The Algarve – who doesn’t immediately think of stunning beaches and a refreshing dip in the sea? The beaches of Boca do Rio and Salema are the closest. We especially love the walk down to Salema beach – it’s one of our favourite routes. Both beaches are also just a few minutes away by car. If you’re heading to the beaches of Sagres or the surfer-favourite spots along the west coast, you should allow around 20 minutes by car.
Praia da Salema
The beach at Salema is the nearest serviced beach and only a few minutes away by car. Alternatively, a beautiful hiking trail leads from Budens to Salema. You should allow about an hour to walk the nearly 4 kilometres.
A few years ago, the beach was included in a British newspaper’s list of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The village of Salema nestles picturesquely into the surrounding hills. Although tourism is now the main source of income, fishermen and their boats still characterise the small promenade. In the village and on the beach there are several restaurants and bars, although many of them open only during the season.
For most of the year, you can enjoy views of the beach and the sea from the terrace of the Hotel-Restaurant Atlântico, or watch the surfers. At the western end of the beach, roughly at the level of a staircase leading up to a higher car park, you can find dinosaur footprints – unnoticed by most visitors. On the eastern half of the beach, the village feels far away; with the steep cliffs at your back, you feel close to nature.
Praia do Castelejo and Praia da Cordoama
The beaches of Castelejo and Cordoama are easily accessible by car. From Budens, it takes less than 20 minutes to get there. Both beaches are popular with surfers all year round thanks to their waves. During the season, equipment hire and courses are available. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can enjoy a coffee or a simple meal at the beachside restaurant on either Praia do Castelejo or Praia da Cordoama.
The long, white beach of Cordoama, stretching for about 1.8 km, is particularly inviting for walks beneath the black cliffs. At low tide, you can reach Praia do Castelejo via Pedra da Laje. The cliff leading to Praia da Barriga in the north can only be crossed when the tide is out.
Praia da Bardeira
Praia da Bardeira, near Carrapateira, is probably the biggest sandpit on the western Algarve. At its widest point, it stretches about 700 metres inland along the Ribeira da Bardeira. At low tide, you can walk almost 3 kilometres along the waves. In summer, when the river’s water no longer quite reaches the sea, children play in the warm shallows of the river mouth. The small beach hut, which serves drinks and snacks during the high season, stands deserted in winter and could easily serve as a backdrop for a Spaghetti Western.
It’s well worth climbing up the wooden steps and walkways at the southern end of the beach to take in the sweeping view of the vast sands, the cliffs, and the roaring sea.
In nearby Carrapateira, we recommend trying the lunchtime menu at the restaurant “O Pontal”.