Salema is a simple fishing village, and has a few hotels, eternal fresh seafood, a classic beach and endless sun. It is also only an easy fifteen minute bus ride from Lagos.

Freshly caught seafood is on every menu of Salema's six or eight restaurants. Those that face the beach are the most fun, offering the best service, food and setting. The Atlantico is big, busy, right on the beach and especially atmospheric when the electricity goes out and candlelight takes over. The Boia Bar is quieter, with a knack for doing white fish just right. Mira Mar is the most intimate and the closest thing to a barbecue on the beach.

Salema's south-facing beach sits between golden cliffs at either end. The village street winds up the cliff on the eastern end of the beach, while the Atlantico restaurant/bar sits at mid-beach. The Atlantico seems to serve as the dividing line between the tourist beach and the working beach of the fishermen.

Portugal's Algarve coast stretches approximately 150 miles from the Spanish border, westward to Sagres at "Land's End". Salema sits approximately 15 miles east of this westernmost point. Only 15 years ago, the Algarve was still a mostly undiscovered tourist destination. That situation has changed quickly, with almost every pretty beach now being dominated by high-rise condos, similar to Spain's Costa del Sol. Salema is still an exception to that rule, and its relatively small beach will certainly limit the development. If you've ever planned to visit the Portuguese coast, Salema is still a magic slice of the Algarve.