Praia dos Salgados: the #1 guide
Praia dos Salgados sits between sandy dunes and a quiet lagoon, making it one of the most unique beaches in Albufeira. Here, soft sands stretch for over a kilometre while flamingos wade just steps away in the nearby Lagoa dos Salgados. It’s a rare blend of coastal beauty and raw nature, ideal for long walks, peaceful swims, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, beach lover, or just looking to escape the crowds, this guide shows you how to experience Praia dos Salgados at its very best.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia dos Salgados unique
- Tips for swimming, walking, and exploring the beach
- Where to eat, stay, and enjoy the view
- Practical advice on parking, getting there, and avoiding the crowds
- Hidden spots and must-see highlights nearby
Why visit Praia dos Salgados
- A beach and nature reserve in one – where else can you sunbathe, swim, and spot flamingos in the same afternoon? Praia dos Salgados borders the protected Lagoa dos Salgados, home to hundreds of bird species and stunning natural beauty.
- Endless space and tranquility – even in summer, you’ll rarely feel crowded here. The beach stretches for over a kilometre, giving you room to spread out, relax, or enjoy long walks by the sea.
- Perfect for peaceful getaways – unlike Albufeira’s busy town beaches, this one offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe. It’s ideal if you’re looking for nature, serenity, and no loud beach bars nearby.
- Boardwalks with epic views – raised wooden paths let you explore the dunes and wetlands without disturbing the ecosystem. It’s a dream for walkers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys golden hour light.
- Birdwatching without effort – whether you’re a casual observer or a seasoned birder, this beach offers some of the easiest and most rewarding wildlife watching in the Algarve.
Would you like to see this beach and its surroundings? Then check out the short video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia dos Salgados is quite a big beach, stretching for well over a kilometre. It is backed by low sand dunes. The beach is bordered by Praia Grande in the west and Praia da Galé in the east. The size of the beach makes it perfect for long beach walks. If you want, you could walk west past Praia de Armação de Pêra, all the way towards Praia do Vale do Olival.
Praia dos Salgados has soft and golden sand. The sea here is relatively warm and the water is calm and transparent. This makes the beach good for swimming. In addition, there are water sports available, such as kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and bodyboarding.
Praia dos Salgados is situated right next to a big lagoon called Lagoa dos Salgados. Here you can find a variety of wildlife. This combination of beach and nature is what makes the beach special.
The sunset here can be astonishingly beautiful. Make sure not to miss it.
Even though the beach can be quite crowded in summer, there is always plenty of space. Due to the size of the beach, you can always find a nice spot. Praia dos Salgados is mostly popular among families and nature lovers.
Lagoa dos Salgados (lagoon)
Just behind the dunes you can find a big lagoon called Lagoa dos Salgados. The lagoon covers an area of about 50 hectares and it is one of the most important freshwater wetlands of the region. The water in the lagoon is formed by the mouths of two small rivers: the Vale Rabelho and Ribeira de Espiche. It is separated from the sea by the dunes.
Lagoa dos Salgados is an important destination for eco-tourism in the Algarve. That is because you can find plenty of wildlife here, mainly birds. The lagoon is a heaven for birdwatching.
If you really want to make the most of your visit, make sure to visit early in the morning on a weekday. There will be fewer people and it will be more quiet. Another option is to visit late in the afternoon, when the sunlight is optimal and you can make amazing pictures. Especially during sunset you can take marvelous photographs.
Birdwatching
When it comes to the variety of birds that can be seen here, this is one of the best birdwatching hotspots of the Algarve. About 200 different bird species have been spotted here. If you go birdwatching here, you can easily see 40 to 50 different species in a single day. Examples of birds you can see are the red heron, the black tern, the pied avocet, the spoonbill and flamingos. There is a great observation point on the west bank of the lagoon, which is popular among birdwatchers. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars if you are a serious birdwatcher.
Lagoa dos Salgados is also visited by migratory birds in the winter, who use these wetlands as a stopover. In winter you can find over 2000 birds here, amongst which are many ducks. This makes the lagoon an attractive destination in the winter as well.
Whether you are serious into birdwatching or just want to enjoy some fresh air in nature, you will probably love it here. You can easily spend 2 or 3 hours just watching the nature and wildlife of the lagoon.
Beware that the lagoon is an important nesting area for birds, especially in summer. Make sure not to disturb any birds when visiting. The water in the lagoon is relatively shallow. However, it is strictly forbidden to swim in the lagoon.
Boardwalks
There are a variety of wooden boardwalks in the area, to make sure you can enjoy the beach and the lagoon. One boardwalk starts at the car park of Praia Grande and takes you east to Salgados beach, through the dunes and wetland.
There is also a boardwalk from the parking area towards the west, over the lagoon itself. The boardwalks help to preserve nature, so it keeps the dunes in good condition. Moreover, the boardwalks are great for long walks. It is great to walk here and smell the fresh air.
Golf
Just behind the beach, on the east banks of Lagoa dos Salgados, there is also a golf course, called Salgados golf course. This 18 hole golf course was founded in 1994. It is a course for technically skilled golf players who love nature. Almost all holes are flanked by the lagoon. Hole number 6 is especially difficult, since it is very long and there are a lot of water hazards.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia dos Salgados like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Go birdwatching before 9am. For the best light and the fewest people, arrive early with binoculars. You’ll likely spot flamingos, herons, and spoonbills before most tourists have finished breakfast.
- Park at the western end (Praia Grande side). This lesser-known access point offers quicker access to the lagoon trails and quieter stretches of sand. Most people don’t realize this is even an option.
- Walk east (to the left when looking at the sea) at sunset. Head toward Galé beach for golden light bouncing off the dunes. It’s one of the Algarve’s most underrated golden hour strolls, and barely anyone does it.
- Book lunch at Os Salgados in advance. Especially in high season, this beachside restaurant gets booked out by locals who know it’s one of the best seafood spots around. Ask for a table on the edge with lagoon views.
- Bring a zoom lens or a spotting scope. If you’re into photography or birding, you’ll regret not bringing one. The lagoon is huge and some of the most interesting birds are just out of reach of a standard camera.
How to get there & parking
The easiest way to move around in the Algarve is by car. If you don’t have one, make sure to rent a car. It is relatively easy to reach Salgados beach. When driving on the A22 highway, take exit 8 and continue on the EM524 in the direction of Pêra. Subsequently, take the M526 and then follow the signs towards the beach. Go through the holiday village alongside Lagoa dos Salgados. At the end, there is a big parking area right next to the lagoon. From here it is only a short walk to the beach.
Beach restaurant
Right on the beach there is a restaurant called Os Salgados. This beach restaurant has a great atmosphere. It is the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the view. The food is very good as well, focusing mainly on fresh fish and seafood.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia dos Salgados? We’ve selected our favorite hotels in the area based on location, comfort, and guest reviews. The Algarve has become extremely popular, and the best places tend to sell out fast, especially in peak season. To avoid missing out, we recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. Our favourite hotels near the beach are:
- VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve. This excellent five star resort has everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. It has several swimming pools, a gym, spa facilities and several restaurants. Located only 3 minutes walking from the beach.
- NAU Salgados Vila das Lagoas. This four star aparthotel has wonderful green gardens, as well as several swimming pools. All apartments have a balcony, a kitchen and three bedrooms, which makes this a good choice for families with children.
- Apartments Herdade dos Salgados. These highly rated luxury apartments have all amenities you need during your stay. Moreover, there is a nice outside terrace to relax. The apartments have two bedrooms with three beds, which makes this a good choice for either families or groups of friends.
Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.
Top excursions nearby
Make your trip truly unforgettable by booking one of the top-rated excursions in the area. Whether you dream of cruising along the Algarve’s stunning coastline, exploring the famous Benagil cave, or spotting dolphins at sea, these handpicked experiences are the best of the best. Don’t miss out. Secure your spot now, before they sell out! Check out our top recommendations below.
FAQ
The Lagoa dos Salgados is one of the Algarve’s most important wetlands and a prime birdwatching spot. It attracts hundreds of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and storks. The mix of beach and wildlife makes this area truly unique.
Absolutely. You can walk east toward Praia da Galé or west past Praia Grande and even to Armação de Pêra. The long stretch of sand is perfect for scenic coastal walks.
Yes, it’s great for families with kids. The sand is soft, the water is generally calm, and there’s plenty of space to play. There are also boardwalks that make stroller access easier.
While not a major surf spot, you can enjoy bodyboarding, paddleboarding, and sometimes kitesurfing when the wind picks up. Rentals are usually available near the beach in summer.
Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for avoiding crowds and catching the best light. Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures, fewer people, and fantastic birdwatching conditions.
It can get busy near the main entrance, especially in July and August. But thanks to the beach’s size, you can always find a quieter spot just a short walk away.
No, swimming in Lagoa dos Salgados is strictly forbidden. It’s a protected ecological area and an important habitat for wildlife, especially nesting birds.
You can spot flamingos, spoonbills, avocets, herons, storks, ducks, and many migratory species depending on the season. A good pair of binoculars will make your experience much richer.
Yes, the boardwalks take you through the dunes and alongside the lagoon. You can walk for kilometers without stepping off a maintained trail, making it great for both short strolls and longer hikes.
Yes, several local companies offer guided birdwatching walks or nature tours around Lagoa dos Salgados. These are especially great if you’re interested in photography or ecology.
Beach facilities
Praia dos Salgados is a Blue Flag beach, with almost all facilities nearby. There is a beach restaurant, as well as toilets and showers. Disabled people can enjoy the boardwalk alongside the lagoon as well.
Facilities in Praia dos Salgados:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
