A Perfect Short Break in Salema, Algarve

Tucked away on Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast, the village of Salema is the perfect spot for a relaxing escape. We recently enjoyed a 3 day break there ourselves, taking family with us.

With its golden beaches, charming streets and easy-going pace, Salema offers everything you could want from a short break—and it all starts the moment you land at Faro Airport.

After collecting our hire car, which was waiting directly outside the airport ready for us, we headed west along the historic Via do Infante – now the modern A22 motorway. The drive is a breeze, taking just over an hour and following a fairly straight route, with only a handful of roundabouts to navigate. With blue skies above and the promise of the Atlantic ahead, it’s an easy and scenic journey.

But first – lunch! We made a detour to Praia da Luz, a nearby beachside village and grabbed a table outside one of the seafront restaurants. With the sea breeze, fresh seafood and laid-back vibe, it was the perfect way to ease into holiday mode.

Just five minutes before reaching our villa in Salema, we made a quick stop at the Intermarché supermarket—conveniently located for picking up essentials (and maybe a few bottles of local wine and Superbock beer!).
With supplies sorted, we made our final approach to the coast, ready to settle into our villa.

Day 1: Beach Bliss and Dinosaur Footprints

Our first full day began with a leisurely breakfast by the pool and a refreshing dip under the morning sun. After gathering our beach gear and grabbing towels from the villa, we wandered into Salema’s small centre.

The first task of the day? Scouting out a dinner spot. Salema has several great restaurants, and we settled on making a reservation at Em Lume Brando, which later turned out to be a fantastic choice. The food was top class, the staff genuinely knowledgeable, and the green wine (vinho verde) was crisp and refreshing.

With dinner sorted, we headed to the beach. It’s easy to see why Salema is so special – soft sand, clear water and a backdrop of dramatic cliffs. A walk along the shore reveals some fascinating rock formations and even dinosaur footprints embedded in the stone – an awe-inspiring reminder of the ancient history beneath your feet.

After sunbathing, swimming and strolling, we returned to the villa to freshen up before dinner. On the way to the restaurant, we stopped at a couple of friendly bars for a pre-dinner drink, soaking in the warm evening atmosphere.

Day 2: Dolphins, Caves, and Coastal Sunsets

The second day was all about adventure on the water. We booked a dolphin-spotting boat tour, which can depart from Salema or nearby Sagres (20 minute drive from Salema). Our trip left from Sagres, so we had breakfast at a local café before heading to the harbour.
The boat – seating just 10 people plus guide and captain – set out along the coast in search of dolphins, porpoises, whales and sea birds. Not only did we see several playful dolphins, but the trip also took us to the breathtaking Benagil sea caves near Lagos. It was a three-hour journey packed with natural wonders.

After docking, we explored Sagres, including a visit to the imposing Sagres Fortress. Perched dramatically on the cliffs, the fortress offers panoramic views over the Atlantic and a peek into Portugal’s seafaring past. Once a vital outpost during the Age of Discovery, it still holds a powerful presence, with its thick walls and vast sea-facing ramparts.

Dinner that night was at Restaurante A Sagres, just a couple of minutes from the fortress. With local seafood and fine steaks, it was another culinary highlight.
As the day drew to a close, we made the 15-minute drive to Cape St. Vincent to watch the sunset. Once thought to be the edge of the known world, the cape is still a magical place to see the sun sink into the sea. Pack something warm—the wind picks up and the temperature drops fast as daylight fades.

Day 3: Exploring Lagos and Sunset Rooftops

Our final day was dedicated to exploring Lagos, a lively coastal city rich in culture and charm. We began with a walk along the clifftop boardwalks of Ponta da Piedade, a network of wooden walkways offering spectacular views over the limestone cliffs and hidden coves in the turquoise waters below. It’s a picture-perfect spot and a great way to start the day.
From there, we headed to the Lagos marina, where colourful fishing boats bob next to gleaming yachts. Strolling into the city, we passed a replica pirate ship, street stalls selling local crafts and leather goods and into a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Lagos is full of surprises, with boutique shops, cosy cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from all corners of the globe.

After a day of walking, shopping and sightseeing, we made our way back to Salema. With the sun still high, we squeezed in a final dip in the villa pool before firing up the BBQ with some goodies picked up in Lagos.
With a glass (or three) of wine in hand, we climbed up to the roof terrace to watch one last sunset over the Atlantic – bringing a perfect short break to a close.

Final Thoughts

Salema may be small, but it packs a huge punch when it comes to relaxation, natural beauty and great food. Whether you’re exploring ancient forts, spotting dolphins or just unwinding on the beach, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Until next time, Algarve…

📌 Travel Tips:

• Drive time from Faro: ~1hr 15 mins via A22
• Best sunset spot: Cape St. Vincent
• Boat Tour: Salema Tours
• Don’t forget to see: Dinosaur footprints on Salema beach
• Bring: Sun cream, swimwear, sun hat, warm layers for the evening