Salema is a charming fishing village located on a stunning bay in the West Algarve of Portugal. While much of the coastline of the Algarve has experienced extensive development, by comparison the west remains relatively unspoiled. Amidst its cliffs and beaches, you can discover picturesque beaches, cute villages and small towns, all perfect for day trips.
Discovering Salema: A Village with a Rich History
Salema is is one of those villages. Salema is a small seaside village with a long history as a fishing community. Nowadays, the hillsides surrounding the town are dotted with holiday homes and accommodation, but at its heart Salema still retains its traditional fishing village charm.
Central to the beach is the boat launch, where if you arrive early enough you’ll still see fishermen tending to their boats and nets. Look around the village at lunch time, and you’ll be able to find cafés and restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day. Wandering through the narrow streets, you’ll find cozy cafés, bars, and restaurants offering local delicacies too. For the active traveler, there are stunning clifftop walks that offer breathtaking views of the West Algarve. Those walks connect it to Lagos, and even Sagres.
Where is Salema?
Salema is located just 20km, or about 20 minutes by car, from Lagos. The village is easily accessible via the N125, making it a convenient stopping point for those traveling to Sagres or Cabo de São Vicente. For those relying on public transport, the local bus services operated by Vamus, provide a connection. The bus route 47 departs from Lagos to Sagres, with a single ticket costing €2.80 and a return ticket priced at €5.60. Lagos is well connected to the wider Algarve, and Lisbon by both regional bus and train services. Flixbus and Rede Expressos connect Lagos to Lisbon with direct transfers available.
Exploring Salema: Attractions and Activities
Once you’ve arrived in Salema, you’ll find it is a quite small village centered around that beautiful bay. The village’s lively square, essentially a car park surrounded by cafés, leads directly onto the beach. The steep cobbled streets radiating from this square are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants. The attraction to Salema is all about that beach, beach life, and taking it all in.
Praia da Salema: Salema’s Beach Paradise
Salema’s beach, Praia da Salema is a kilometer-long beach, with fine golden sand. Year after year it receives Blue Flag certification, indicating exceptional standards for water quality, beach access, and family safety. The sheltered bay means the waters are calm, making it ideal for families and young swimmers. Even at high tide, there is a wide strip of sand to relax on. However, the sea water can be unexpectedly cold for those not used to swimming in the Atlantic. Yes, Portugal’s climate it Mediterranean but its waters are Atlantic and can be cold!
Beach Facilities
Praia da Salema is a popular family-focused beach offering various facilities. During the summer season, lifeguards ensure safety, and sun loungers and parasols are available for rent at both ends of the beach. The beach is equipped with toilet and shower facilities, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants provide refreshments in the nearby village For those seeking more activities, bodyboard, kayak, and stand-up paddle board rentals are available near the beach, along with lessons and even boat trips.
Dinosaur Footprints: A Step Back in Time
At either end of Praia da Salema, the typical gold and orange limestone cliffs hold secrets from the Lower Cretaceous period, around 150 million years ago. These cliffs are a treasure trove for fossil hunters, revealing the remains of marine life and even dinosaur footprints. The western end of the beach is where these are most visible.
At low tide, you might have to scramble up some rocks, or you can reach them from above via a well-maintained set of stairs. A large shelf-like platform among the rocks displays several dinosaur footprints, believed to belong to a herbivorous biped called an Ornithopod. Locals will proudly tell you they have always known about these tracks, long before they were ‘discovered’ by archaeologists from the University of Lisbon in 2001.
Hiking and Nature in Salema
One big attraction with Salema is the incredible clifftop walks it offers. Heading west from the clifftop stair access, you can find the deserted beaches of Praia Santa and Praia da Figueira. These secluded spots are rarely occupied outside of peak season, as the only way to reach them is by walking along the cliffs and through the scrub. The trail isn’t clearly marked by signposts but is easy to follow using the dusty paths visible on Google Maps.
Another impressive hike is to head east along the coast through the Boca do Rio Nature Reserve to Praia da Boca do Rio. This 2.5km hike offers stunning coastal views and can be extended to include a visit to the Fort of Almádena on the clifftop.
Boca do Rio Nature Reserve
Driving to Salema might take you through a small valley between Burgau and Salema, forming the Boca do Rio Nature Reserve. This wetland, created by two streams meeting and draining towards Praia da Boca do Rio, is a haven for migratory birds. The beach itself has few facilities beyond picnic benches and rubbish bins. There’s no lifeguards or services, and its a popular camping spot for various campers, campervans, and caravans.
Forte de Almádena: Salema’s Historical Fortress
The Forte de São Luís de Almádena, a 17th-century fort located on the cliffside above Praia da Boca do Rio, was completed in 1632 to protect the coast and valuable tuna fisheries from pirates and raiders. Offering panoramic views from Sagres to the bay of Lagos, the fort is now in a severe state of degradation. Despite this, the main armory gate, walls, moat, and several vaulted rooms, including a chapel, remain intact. There is a small car park and an informational post, and it is free to park and explore.
Should You Visit Salema?
Salema is perfect for a day trip in the West Algarve for a beach day, or as a stopping point for sea views and a fresh fish lunch while exploring. While it may not be ideal for longer stays unless you’re seeking a truly relaxing and family-friendly beach break, it is certainly worth a visit to experience its unique charm and natural beauty.