We are pleased to tell you about a beautiful new scenic circular walk that starts right here in Salema, Portugal.
During your luxury villa holiday with us, there is some spectacular walking to be done, now including the new “Rota das 5 Aldeias de Budens” (Route of the 5 Villages). The idea behind this project, which was partly funded by the EU, is to encourage tourists to discover the quieter and less travelled areas of the Algarve around Salema.
The Budens parish council has just opened a pair of way-marked trails that link all five villages in the parish. These are Budens, Figueira, Salema, Burgau and Vale de Boi.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know to lace up and go.
The 2 Algarve loops at a glance:
Walking trail signposted ‘PR7’: Roman and Pirate Trail
Distance: 16km
Duration: ~5 hrs
Grade: Moderate
Highlights: Roman fort ruins at Boca do Rio, ocean views, fishing village of Burgau.
Walking trail signposted ‘PR8’: Dinosaur Trail
Distance: 10km
Duration: ~3 hrs
Grade: Moderate
Highlights: 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at Salema beach at the foot of our beach villa, hidden coves near the secluded Figueira beach, rolling Algarve farmland.
Both Algarve walking routes are fully sign-posted. Look for bright yellow-red paint flashes and wooden arrows. You can walk in either direction, though we recommend clockwise for the smoothest gradients.
How to follow the trails
PR8 – Dinosaur Trail (10 km)
- Start: In the tiny hamlet of Vale de Boi at the “Fonte Milenar” (ancient fountain).
- To Figueira: Follow signs along the quiet EM 537 for 1 km, then branch into the village; detour to Nossa Senhora de Fátima chapel for a panorama of the coast.
- Praia da Figueira: Walk the last kilometre on a sandy footpath down to the beach; optional climb to the ruined Forte de Vera Cruz.
- Clifftop section to Salema: Stay on the marked clifftop path, sharing it briefly with the “Fishermen’s Trail”. Look out for dinosaur footprints in the limestone just before you drop into Salema.
- Return: From Salema beach pick up the EM 537 and retrace the first kilometre back to Vale de Boi.
Why start here? It’s shorter, very family-friendly and you tick off dino tracks and two gorgeous beaches in half a day.
PR7 – Roman & Pirate Trail (16 km)
- Start: Community well (“Poço Comunitário”) in Vale de Boi.
- Vale de Boi → Boca do Rio: Easy farm tracks lead to the estuary where Roman salting tanks still peek above the sand.
- Cliff-coast section: Climb onto the clifftop path towards Cabanas Velhas and Burgau – superb Atlantic views the whole way.
- Burgau → Inland farms: Pop into the village for coffee, then follow signs inland through vineyards and fig orchards back to Vale de Boi.
Tip: Do this loop on a clear morning; the sea colours are spectacular and you’ll finish in time for a late lunch in Salema.
Algarve walking need-to-know essentials
- Way-marking: Yellow & red paint flashes every ~50 m plus wooden direction posts at junctions.
- Terrain: Well-maintained farm lanes, sandy single-track and short clifftop stretches – no scrambling required.
- Best season: All year, but April–June and September–October offer cooler temperatures and wildflowers.
- Refreshments: Cafés in Salema, Burgau and Figueira; ensure you pack some water.
- Safety: Keep back from cliff edges, follow existing paths and avoid lighting fires (standard Algarve countryside rules).
How to get to the start points from your Simply Salema luxury Algarve villa
- On foot: Vale de Boi is a pleasant 25-minute stroll inland from Salema beach – perfect warm-up.
- By car: Five-minute drive.
- By bus: EVA bus line Lagos–Sagres stops in Salema and Vale de Boi roughly every two hours.
See you on the trail!
Whether you’re chasing dinosaur footprints with the kids or soaking up Roman history by the sea, the new “Route of the 5 Villages” is the easiest way to explore the hidden Algarve around Salema. Grab a hat, pick a loop, and enjoy – before heading back for a refreshing swim at your luxury ocean villa.
Get in touch to tell us which section you enjoyed most or share your photos on social media with the hashtag #simplysalema.
