Salema is one of the fishing villages between Lagos and Sagres, and it has gained natural appeal even with the growing popularity of the Algarve region. Surrounded by mountains and narrow streets with low white houses with red tile roofs, visitors can observe the authentic village of southerners of Portugal. This is because it is a slow-moving village with beautiful beaches and various activities, thus making it a perfect place to vacation.
Even today, it has retained part of its traditions where it was once a point of call for local fishermen. Another advantage is that the boats used in this type of fishing are in a row, giving the place a rather picturesque look; visitors can watch the fishermen mending their nets or getting ready for the following day's fishing.
History of Salema: Fishing Village of Portugal
The history of Salema can be considered a village that, in the past, was developed based on fishing activity. This element can be observed in the village's house architecture and the inhabitants' culture. In the past, the town relied on fishing and agriculture as sources of income, hence the lucrative beautiful coastline. Today, the village remains historic and attractive, hosting tourists from all over the world.
Top Attractions and Things To Do in Salema
1. Salema Beach
Indeed, Salema Beach has to be considered as the village's focal point. With its vast area comprising of sand and shallow clean water, it can be used for swimming, sunbathing, and searching for seashells, among others. The beach was relatively well-developed; the view of the cliffs and the sea was submerged from the beach. It becomes a perfect site of preferred water depth for families, and the slow-moving water waves make it safe for children.
2. Boca do Rio Beach
Splendid is for those who want a serene and out-of-the-way location, but Boca do Rio Beach still needs to be discovered. About 5km from Salema, there is a less crowded beach, which is impressive with its beauty and incredible views. The cliffs and rock formations provide quite an environment, especially for those who prefer solitude.
3. Salema Village
Visiting Salema Village lets people go back in time and look at how people used to live. The relatively narrow and twisty streets are filled with houses painted white with beautiful, colourful flowers. The village also has small-scale shops, local cafes, and friendly people, giving the town natural beauty. One should sit back, relax, have a walk and experience, and explore the area relaxedly with beautiful scenery.
4. Cape São Vicente
Cape São Vicente is one of the top-shot attractions located a few minutes drive from Salema, in the Algarve region. With high cliffs evident and a picturesque historic lighthouse, visitors get a pretty good view of the Atlantic Ocean side. It is one of the best places to take pictures and view the sunset. As an object of the story, the lighthouse is an ancient legend that helps ships navigate dangerous areas.
5. Forte De Almádena
If tourists decide to stay in Salema, a historical site of interest is just a short drive away. The Forte de São Luís de Almádena, more commonly known just as Forte de Almádena, overlooks Boca do Rio beach, standing tall on the cliff-like structure from Praia da Boca do Rio. This fortification was built as early as 1632 to serve as a defence mechanism against pirates and privateers who threatened the coast and its highly prized tuna fishery resources and as a military strong point that connected the famous Fortress of Sagres and the busy port of Lagos.
Viewed from this perspective, one can enjoy the gorgeous ocean view extending from as far as Sagres to the bay of Lagos below. Its original architecture, in a 1754 drawing, revealed that the building was to have a lower and higher battery at the rear, which included cannons at that time. The fort's entrances were bastions and a moat with a partially overlying drawbridge.
Fort Necessity's active military use will come to its close by the year 1849. It was transferred to the local council in 1946. Nonetheless, time has not been friendly to the Forte de Almádena in any way at all. At the moment, most of the time, it symbolizes the past glories and the result of the ravages of time. Most of it is in ruins, with a few sections remaining, such as the outer walls and the lower battery. However, parts of it, such as the principal gate to the armoury, the walls, and the moat, still stand today, as do the barracks and a few arched chambers, one of which was used as a chapel.
How to Reach Salema
Within walking distance, located 12 kilometres from Salema, is the airport of Vale de Lobo, and the nearest international airport is Faro International Airport, which is 100 kilometres away. Faro is easily accessible from most European countries since there are low-cost airlines and the standard international airlines operating in this region with many flights, especially during the busy tourism calendar periods. To hire a car, take the shuttle to Salema from Faro, which should take approximately 1. 5 hours.
Transportation discovered that people journeying from major cities comprise a significant percentage of people moving from one place to another.
Another important thing you need to know is that getting to Salema by car is straightforward, especially if you intend to take the Algarve area by car. From Lisbon, it would take approximately one and a half hours' drive via the A2 Highway, while Faro would take almost one hour's drive via the A22 Motorway. Driving also comes in handy because it allows you to move around and visit nearby towns and famous coastal features like Lagos and Cape St. Vincent.
Best Time to Visit Salema
The Mediterranean climate characterizes Salema and features a hot summer and a fantastic winter. The high season is during summer, from June to August. This is hot in terms of temperature but ideal for beach lovers in terms of traffic and costs. It is the busiest period.
Those looking for relatively fewer tourists and more moderate temperatures should visit between April and June and September and October. It is after mid-April through mid-October when the weather is still good for swimming and other outdoor activities. Plus, the crowds are comparatively thinner, and the hotels and resorts are cheaper to book.
It is essential to mention that Salema is a place that is best visited during the winter period since it is utterly different during the winter holidays. The village is less crowded from November to March, but the weather conditions are comparatively low, having an average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit; however, the weather conditions are perfect for indulging in long beach walks and various sightseeing. Off-season travel also makes it easier to pay for accommodation, and the place is not crowded, thus making it appropriate for people who want to escape the busy world.
Salema Accommodation
Luxury Resorts
However, very few 4- and 5-star sandy-beach hotels in Salema have excellent facilities such as a private beach, spa, and international restaurants. These resorts make it possible for tourists who wish to have a relaxing touch of luxury on their beach holiday.
Affordable Hotels and Guesthouses
Salema has many cheap accommodations, such as cheap guest houses, boutiques, hotels, and other accommodations. Most of these are within walking distance from the beach; this ensures that besides the accommodation being cheap and affordable, they have a traditional Portuguese look.
Vacation Rentals and c.rentals
If you are travelling with family or in a large company, then it is better to take a house or villa for rent for the trip. They usually include fully equipped kitchens, possibly balconies and gardens, and a lot of space, hence suitable for extended stays or for those who prefer or require privacy.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Salema is heaven for everyone, especially those who enjoy fresh fish and seafood. Some restaurants in the village offer traditional foods like sardines, barbecue, cataplana, a seafood dish from the Algarve, and the Octopus salad. The majority of these restaurants are situated along the beach. Therefore, the dining ambience is accompanied by the dialogue of the blue waters.
If you wish to take something Portuguese to your taste buds, many restaurants and bars in Salema sell wines from the Algarve region, including rich red and fresh white wines.
Day Trips from Salema
Salema is a place of considerable tourist interest as it is a good starting point for exploring the Algarve area. Lagos town is only a 15-minute away, with a beautiful marina, an old colonial city attraction, and incredible nightlife. To the west, there are Sagres and Cape St Vincent, famous for their cliffs and sea views and also as a historical reference to the Age of Discovery.
Silves, a town of Moorish castle and orange groves, is just a day trip away for a more leisurely outing. A Serra de Monchique mountain range for nature lovers offers rolling hills and hot springs.
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