above the beach, this property features villas with apartments with two or three bedrooms. Some of them overlook the ocean or face the swimming pool, and all are fully equipped and have a balcony.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: The View - Santo António Villas Golf & Spa
Romantik Villa
Couples will want to stay at this property divided into contemporary suites and studios. They have a balcony or a terrace, and you can see the ocean from some of them. It’s in a quiet location at the top of a hill, just a short walk (about 8 minutes) from the beach and the center of the village.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Romantik Villa
Casa Praia Mar
Conveniently located just steps from the beach, this modern guesthouse has rooms of different sizes, some of them facing the sea and a swimming pool. They accommodate two or three people, and the bigger ones feature a kitchenette.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Casa Praia Mar
Vila Valverde Design Country Hotel
For something a little more luxurious, stay at this beautiful design hotel located 20 minutes outside Salema. It’s a 19th-century manor house with new additions and a stylish contemporary interior, surrounded by the peaceful countryside. It has double rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vila Valverde Design Country Hotel