The secret is out. International Living has just named Salema, Portugal as The Safest Place To Retire in 2026 – but you don’t need to retire here permanently to enjoy everything this coastal gem offers. For those seeking an extended winter holiday, a working retreat or simply a few months away from the grey skies of northern Europe, Salema represents the perfect solution.
Safety and Peace of Mind for Long Winter Stays in the Algarve
International Living’s ranking isn’t just about low crime rates – it’s about overall security and peace of mind, which matters especially when you’re staying somewhere for weeks or months. You can walk through the village of Salema at any hour, leave your bag on the beach and feel genuinely welcomed into the community.
Portugal consistently ranks among Europe’s safest countries and Salema embodies this culture of trust and neighbourliness. The healthcare system ranks highly in Europe, with excellent facilities nearby in Luz, Lagos and Portimão where many doctors speak English – reassuring when you’re far from home for extended periods.
A Golfer’s Dream Escape
The Algarve is Europe’s undisputed golf capital, with over 40 world-class courses within easy reach of Salema – making it ideal for extended golf holidays. Imagine spending a month or two teeing off against backdrops of dramatic coastal cliffs and the sparkling Atlantic, with the mild climate meaning you can play every day if you wish.
Courses like Palmares, Boavista and Santo Antonio, formerly Parque da Floresta, offer challenging layouts designed by legendary architects. The variety is exceptional – play a different course each week, or find your favourite and return regularly. Many courses offer visitor rates and packages perfect for extended stays, giving you the chance to truly improve your game while enjoying world-class facilities.
Escape the Hustle
After months of deadlines and obligations, an extended stay in Salema offers the refreshing break you need. The village operates on “Portuguese time” – meals are savoured, conversations aren’t rushed and afternoons might be spent watching fishing boats bob offshore.
Morning coffee on your terrace as the sun rises. Afternoon walks along coastal paths. Evening gatherings with neighbours. It’s the perfect antidote to the stress of daily life, whether you’re taking a sabbatical, working remotely or simply escaping the winter.
You’ll quickly find yourself part of a welcoming international community – other extended-stay visitors, digital nomads and Portuguese locals who appreciate friendly faces. It’s easy to make connections without the pressure of tourist crowds.
Natural Beauty to Explore
An extended stay in Salema means having time to truly explore one of Europe’s most stunning coastlines. The western Algarve offers rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park with miles of unspoiled coastline.
Unlike a week’s holiday where you rush to see everything, an extended stay lets you discover hidden coves, return to favourite walking trails and watch the landscape change with the seasons. Gentle coastal paths offer spectacular views, the beach becomes your morning routine and you’ll have time to spot migratory birds and experience brilliant stargazing under clear Atlantic skies.
Live Like a Portuguese Local
One of the joys of an extended stay is moving beyond tourist restaurants and discovering where locals actually eat. Fresh fish grilled to perfection, rich cataplanas brimming with seafood, perfectly ripe tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and pastéis de nata with afternoon coffee become part of your daily routine.
The village restaurants offer exceptional quality, tempting you to eat out regularly. After a few weeks, the owners will recognise you, remember your favourite table and greet you like an old friend. Local markets become your weekly shopping destination and you’ll have time to learn which stalls have the best produce and freshest fish.
Escape the Winter
The Algarve’s climate makes it the perfect winter escape. While northern Europe endures grey skies and freezing temperatures, Salema enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°C (59°F), while summer stays comfortable at 25-30°C (77-86°F).
Imagine swapping January rain for daily sunshine or extending your summer by spending September and October on the beach. Many visitors come for 2-3 months during winter, enjoying outdoor activities, golf and beach walks while friends back home are scraping ice off windscreens. The climate isn’t just pleasant – it’s genuinely rejuvenating.
Your Home Away from Home in the Algarve
Extended stays require more than a hotel room, which is where Simply Salema becomes essential. Our luxury villas near the beach are designed specifically for guests who want to spend weeks or months in Salema, offering all the comforts of home with none of the responsibilities.
Imagine waking each morning on a private terrace with ocean views, spending your afternoons by your own private pool after a round of golf and having space to work remotely, host visiting friends and family, or simply spread out and relax. The games rooms provides great entertainment, while the fully equipped kitchens mean you can cook when you want and dine out when you don’t.
Our villas are positioned perfectly – close enough to walk to the village, beach, and restaurants, yet offering complete privacy and tranquillity. With reliable WiFi throughout, you can work remotely if needed or simply stay connected with family back home. This is what extended stays should feel like: comfortable, spacious and truly relaxing.
Many of our guests return year after year, booking the same villa for their winter escape or summer extension. They’ve discovered what locals already know – Salema isn’t just a holiday destination; it’s a place where you can genuinely settle in and live well, even if only for a season.
Practical Considerations
EU citizens can stay for as long as they like, while others can enjoy up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The cost of living is significantly lower than Northern Europe or North America, making extended stays surprisingly affordable, plus English is widely spoken.
International airports in Faro (1 hour) and Lisbon (2.5 hours) make travel straightforward, with frequent flights to major European cities. Many visitors fly in for 4-8 weeks at a time, maximizing their stay while the weather back home is at its worst.
Your Extended Escape Awaits
Whether you’re escaping winter, working remotely in the sun, taking a sabbatical or simply extending your summer, Salema offers the perfect setting. Recognised as the safest place to retire in 2026, it’s equally perfect for those who want to experience Portuguese coastal living without permanent commitment.
Safe streets, world-class golf, stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, year-round sunshine and Simply Salema’s luxury villas designed specifically for extended stays. Why spend another winter at home when you could spend it here?
Ready to book your extended stay in Salema? Contact us now.
