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If you’ve been dreaming of an authentic escape on the Algarve – somewhere unspoiled, unhurried and utterly unforgettable – you’re in great company. Legendary TV host, author and expert on all things travel, Rick Steves, has long championed our Portuguese fishing village of Salema as one of his top places to visit – calling it his “favourite European retreat” and a destination he’s “recommended for decades”.
So what makes Salema so special in Rick’s eyes? And why do his recommendations carry such weight with travellers around the world, enticing so many of our American guests to visit Salema and the Algarve?
🌊 1. Authenticity Without the Crowds
For Rick Steves, Salema represents real Portugal – a village where life still revolves around the sea, the sand and the simple rhythms of village life. Unlike the Algarve’s bigger resort towns, Salema hasn’t been overtaken by concrete developments and mass-tourism. Instead you’ll find:
- A quiet golden beach framed by steep cliffs and colourful fishing boats.
- Traditional seafood restaurants where freshly caught fish and shellfish are still centre stage.
- Tiny cobbled streets that retain the gentle charm of a community still rooted in daily life, rather than tourism.
Rick often highlights that he’s visited places like this before they become tourist hotspots – but Salema has somehow stayed true to its roots despite his fans finding it over the years.
🏖️ 2. A Hidden Gem Among Europe’s Beaches
Rick once described Salema Beach as the quintessence of a “back door” – his term for those rare discoveries that reward curious travellers with something unforgettable, not overrun by crowds. It is perhaps fitting that our founder, Mike Marshall, trod a similar path and saw Salema for its beauty and potential years before Rick Steves.
As per the video at the top of this entry, Rick shared on camera that during one of his visits, he hadn’t seen a single other American on the beach – a testament to how quietly special this corner of Europe can feel.
For visitors tired of beaches crowded with holiday crowds, Salema offers pure relaxation, with soft sand Atlantic waves and space to breathe.
📚 3. A Travel Authority with Unmatched Trust
Rick Steves isn’t just another travel influencer. He’s spent decades guiding travellers through Europe via books, TV shows, podcasts, walking tours and his beloved guidebooks. Millions of travellers – especially from the United States – rely on his advice to plan meaningful, enriching trips. His reputation is built on:
- Decades of first-hand experience exploring Europe and its hidden corners.
- A philosophy of slow, respectful travel that favours local culture over commercial tourism.
- A huge, loyal readership who see his tips as trusted travel gold.
When Rick praises a destination, it carries weight – not because of social media trends, but because his guidance has helped generations plan thoughtful, mindful travels.
🌍 4. The Salema Experience Through Rick’s Eyes
Rick himself has said that Salema is more than a place – it’s a feeling. In his words, it’s where you can recharge after a busy schedule of guidebook research and filming and where the slow cadence of village life becomes part of your travel joy.
From long beach walks and fresh seafood lunches to easily exploring nearby coastlines like Praia do Castelejo and the rugged headlands of Sagres, Salema offers that rare combination of beauty, authenticity and calm – the kind of place travellers come back from feeling genuinely refreshed.
✨ Why This Matters for Salema, Algarve
Rick Steves’ endorsement is more than a travel tip – it’s a badge of authenticity. When a recognised voice in global travel highlights our village as one of Europe’s best kept secrets, it helps put places like Salema on the world map while still preserving what makes them special: their character, community and charm.
For visitors, that means discovering not just another pretty beach – but a place full of life, history, flavour and heart.
If you haven’t yet experienced Salema the way we and Rick Steves have, perhaps it’s time to see for yourself why this little Algarve village holds such a special place in the heart of one of the world’s most respected travel guides. 🌅 And of course, you will need somewhere fitting to stay!
