Salema and Burgau: Fishing Villages Near Lagos

Salema and Burgau are two of the last traditional fishing villages on the western Algarve coast, between Lagos and Sagres. Both have small, sheltered beaches, a relaxed pace and seafood restaurants. Salema even has dinosaur footprints on the rocks.

Quick answer: both villages are about 15 to 25 minutes west of Lagos. In Salema, look for the dinosaur footprints on the rocks at low tide and swim in the sheltered bay. In Burgau, enjoy the cliffside village and its small beach, then walk the clifftop path to Praia da Luz. See places to stay in Salema or in Burgau.

Salema

• The beach: a gentle bay with fishing boats pulled up on the sand.
• Dinosaur footprints: fossilised tracks on the rocks at the eastern end, visible at low tide.
• Seafood at the beachside restaurants.
• Nearby coves: Praia da Boca do Rio and Cabanas Velhas.

Burgau

• The village: whitewashed houses on a steep slope above a small beach.
• The coastal walk: a clifftop path east to Praia da Luz. See Praia da Luz.
• Calm and quiet: ideal for couples and families.

Nearby

• Lagos: see things to do in Lagos.
• Sagres: see Sagres.

Tips

• A car is useful, though buses run along the main road.
• Quiet evenings: for nightlife, head to Lagos.

More: the best Algarve villages and where to stay in the Algarve.

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