Salema, Algarve, Portugal

The charming seaside village of Salema is located within the Costa Vincentina natural park on the road EN125 approximately 85 kilometeres west of Faro and about half way between Lagos and Sagres in the western Algave, Portugal. The small sandy beach with it's preety painted boats and fishermen fixing their nets and preparting their octopus pots is surrounded by low ochre coloured cliffs where erosion by the sea has revealed fossilised footprints of huge dinosaurs one can hunt for beneath the cliffs. There is a ramp leading down on to the beach where the local fishermen drag their boats in each morning to prepare their catch of sardines, mackerel, sea bass, bream, and octopus for market. The little village leads steeply up thru narrow lanes with white cottages either side and in the main square you can buy fresh bread at the local bakery and fruit and vegetables as well as fresh fish early in the morning.

There is an ambiance of peace and tranquility. The days pass slowly and the cheer of the local people and fresh air and warm sunny climate will invigorate and bring pleasure to ones holidays in Salema.

Accommodation in Salema

In Salema you can just turn up and rent a room in one of the friendly locals homes for around 20 Euros a night. Just look out for signs marked 'Quartos'. There are also villas and apartments to rent in Salema or you may prefer a hotel room.

Restaurants and Bars

There are several good restaruants offering fresh fish and Algarviran dishes such as Cataplana, Grilled Sardines and Chicken Piri Piri. Try the Restaurante Mira Mar which has a shaded terrace looking out over the beach or Restaurant O Barco which is near to the main square serving an international menu and Portuguese favourites such as Bacalhau. The new Restaurante Atlântico by the beach has an open terrace and excellent views out over the Atlantic. The Boia beachfront bar/ restaurant serves breakfast from 10 am and the days catch for lunch or supper.
Salema isn't the liveliest spot in the evenings but it does boast the A Tabúa bar which is open late in the summer and is down near the bottom of the Rua Pescadores (fishermans road). Alternatively there are more bars in Burgau the next village to the east and a disco open late in Praia da Luz a larger village/ town towards Lagos where there is a vibrant bar scene and several night clubs.

Things to do

Apart from it's own little beach with sun loungers, windsurfing equipment, canoes and fishing rods to hire as well as walks in the surrounding countryside Salema is idealy located to accesss plenty of excellent beaches and walking terrain. To the west you will find unspoilt beaches within the natural park that can be reached by turning off the EN125 along the south coast and for a real treat discover the west coast beaches with their larger waves acccessed from dirt roads to the north of Vila do Bispo. To the east visit Boca Do Rio by turning right at the bus stop or further along try little Burgau or Praia da Luz with it's picturesque high protruding cliffs. For shopping and an evening out visit Lagos or go further on for a walk in the mountains of Monchique.

How to get there

Salema is easily accessed by bus, taxi or hire car from Lagos which has a train connection and bus services operarting to Faro and Lisbon.