Burgau is a small but beautiful village in the west Algarve surrounded by an incredible landscape.
The western Algarve is synonymous with a rugged, untouched landscape featuring jaw-dropping cliffs, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Unlike the central Algarve, where large towns dot the coastline every few kilometers, the west offers a more isolated and adventurous experience. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning cliffs and beaches perfect for hiking, and its Atlantic winds making it a paradise for surfers.
An Introduction to Burgau
If you’re looking to enjoy the rugged charm of the west Algarve while still having access to traditional resort amenities, Burgau is the perfect destination. This charming former fishing village, nestled in a picturesque bay, is about 25 minutes by car from Lagos. To the east, 5 km away, lies the larger resort of Praia da Luz, and 6 km to the west is the equally enchanting Salema. Both neighboring towns are accessible via scenic one-hour hikes along stunning cliffs, where you can discover hidden beaches, ancient fortress ruins, and even dinosaur fossils.
The Village of Burgau
On first glance, you might find Burgau easy to overlook, especially if you just drive through the main road. This road, lined with a mix of new developments and older, more rundown houses, doesn’t showcase the village’s true charm. To experience Burgau’s magic, you need to venture down a steep, narrow lane, which in summer can be quite busy. At the end of this lane, you’ll find two small car parks and an opening leading directly to the seriously beautiful bay.
Burgau – Is Burgau the Portuguese Santorini
You might have heard Burgau being touted as the Portuguese Santorini, a frustrating tag line for any regular visitors. The truth, Burgau is nothing like Santorini. You won’t find domed houses, or ancient ruins. You will find white houses, tiny streets which are often lined with flowers, and a beautiful beach. Apparently this is enough of a similarity to help the name stick.
If you head to Burgau expecting the Portuguese Santorini, you might be disapointed.
Praia do Burgau – Burgau’s Beach
The golden sands of Praia do Burgau stretch about 350 meters across the bay, flanked by the west Algarve’s characteristic steep cliffs. This sheltered bay, with its gently sloping beach, has long served as a natural harbor for fishing boats. Even today, Burgau retains its fishing village essence. In the mornings and evenings, you can watch boats being launched or fishermen bringing in their catches, which you can savor at the local restaurants.
The beach, one of the best family beaches in the area, is particularly popular during the summer. While some appreciate the lively atmosphere, others may prefer a quieter experience. Despite its popularity, the beach offers essential amenities, including lifeguards, sunbed and parasol rentals, and several beach bars. The sheltered waters are ideal for beginners in paddle boarding and surfing, while the low tide reveals rock pools perfect for exploring marine life.
Dining in Burgau
Burgau boasts a small but delightful selection of restaurants catering to various tastes. For seafood lovers, the village is a paradise, with several establishments serving fresh local catches.
- O Clube: Renowned for its petiscos (Portuguese tapas), O Clube offers delicious clams, shrimp, and fried cuttlefish. They also have a burger menu for those craving something different.
- Corso Pizzaria: This lively pizzeria serves homemade pizzas, calzones, and salads, with prices ranging from €8-12.
- A Barraca: With one of the best views in Burgau, A Barraca specializes in grilled local fish, offering unpretentious yet high-quality dishes priced between €14-20.
Vegetarians and vegans may find limited options in Burgau and might need to head to nearby Luz or Lagos for more variety.
Accommodation in Burgau
Burgau’s recent tourist boom has led to tasteful, low-rise modern developments on the village’s outskirts. A recommended stay is at Quinta do Mar da Luz, a retreat surrounded by lush gardens and featuring three pools, one with stunning ocean views. It’s a 20-minute walk over the cliffs to Burgau, making it a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. The village offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets.
How to Get to Burgau
Burgau is conveniently located about 20 minutes by car from Lagos, the closest major town in the area with excellent transport links. It’s also a 20-minute drive from Sagres, a popular destination for day trips.
Public Transport to Burgau
If you’re traveling by public transport, you can first reach Lagos. From there, take bus number 4 on the local “A Onda” network, which departs for Burgau approximately 10 times a day from Lagos’s main bus station. If you’re coming from Sagres or Salema, the Vamus network’s bus 47 will get you to Burgau.
Getting to Burgau by Car
For those driving to Burgau, there is a small car park near the beach. However, this parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak times. If it’s full, you’ll need to find additional parking on the outskirts of the village, but it’s only a short walk to the main beach.
Top Tours and Activities
Burgau is ideal for both short visits and longer stays for the adventurous. Day trips to Praia da Luz and Salema are easy and offer more dining and entertainment options. For those seeking culture, history, nightlife, or extensive culinary experiences, larger towns in the region are worth exploring. While Burgau is a simple one-beach village, it leaves a lasting impression with its stunning beauty and charm.
Read More: Salema: Complete Travel Guide to Salema
Is Burgau worth it?
For short trips, or day trips to the beach, Burgau is perfect. Burgau offers everything visitors might need. However, if you’re staying for longer than a few days, and would rather a bigger town, with a wider selection of bars and restaurants, I’d suggest heading to Lagos nearby!