Praia da Salema: the #1 guide
Praia da Salema is where traditional Algarve charm meets natural wonder. Set against a backdrop of golden cliffs and whitewashed homes, this peaceful beach in the fishing village of Salema offers a slower, more authentic pace of coastal life. You’ll find calm, swimmable waters, colourful boats on the sand, and even fossilized dinosaur footprints hidden in the rocks. It’s part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, and it shows. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or just disconnect, Praia da Salema delivers something rare: a beach that still feels undiscovered. Let’s explore this beach.
In this article you will find:
- What makes Praia de Salema 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 da Salema
- Authentic village atmosphere – set against a traditional fishing village, Praia da Salema offers a rare glimpse of Algarve life with colorful boats and whitewashed houses right by the sand.
- Great swimming and calm waters – the beach sits in a natural bay, so the sea is typically gentle and clear, perfect for a relaxed swim or paddle.
- Dinosaur footprints and cliff walks – unique to this beach are real fossilized dinosaur tracks and scenic trails over the surrounding cliffs.
- Family-friendly and peaceful – it’s spacious, safe, and rarely overcrowded, making it ideal for families or anyone seeking a quieter experience.
- Easy comforts without crowds – with beachside restaurants, sunbeds, and a small seafront promenade, you can enjoy the day without the noise of bigger resort towns.
Are you looking forward to visit Praia da Salema? Take a sneak preview by watching the video below.
What to expect at the beach
Praia da Salema stretches for about 1 kilometre in length, making it quite a long beach. The beach basically lies in a large sheltered bay. Praia da Salema is backed by the village of Salema and on either end of the beach there are big cliffs.
The beach has a large sandy area, especially during low tide. The sand itself is relatively hard.
The water of the sea is very clear, but can be a bit cold. Since there are usually no big waves, it is good for swimming. In addition, there are several water sports available on the beach. Furthermore, just off the coast you can find a shipwreck of a French ship called L’Océan, which sank in 1759 after a battle. It is possible to dive near the shipwreck.
Just watch out for some rocks in the sea, especially on the western side of the beach.
At low tide it is nice to go for a long beach walk. There are no other beaches directly connected to Salema beach though. The first beach west of Praia da Salema is Praia da Figueira and the first beach to the east is Praia da Boca do Rio.
In summer, Praia da Salema can become a bit crowded. However, the more you go to the east on the beach, the more quiet it becomes. It is never overcrowded though on this beach. Furthermore, off season the beach is usually empty and peaceful. It is a great beach for families.
Salema is a fishing town and you will notice that when being here. For example, if you come early in the morning, you can see fishermen unloading their catch of the day. And you can see several colourful fishing boats in the central part of the beach.
Just behind the beach there is a small boulevard with benches. It is also great to walk here.
When you walk from the town of Salema to the beach, there are narrow streets where you can already see the sea.
Also at night, the village of Salema and its beach can provide wonderful views.
Dinosaur footprints
On both ends of the beach there are yellow limestone cliffs, dating back to the Early Cretaceous, about 150 million years ago. Here you can actually find fossilized dinosaur footprints, which are some of the best preserved dinosaur footprints in the entire Algarve. You can clearly see three toes in the footprints. The footprints are made by a type of Ornithopod. The dinosaur footprints were discovered in 2001 by geologists from the University of Lisbon. However, some locals have known about these footprints for as long as they can remember.
Although you can see dinosaur footprints in several places near the beach, the best preserved ones are at the western end of the beach. Here you can find a staircase from the beach to the top of the western cliff. The footprints are in a rock about 15 metres west of this staircase. You can always ask the lifeguards or a local exactly where to find them.
Cliff walk
On top of the cliffs you can actually find a walking trail along the coastline. A nice hike is to walk east, towards Praia da Boca do Rio. This 2,5 kilometre hike provides you with fabulous views. If you go even further east, you will encounter the Fort of Almádena.
Our tips
Want to experience Praia da Salema like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:
- Arrive before 9:30 AM to have the beach to yourself. Most people show up after 10, so the early hours give you clean sand, soft golden light, and a peaceful start to the day. It’s when the beach feels untouched, like you’re the first to discover it.
- Swim on the east side for the clearest water and fewer rocks. The water here stays calm longer, and visibility is best between 11 AM and 2 PM. It’s the perfect window for a safe, stunning swim without stepping on underwater stones.
- Go cliff-walking late afternoon, not morning. The sun will be behind you, lighting up the ocean instead of blinding you. You’ll also dodge the heat and crowds, and hit the perfect angle for photos that actually do the views justice.
- Ask a lifeguard where the best dinosaur footprints are. Yes, you’ll find them on your own. But ask a lifeguard and you’ll be shown the clearest, best-preserved prints that even some geologists miss. It’s a 15-second ask that unlocks 150 million years of history.
- Avoid the central stretch of sand if you want peace. Walk just 5 minutes east and the beach opens up. No boats, no noise, no sunbed rentals. It’s the Salema locals still cherish, and almost nobody bothers to go that far.
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. Salema lies halfway between Sagres and Lagos. When driving on the national road EN125 in the direction of Sagres, it is just past Budens. Salema is signposted here. Go left on the roundabout and continue in the M537 towards the sea. This is the easiest way to get there. Another way is by taking the road southeast of Figueira. You will then arrive from the other side of the village.
There is a small car park just behind the beach, but it only has a couple of parking spaces. You can see it in the picture below.
This parking area is usually full in summer. A larger car park can be found about 5 minutes walking from the beach.
Best restaurants near the beach
There are several good restaurants in the village of Salema. Our favourite ones near the beach are:
- Água na Boca. This Portuguese restaurant in a narrow street behind the beach has awesome food and great wine. It has been here for more than 30 years and is perhaps the best restaurant in Salema.
- Olhos N’Agua Restaurante. This restaurant has a good location, just behind the beach. It offers Portuguese food, mainly focusing on fresh fish. The staff is friendly as well. It is also a fabulous place to watch the sunset.
Best hotels near the beach
Looking for a great place to stay near Praia da Salema? 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:
- Salema Beach Village. This four star holiday park offers townhouses with two or three bedrooms, surrounding a big terrace with swimming pool. Some of the townhouses have sea view. It is great for families. Highly rated as well.
- Hotel Residencial Salema. This three star hotel offers comfortable rooms for two people. The location of the place is excellent, right near the beach. In addition, the staff is friendly and prices are reasonable.
- Seaview Apartments. This hotel offers one-bedroom apartments with sea view and a private balcony. Rooms are decorated in a typical Portuguese manner. Only a short walk from everything in town.
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.
Excursions
Salema is just the beginning. Some of the Algarve’s most unforgettable experiences are right around the corner. From hidden sea caves near Lagos to dramatic cliffs only locals know, this region is best explored with a guide who knows where to go and when. These handpicked tours take the guesswork out of planning and let you see the real Algarve, not just the tourist version. Booking online takes seconds and guarantees your spot, especially in high season. Below are the excursions we recommend to friends and family, because they’re that good.
FAQ
Yes, the beach is generally safe for swimming. The sea is calm on most days, and lifeguards are present during summer. The water can be chilly, but visibility is good, and the slope is gentle.
Very much so. The calm sea, sandy shore, and proximity to village amenities make it a great choice for families. There’s also a good mix of natural exploration and practical comforts.
May to October offers the best beach weather. July and August are warmest and busiest, while June and September offer fewer crowds with great weather. Off-season visits are peaceful but cooler.
Yes, especially near the rocky parts of the beach. The water is usually clear, and you might spot small fish and interesting rock formations. Bring your own gear, as rentals are limited.
Yes, fossilized dinosaur footprints can be seen in the limestone cliffs. The best ones are at the western end of the beach, near the staircase. They are surprisingly well-preserved and visible to the naked eye.
The sand is golden and relatively firm. It’s comfortable for walking and lounging, though a bit harder than very fine powdery sand. There are also some pebbly areas at high tide.
You can explore cliffside walking trails, visit the nearby Fort of Almádena, or hike to Praia da Boca do Rio. Boat tours and diving excursions are also popular. The nearby shipwreck L’Océan is a point of interest for divers.
Yes, diving is possible and popular due to the offshore shipwreck. Visibility can be good, and there are local operators who can organize dives. Always go with a certified guide.
It’s a traditional fishing village with a laid-back charm. The presence of fishing boats, narrow streets, and whitewashed houses give it a timeless feel. It’s one of the few authentic coastal villages in the Algarve.
It gets busy, especially in July and August. However, the beach is long, so it doesn’t feel packed. Walk toward the eastern side for more space.
Beach facilities
Praia da Salema is a Blue Flag beach and has good facilities. There are lifeguards overlooking the beach in summer and you can rent sunbeds. In addition, you can rent stand-up paddle boards, bodyboards and kayaks near the beach. Last but not least, you can get a massage on the beach.
Facilities in Praia da Salema:
- Restaurant: yes
- Bar/club: no
- Toilet: yes
- Shower: yes
- Water sports: yes
- Sunbeds: yes
- Parking: yes
- Lifeguards: yes
- Blue Flag beach: yes
