Salema is one of the last fishing villages in the south of Portugal, and the area is part of a national park, so you can expect to come across many sights of outstanding natural beauty. The area offers the best of both worlds, depending on what sort of holiday you are after.
There is the charm and character of a small fishing village and, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the beautiful, long, sandy beach, the immediate and surrounding area offers an almost endless list of sporting activities (golf, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing, sailing, tennis, cycling), opportunities for rambling, walking, mountain biking and of course lots of superb places to eat, drink and shop.
Don't forget to take a look at our useful information page, as there are some handy hints and tips about how the banks and post office operate.
Salema is one of the last fishing villages in the south of Portugal, and the area is part of a national park, so you can expect to come across many sights of outstanding natural beauty. The area offers the best of both worlds, depending on what sort of holiday you are after.
There is the charm and character of a small fishing village and, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the beautiful, long, sandy beach, the immediate and surrounding area offers an almost endless list of sporting activities (golf, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing, sailing, tennis, cycling), opportunities for rambling, walking, mountain biking and of course lots of superb places to eat, drink and shop.
Don't forget to take a look at our useful information page, as there are some handy hints and tips about how the banks and post office operate.
Things to do
Salema is one of the last fishing villages in the south of Portugal, and the area is part of a national park, so you can expect to come across many sights of outstanding natural beauty. The area offers the best of both worlds, depending on what sort of holiday you are after.
There is the charm and character of a small fishing village and, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the beautiful, long, sandy beach, the immediate and surrounding area offers an almost endless list of sporting activities (golf, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing, sailing, tennis, cycling), opportunities for rambling, walking, mountain biking and of course lots of superb places to eat, drink and shop.
Don't forget to take a look at our useful information page, as there are some handy hints and tips about how the banks and post office operate.
Watersports & beach walks
Salema’s surrounding cliffs offer breathtaking scenic walks, and its marvellous flora and fauna is extremely popular with ramblers and bird watchers.
The countryside surrounding Salema is part of a National Park and is known for its outstanding natural beauty, with many interesting walks. Boat hire and fishing trips are available from nearby Lagos.
If water sports take your fancy, there is a surf school at nearby Sagres and wonderful surfing beaches 20 mins away by car on the west coast.
Other activities available in the area include horse riding, scuba diving and windsurfing.
If you would like any further information about what there is to do in Salema and the surrounding areas, please get in touch.
Food & Drink
There are a couple of small bars in the village serving delicious cocktails. Table and chairs line the old village street it the summer months when young and old alike can enjoy a cool evening drink.
The bars at Salema’s sea front serve delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes often caught from the little fishing boats which operate out of the village, and there are also a handful of other small restaurants, all serving a wide variety of delicious food including Portuguese specialities – and all at extremely reasonable prices.
Highly recommended are Lourenços, Agna na Boca, Boia Bar and Bistro central.
Beaches
Salema is renowned for its beautiful, long, golden sandy beaches and thoroughly deserve their European Blue Flag rating.
A few minutes walk down hill from Casa Oceanis is Salema’s beautiful sandy beach.
You can hire beds and parasols during the summer, there are many more stunning deserted beaches close by that can be reached by car, foot or boat.
Golf
If golfing is your thing, you are in the right place – Portugal is the fastest growing destination for golfers with more than 40 top-class courses throughout the country.
Parque Da Floresta is 5 minutes drive from the villa and has a superb 18 hole golf courses, a driving range, tennis courts, a tennis school and a luxury spa.
There are also 3 excellent golf courses within 30 minutes drive at Boa Vista, Penina, Espiche and Palmares.
Watersports & beach walks
Salema’s surrounding cliffs offer breathtaking scenic walks, and its marvellous flora and fauna is extremely popular with ramblers and bird watchers.
The countryside surrounding Salema is part of a National Park and is known for its outstanding natural beauty, with many interesting walks. Boat hire and fishing trips are available from nearby Lagos.
If water sports take your fancy, there is a surf school at nearby Sagres and wonderful surfing beaches 20 mins away by car on the west coast.
Other activities available in the area include horse riding, scuba diving and windsurfing.
If you would like any further information about what there is to do in Salema and the surrounding areas, please get in touch.
Food & Drink
There are a couple of small bars in the village serving delicious cocktails. Table and chairs line the old village street it the summer months when young and old alike can enjoy a cool evening drink.
The bars at Salema’s sea front serve delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes often caught from the little fishing boats which operate out of the village, and there are also a handful of other small restaurants, all serving a wide variety of delicious food including Portuguese specialities – and all at extremely reasonable prices.
Highly recommended are Lourenços, Agna na Boca, Boia Bar and Bistro central.
Shopping
A wide range of shops and markets are available in the main towns, (Lagos, Portirnao and Albufeira) and there is a good supermarket at Budens on the main road towards Lagos, about 3km from the Casa Oceanis.
Faro (one hour by car) has a large selection of shops,a hypermarket and major chain stores as well as small boutiques.
Supermarkets
All day to day needs, including alcohol, are available in Salema’s two small supermarkets.
Salema Market in the old village also specialises in locally grown fruit and competitively priced wines and he offers a free delivery service.
Alcohol tends to be considerably cheaper than in the UK and similar to old Duty Free prices for spirits.
Shopping hours vary but 0900-1300 and 1500-1900 are fairly standard, with the main markets opening earlier. Increasingly stores, particularly supermarkets, stay open over lunch and do not close until 22.00 or later.
Salema
Salema is positioned within the Costa Vincentina Natural Park and you will see why when you visit. It truly is an area of outstanding natural beauty and retains its traditional Portuguese charm.
Did you know that around 14 years ago dinosaur prints were discovered along the coast near Salema – it is definitely worth a visit!
St Vincent
Cape St Vincent is one of the more south westerly points of Portugal. It has protected landscape status to conserve and preserve the coastline and rich wildlife.
It is an area steeped in history, with remnants of Roman settlements having been discovered there. Cape St Vincent is home to a famous lighthouse that you can go round, and it contains the largest warning light in Europe for both marine and air traffic!
Sagres
Sagres is also steeped in history. Being a coastal dwelling it was vulnerable to many invasions over the centuries. A place of interest not to be missed is the Fortaleza, the fort of Henry the Navigator.
The area also has beautiful beaches with stunning cliff top views. It is the perfect place for walking and biking, and one the the most renowned areas in the Algarve for surfing and body boarding – check out the beaches at Martinhal and Beliche.
West Coast
The West coast of Portugal has a rugged and dramatic landscape due to its exposure to crashing Atlantic waves all year round. The dynamic waters are favoured by surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
This area is part of a national park - Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina – and as such is practically untouched by tourism.
You will not find many resorts or hotels in this area, just small villages, hamlets and beautiful beaches.
Bensafrim
Bensafrim is a charming village that has been heavily influenced by its historical Moorish occupation.
Honey, figs and almonds are produced in the region.
Lagos
Like much of Portugal, in Lagos there are still strong remnants of the area’s historical past. It’s origins dating as far back as 2000 BC. Lagos’s ‘golden church’ of St. Anthony which was rebuilt in 1769, is worth a visit; so is the 14th to 16th century Church of St Sebastian, and the 15th century ‘Slave Market’.
As well as all the history, the town offers a vibrant atmosphere with cafes, bars and restaurants and there are stunning views to be seen from Lagos bay.
Portamao
Portimao is a shopper’s paradise, and is well worth a visit whether you are just window shopping or looking to buy.
The town is slightly more modern (19th / 20th century) and is buzzing with bars, restaurants, discos, cafes – there is something for everyone. The town is particularly well known for its fish restaurants.
Albufeira
Albufeira is an extremely popular destination that attracts a huge number of tourists throughout the year – it caters for all ages, couples, single travellers, and families – there is literally something for everyone.
It was once a small fishing village until the 1960′s, when tourism arrived. The area has done well to retain its historical essence.
The Old Town still has its trademark narrow cobbled streets and there is a castle that dates back to Roman times. The Torre do Relógio (clock tower) still remains, and is usually beautifully lit up during festive seasons.
Monchique
Situated in the north-west of the Algarve, Monchique is positioned up in the Serra de Monchique - a thickly wooded mountain range.
The views travelling to and from the area are stunning, and in stark contract to the coastal areas.
Once know for its production of wool and linen, Monchique is now perhaps more well known for its production of Medronho (a potent liqueur that has a strong flavour), and for chicken “piri piri” (grilled chicken with piquant basting).
Silves
Silves is the old capital of the Algarve. It is abundant in history and has a cathedral, castle, monuments, a museum, and a pretty central square, Praça do Municipio, where you can eat, drink, shop and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
Although Silves is inland, it is not too far from the coast, so you can enjoy the town and also take time out to enjoy a swim and the beaches close by.