Why autumn suits Salema, Algarve

  • Weather without the scorch: Expect balmy days perfect for the beach and alfresco dinners, with comfortable nights for great sleep.
  • Space to breathe: Restaurants and activities are easy to book and fewer tourists mean quieter towns, coves and beaches.
  • Nature on show: Crystal clear water for snorkelling, lively surf at Sagres and along the Algarve’s west coast, not to mention glowing sunsets you’ll actually get a table for.

Beautiful west Algarve beaches to bookmark (our picks)

  • Praia da Salema (home!): A sweeping, friendly bay with gently shelving water – ideal for morning swims before coffee in the village or a day relaxing and catching a few rays laying on the sand.
  • Praia do Zavial: A short hop east; wilder feel, consistent surf in autumn and a great spot to watch the sunsets roll in, plus there’s a fantastic beach restaurant.
  • Praia da Ingrina: A sheltered cove next door to Zavial – bring a snorkel for fish-spotting along the rocks when the sea is calm. There’s also an unpretentious beach bar serving great food.

Autumn Algarve holiday activities (beyond the beach)

  1. Dolphin watching from Salema: Calmer seas and fewer boats make autumn a superb time for sightings. Go early for glassy water. No holiday to Salema is complete without a boat trip to search for dolphins.
  2. Kayak tour or boat trip around Ponta da Piedade, Lagos: This stunning natural beauty is one of the most well-known coastal landmarks in Europe. Honeycomb cliffs and sea arches glow in autumn light; where you’re sure to take some stunning holiday snaps.
  3. Hike the Algarve Fishermen’s Trail: Follow the cliff-top path east between Salema and Burgau, or further. Alternatively, head west towards Sagres. Pack water, swim gear, wear trainers and time it to finish at sunset.
  4. Taste the coast: From grilled dourada, via piri-piri chicken to cataplana stews, autumn menus lean into comforting, hearty plates. Seafood lovers should ask for the catch of the day.
  5. Portuguese wine and Algarvian villages: Potter through Vila do Bispo and up to the Costa Vicentina national park for tastings and spectacular viewpoints.

Why a Simply Salema villa holiday elevates autumn

Autumn is about slowing down – and that’s where a private villa comes into its own. Wake to the Atlantic framed by your bedroom window; wander to the pool terrace for breakfast in soft sunshine; return after a hike to a loungy living space made for board games and a bottle from a local adega. Our private villas in Salema include:

  • Ocean-view terraces for golden-hour dinners.
  • Private pools you’ll often have all day sun on.
  • Roof terraces for mesmerising vistas.
  • Games rooms to while away the evenings.
  • Spacious open-plan layouts for families or friends to spread out.
  • In–resort services to line up restaurant bookings, in-villa dining, activities or a local guide.

With Simply Salema you’ll find villas designed and commissioned by ourselves for location and liveability. Think walkable-to-beach and village, sea views, and thoughtful amenities that make September and October and the whole of autumn a great time to visit the Algarve.

Your autumn holiday in the Algarve

Ready for space, sunshine and a slower rhythm of life!? Contact us now.