Looking for the best things to do on holiday in Salema, Algarve? From golden beaches and spectacular coastal walks to prehistoric dinosaur footprints and unforgettable boat trips, Salema is one of the western Algarve’s most charming destinations.
Tucked away on Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coast, Salema has retained much of the character of a traditional fishing village while offering everything you need for a relaxing family villa holiday. And although spending the day on the beach is an obvious choice, there’s plenty more to discover.
Here are our 5 favourite things to do in Salema and the surrounding area.
1. Relax on Salema Beach
It would be impossible to visit Salema without spending some time on Praia da Salema.
The beautiful golden-sand beach sits right in front of the village and is backed by dramatic cliffs at either end. The relatively sheltered position makes it a particularly enjoyable place for swimming, paddling and relaxing by the Atlantic.
For families, Salema Beach is especially appealing because everything is close at hand. You can walk from the beach into the village for an ice cream, coffee or lunch, while the traditional fishing boats and fishermen’s cottages provide a wonderful backdrop.
Top tip: Don’t just visit during the middle of the day. Early morning is peaceful and beautiful, while sunset can be spectacular from the western end of the beach.
2. Walk the spectacular coastal paths
Some of the best scenery around Salema is found on foot.
Salema sits on the route of the famous Fishermen’s Trail, part of the Rota Vicentina network. The coastal paths take you along rugged cliffs, past secluded beaches and through some wonderfully unspoilt landscapes.
Walking east from Salema, you can head towards Boca do Rio and Burgau. Heading west takes you towards Praia da Figueira, Praia da Ingrina and Praia do Zavial, with spectacular Atlantic views along the way.
There’s also a great circular walking option known as the Dinosaur Trail, which combines countryside, clifftop scenery, Praia da Figueira and Salema’s famous dinosaur footprints. The route is around 10km and takes approximately three hours.
Take plenty of water, wear sensible footwear and remember that the Algarve sun can be intense, particularly during summer.
3. Discover Salema’s dinosaur footprints
One of Salema’s most surprising attractions is hiding in plain sight.
At the western end of Salema Beach, you can find dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks. These prehistoric tracks are thought to date back roughly 150 million years, making them a fascinating addition to a day at the beach.
For children, this can be particularly exciting. One minute you’re enjoying an Algarve beach holiday; the next you’re standing where dinosaurs once walked.
The footprints are also incorporated into the local Dinosaur Trail, so you can combine seeing them with a longer walk through the surrounding countryside.
Our tip: Take a little time to explore the rocks around the western end of the beach rather than simply walking past them. The combination of geology, fossils and dinosaur tracks makes this one of Salema’s most unusual attractions.
4. Get out onto the Atlantic
The coastline around Salema is even more impressive when viewed from the sea.
There are a variety of boat trips and sea activities around Salema, including coastal cruises, dolphin-watching excursions and trips designed to explore the caves and hidden coves of the western Algarve.
If you’re looking for something more active, kayaking, snorkelling and other watersports are also available in the wider area. The clear Atlantic waters and rugged coastline provide a fantastic setting for exploring away from the beach.
For families, a boat trip can be one of the highlights of a holiday in Salema. And if you’re lucky enough to encounter dolphins in the wild, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.
5. Explore the villages, beaches and restaurants around Salema
One of the best things about staying in Salema is that you don’t have to travel far to discover somewhere new.
Take a short drive or walk to Burgau, a picturesque former fishing village with a beautiful beach and a selection of cafés and restaurants. Or head west towards the quieter beaches of Figueira, Ingrina and Zavial.
For something different, drive to Sagres, where you’ll find dramatic cliffs, huge Atlantic views and the historic Sagres Fortress. Alternatively, head east towards Lagos for its historic old town, marina and famous coastline.
And don’t forget to leave time for one of the simplest pleasures of a holiday in Salema: eating well.
The village has a great selection of restaurants serving everything from fresh local seafood to traditional Portuguese dishes. You can still see evidence of Salema’s fishing heritage in the village, with local fishermen bringing in catches including sardines, octopus, sea bass and bream.
Why Salema is such a great Algarve holiday destination
Salema manages to offer something that can be surprisingly difficult to find on the Algarve: beautiful scenery without losing its traditional village character.
You can spend one day doing absolutely nothing except relaxing on the beach, then spend the next exploring coastal trails, looking for dinosaur footprints or heading out onto the Atlantic.
For families, couples and anyone looking for a more relaxed side of the Algarve, Salema is an excellent base for exploring Portugal’s western coast.
And after a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than returning to your own private villa, cooling off in the pool and watching the sun set over the Algarve.
Planning a holiday in Salema? Explore the luxury holiday villas available from Simply Salema and start planning your perfect Algarve escape.
Quick summary: the 5 best things to do in Salema
- 🏖️ Spend the day on Salema Beach
- 🥾 Walk the spectacular coastal trails
- 🦖 Find Salema’s prehistoric dinosaur footprints
- 🐬 Take a boat trip or go dolphin watching
- 🌅 Explore nearby beaches, villages, restaurants and Sagres
