Yes, yes… we know. The Algarve beaches are stunning. World-class. Postcard-worthy. But what if we told you there’s a whole other Algarve waiting for you beyond the sand and suncream?
Whether you’re beached out, visiting in cooler months or just love discovering hidden gems, here are 10 brilliant things to do in the Algarve that don’t involve the beach at all.
And yes – they’re all Simply Salema tested & approved 😉
1. Get Lost in Traditional Portuguese Villages
Step away from the tourist hotspots and wander through villages like Salema, Burgau, Budens, Vila do Bispo or Barão de São João. Think cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, locals chatting in the square and the smell of fresh coffee in the air.
Slow down. This is Algarve life at its best.
2. Explore the Algarve’s Wild West (Costa Vicentina Natural Park)
Just minutes from Salema lies the Costa Vicentina Natural Park – a paradise for walkers, nature lovers and anyone who enjoys dramatic landscapes.
Expect rugged cliffs, wildflowers and breath-taking viewpoints that make you forget what day it is.
Top tip: sunset walks here are unforgettable.
3. Eat Your Way Through the Algarve
Let’s be honest – Portuguese food deserves its own holiday.
From fresh seafood cataplanas to piri-piri chicken, pastéis de nata and local wines, the Algarve is a dream for food lovers. Seek out family-run restaurants and don’t be afraid to ask what’s fresh today.
Bonus points if dessert includes figs or almonds 🍰
4. Visit Historic Lagos
Just a short drive from Salema, Lagos is packed with history. Walk the old town walls or the boardwalks at Ponta da Piedade, explore Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and learn about Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
It’s culture, history, shopping and café-hopping all rolled into one.
5. Go Dolphin Spotting (No Sand Required!)
A boat trip from Salema offers an unforgettable dolphin-watching experiences. Seeing these playful creatures in the wild is pure magic – and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Plus, you get the thrill of the ocean without setting foot on the beach 😉
6. Discover Hidden Caves & Grottos
Let’s be honest – even the most dedicated beach lovers occasionally need a break from sand in uncomfortable places!
That’s where the Algarve’s brilliant waterparks come in. With three major parks dotted along the coast (Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand), you’re never far from a day of gleeful screaming down giant slides and floating lazily around wave pools. They’re perfect for when the kids (or let’s face it, you) need a change of pace, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping kamikaze slides to gentle lazy rivers where you can pretend to supervise while actually having a sneaky nap on an inflatable ring.
7. Hike the Rota Vicentina
One of Portugal’s most beautiful walking routes, the Rota Vicentina, passes close to Salema and offers coastal, countryside and clifftop trails.
Perfect for active travellers, photographers and anyone who enjoys earning their dinner.
8. Take a Day Trip to Monchique
Swap sea views for mountain air with a trip to Monchique. This charming mountain town is known for its forests, traditional crafts, thermal springs and panoramic views across the Algarve.
Don’t leave without trying medronho – the local firewater (sip carefully!).
9. Browse Local Markets
From fresh produce to handmade crafts, Algarve markets are full of colour and character. Visit weekly village markets or larger ones like Lagos or even Loulé further afield, for a true taste of local life.
Great for souvenirs that aren’t fridge magnets.
10. Do Absolutely Nothing (Portuguese-Style)
Relax on your sunny villa terrace. Pour a glass of vinho verde. Watch the world go by.
In the Algarve, doing nothing is an art form – and one worth mastering.
Final Thoughts from Simply Salema
The Algarve is so much more than beaches (even though we love those too). From food and history to nature and village life, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
So next time you visit Salema, try mixing a little adventure in with your relaxation – you might just fall in love with a whole new side of the Algarve 💛 Ready to explore?
Simply Salema is the perfect base for it all.
