Following in the Footsteps of Henry the Navigator
A cultural and scenic highlight is a visit to the southwestern tip of (Old) Europe at Cabo de São Vicente and Ponta de Sagres. The cliffs rise up to 70 meters from the sea. Along the shoreline, beautiful beaches form wide sweeping bays. The lighthouse's beacon at the cape extends 60 kilometers out to sea. In the 15th century, Henry the Navigator founded his legendary maritime academy (escola náutica) here. His ships set sail from here to explore unknown lands and sea routes. From your accommodation in Salema, it's just a few kilometers east to Lagos. The city awaits you with plenty of charm and numerous historic buildings, such as the 17th-century fort at the old harbor or the slave market, which is the oldest in Europe. Salema is also a top destination for nature lovers. The village is nestled within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, which stretches up the entire western coast of the Algarve to the north. Here, you can spot ospreys and white storks. Otters live along the coast. A historic hiking trail and a fisherman's path along the coast run through the entire area of the nature park for several hundred kilometers. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking.
The Algarve – Where the Fish Couldn't Be Fresher
You will love the simple, yet fresh cuisine of the Algarve! Near your holiday house or apartment in Salema, there are numerous small restaurants, bistros, and cafes. One of the greatest delights is the fish cuisine. In Salema, there are still some "real" fishermen who venture out into the Atlantic in their small boats using traditional fishing methods. The same goes for the excellent shellfish. Nearly all of the country's shellfish come from the Algarve – cockles, mussels, and the somewhat unusual goose barnacles. After fish, grilled specialties of beef and lamb are the most common items on restaurant menus. Vegetarians might find it challenging due to a lack of variety. However, the selection of wines more than compensates: Portuguese wines have made tremendous quality leaps over the past decades and can easily compete with those from Spain, France, and Italy, especially when it comes to indigenous grape varieties. Try wines from Dão, Douro, Alentejo, and the Algarve.
Salema: At the Southwestern Tip of Europe
The quaint village of Salema is located in the southwestern part of the Algarve on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, roughly halfway between Sagres and the city of Lagos. It is about 100 kilometers from Faro Airport. There are regular flights from Germany to Faro. Public transportation in the Algarve is quite limited, so it is advisable to reserve a rental car at Faro Airport. From there, follow the coastal road A22 past the popular holiday destinations Albufeira and Portimão. Just before you reach "the end of the world," turn left towards the ocean to find your vacation apartment or affordable private holiday home in Salema.