Holiday Activities Near Salema, Algarve
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the western Algarve is Salema, our charming fishing village, offering a plethora of holiday activities and things to do during your stay… other than sunbathing on the beach, of course!
From exhilarating water sports to scenic biking trails and racket sports or golf facilities, Salema has plenty to keep you occupied during your holiday in the Algarve, Portugal.
If you’re looking to book any of the holiday activities mentioned in this post, we recommend making both Salema Tours and The Way Tours your first points of contact.
These are both family-run holiday activity providers in Salema, who we know personally and can recommend. They offer excellent service as well as a wide range of excursions and tours beyond those listed on their websites. They’re pretty much a one-stop shop for holiday activities near Salema.
We hope this guide gives you some inspiration.
Algarve Water Sports Holiday Activities
Surfing & Bodyboarding
The Atlantic coastline near Salema is renowned for its consistent waves, making it a haven for surfers and bodyboarders, of all levels. Plenty of nearby beaches offer waves depending on the time of year and how big you want to go! Â Some of these beaches include Praia do Zavial and Ingrina, Praia da Mareta, Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche in Sagres.
Or head west from Vila do Bispo to discover Praia do Castelejo and Praia da Cordoama. Travel further north to discover Praia do Amado, Praia da Bordeira and Praia da Arrifana. Salema is blessed with a number of quality beaches for surfing and bodyboarding on its doorstep.
All of these beaches offer excellent conditions for both beginners and seasoned surfers. There are plenty of local surf schools operating out of most of them, depending on the waves and season.
The nice thing about surfing and bodyboarding in the Algarve is that you can do as much or as little of it as you wish during your holiday. For example, you could hire a bodyboard for half a day or book a complete programme of private surfing lessons for your entire stay.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore the stunning coastline of Salema by kayak or paddleboard. Guided tours are available, taking you through hidden caves and breathtaking cliffs.
There is an ever-popular kayak tour available of the grottos around the famous Ponta da Piedade landmark in Lagos.
Also highly recommended is a guided sunrise paddleboard tour from Praia Dona Ana which is well worth getting up early for.
Pedalo Hire & Sea Swimming
Enjoy a leisurely day or a few hours on the water with pedalo hires available from nearby Burgau, Luz or Lagos. Some even have slides on the back! While specific pedalo hire services are not advertised online, vendors on the beach offer pedalo rentals.
Of course, the calm and clear waters of the Atlantic are ideal for keeping things simple and enjoying some sea swimming, snorkelling or just splashing about close to the shore.
Fishing, Dolphin Watching & Boat Trips in Salema
Salema offers a variety of boat trips and fishing activities that allow visitors to experience the region’s rich maritime heritage during their villa holidays. Expect to catch seabass, bream, mackerel and squid, depending on the season.
Beyond fishing, Salema’s boat tours offer opportunities for dolphin watching or to explore the stunning Algarve coastline, including the famous Benagil Cave.
For those seeking a more personalised experience, private boat charters are available, allowing guests to tailor their journey along the coast near Salema.
Racket Sports Near to Salema
Tennis, Padel and Pickleball
For tennis enthusiasts, the Santo António Golf & Spa Resort (formerly known as Parque da Floresta) close to Salema, boasts four floodlit tennis courts, providing an excellent facility for both casual and competitive play. Why not enjoy a drink or a meal in the clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole after you’ve finished on the court?
Alternatively, the nearby friendly Burgau Sports Centre offers not only fantastic tennis courts, but padel and pickleball options too. There are often tennis, padel and pickleball tournaments open to all with the BBQ fired up, bar open and outdoor swimming pool.
Algarve Biking Adventures
Mountain Biking
The rugged terrain around Salema provides excellent trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Musette Bike, who are based close to Salema and rent bikes, offer guided tours through the scenic landscapes of the surrounding national park. For self-guided adventures, there are many routes available online or from Musette, for different skill and fitness levels.
Road Cycling
Road cyclists can enjoy the picturesque routes stretching from Salema to Lagos and beyond. For example, into Aljezur, north of the Algarve or the stunning Monchique mountains, where the views are well worth the effort in the saddle.
Golf near to Salema, Algarve
The Algarve is on every golfer’s ‘to do‘ list and golf enthusiasts will find several top-notch courses near Salema. The Santo António Golf Course at nearby Budens offers an 18-hole, par 71 course set amidst rolling hills, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
Just 15 minutes away, the Boavista Golf & Spa Resort near Lagos, features an 18-hole course with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Espiche Golf, just outside Lagos, is a scenic and eco-friendly 18-hole course that blends with its natural surroundings. Designed to challenge players of all levels, it features narrow fairways, rolling terrain and a strong focus on sustainability.
Walking, Hiking & Running in the Algarve
Salema is a gateway to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful walking, hiking and running routes. The Fishermen’s Trail offers a coastal path from Sagres to Salema, or Salema to Lagos, showcasing breathtaking cliffs and secluded beaches. For a moderate hike, the Salema to Figueira trail spans about 5 miles and is popular among nature lovers.
Salema offers a variety of running routes that showcase the Algarve’s stunning coastal scenery and diverse terrain. The Costa Vincentina Natural Park around Salema offers a network of walking trails, plus countless opportunities for exploration and flora and fauna spotting.
Sightseeing near Salema
Find fossilized dinosaur footprints at Salema beach a unique feature that adds a touch of prehistoric intrigue to the landscape.
For those interested in history, a short hike eastward leads to a 17th century fort built to protect the coast from pirate attacks. Now in ruins, the fort offers views of the coastline and is testament to the Algarve’s maritime importance in centuries past.
If you hire a car or taxi, the western Algarve is a delight to explore. Notable local places to visit include Sagres, Lagos, Burgau and Luz.
Lagos Zoo
Located just a short drive from Salema, Lagos Zoo offers a delightful day out for families and animal enthusiasts alike. Home to over 140 animal species, plus there’s an outdoor swimming pool, the zoo is well worth a visit.
Waterparks in the Algarve
Many would say that no holiday to the Algarve is complete without a trip to one of the region’s brilliant waterparks!
Algarve Wellness & Yoga
Yoga Classes & Retreats in Salema
Salema and the surrounding Algarve region are perfect for reconnecting with nature and your inner peace. There are several local yoga instructors and mobile therapists who can visit you in your villa to offer massage, reiki and reflexology.
Spas & Holistic Therapies
- Santo António Golf & Spa Resort – Includes a full-service spa with massages, facials, and wellness treatments.
- Boavista Spa – Near Lagos, offers a luxurious spa experience including thermal pools, saunas, and therapeutic treatments.
Whether you’re looking to ride the waves, explore scenic trails or enjoy a game of tennis, Salema offers a diverse range of activities to enrich your holiday experience. Embrace the adventure and natural beauty that this charming village has to offer.
With so much to do on a holiday in Salema, why not book your villa now?
