The Coastal Walk from Salema to Praia Santa: Where Wild Beauty Begins

Our hike began in the charming village of Salema, where we stayed at a very accommodating NAU Salema luxury townhouse for a week’s winter sun holiday from the UK.

Whitewashed houses hug the Salema coastline and before exiting Salema beach, there are fossilised dinosaur footprints in the cliffs of Salema which can be viewed in person at low to mid tide, or from the wooden steps above at high tide.

Praia Santa: Secluded Serenity

Praia Santa is a serene retreat for those seeking tranquillity. Its secluded location, accessed via winding rocky paths, makes it a challenge to reach, but therein lies its charm. With no amenities, roads, or facilities, it remains a natural, untouched oasis.

The sand, a shimmering golden hue, is framed by majestic cliffs that tower above. As waves crash against the rocks and formations, the scene is mesmerizing, especially during mid to high tide. The rhythmic sound of the waves brings a sense of peace as if you’ve found paradise in solitude.

Flat rock beds provide ideal spots for picnics or simply gazing out at the ocean. During low tide, one can wander around the large rocks to reach the adjacent beach, Praia da Figueira.

However, at high tide, the sea cuts off access, necessitating a detour around the cliffy rocks. Painted colours on rocks mark the walkways, while a path along the cliff’s edge, though barely noticeable, offers an alternative route. For those with mobility concerns or a preference to avoid the rocky climb, longer woodland hikes also lead to Praia da Figueira.

I should probably note, that as we entered the beach at Praia Santa, we were surprised to spot a nudist couple sunbathing on the other side of the rocks! It was a sight unfamiliar to the children, prompting explanations about naturist beaches and their prevalence in mainland Europe compared to the UK. As our hike continued, encountering more naturists made the sight seem increasingly ordinary, and the children’s questions gradually subsided.

Exploring the Historic Forte de Vera Cruz

Before reaching the sands of Praia da Figueira, the cliff is home to the ruins of an historical fort called Forte de Vera Cruz.

It perches high on the cliffs overlooking Figueira Beach, however, its charm has slightly been ruined by graffiti tags!

The fort’s elevated position offers commanding views of Figueira Beach and the breathtaking Algarve coastline, showcasing the region’s beauty against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia da Figueira: Where Rustic Charm Meets Wild Beauty

Continuing our journey along the rugged coastal path that hugged the cliffs, we descended towards our next destination: Praia da Figueira. As we left the historic Forte de Vera Cruz behind, the breathtaking landscape unfolded before us.

Praia da Figueira greeted us with its deserted golden sands and panoramic views of turquoise waters and lush green hills adorned with trees, plants, and wildlife. A natural pond added to the picturesque scene just beyond the beach.

We climbed carefully down the cliff path which would only be suitable for those with good mobility, through the foliage, over wobbly stepping stones across a brook, and across grassy terrain to the beach.

Again, this is another lesser-known beach of the Algarve with unspoiled beauty and limited access through the surrounding countryside on foot only. This rustic beach, untouched by development, exudes a timeless charm. Backed by golden cliffs, its golden sand stretches out, meeting the turquoise water in a gentle embrace.

Praia da Figueira offers a true escape from the ordinary and the hustle and bustle of crowds, especially in mid-February when we practically had the entire beach to ourselves. The inviting water beckoned us, prompting a pause for a picnic. While a lone picnic bench and stone circles hinted at human presence, the beach retained its natural serenity.

We laid out beach towels and indulged in our pre-prepared picnic food, with our enthusiastic 8-year-old son eagerly making a beeline for the sea after quickly devouring his meal!

With the air a warm 20 degrees and the sun shining bright, my husband and children frolicked in the waves while I enjoyed watching from afar, relishing the peace and finishing my lunch!

Praia da Andorinha: A Secret Cove for Adventurers

At low tide, you can venture further along the coastline along a lengthy strip of golden sands, via the beach instead of the coastal cliff paths, to discover Praia da Andorinha, another beach beloved for its natural and unspoilt splendour.

The stretch of sand between Praia Figueira and Praia da Andorinha is backed by dramatic cliffs made up of slanted layers and lush greenery above.

Praia da Andorinha is another stunning example of the beautiful Algarve coastline. It’s a peaceful beach perfect for sunbathing in privacy, wave watching, swimming or for a leisurely picnic overlooking the sea.

Exploring Praia da Andorinha’s Remarkable Cave and Rock Formations

At Praia da Andorinha, nature’s artistry is on full display with its stunning caves and rock formations.

These natural wonders include cliffside erosions that offer captivating views of the sea framed by the rugged cliffs, making it a perfect spot for photography.

Additionally, a large hole opens up to the sky, enhancing the dramatic landscape of this coastal gem.

These incredible rock formations serve as a unique feature separating Praia da Andorinha from Praia das Furnas. During low tide, visitors can traverse these formations, adding an adventurous element to the journey between the two beaches.

Praia das Furnas: A Vibrant Beach Scene

At the end of this coastal hike, through the amazing tunnel carved into the cliffs, we made it to the final destination and last possible beach to reach on this journey, Praia das Furnas.

Praia das Furnas presented a slightly livelier atmosphere compared to the secluded shores we had encountered earlier. Accessible by a nearby road, the beach welcomed several people enjoying the sea and sand. While not overly crowded, it was notably busier than the other beaches we had visited, with a mix of beachgoers from surfers and dog walkers to naturists soaking up the sun.

Surfers dotted the shoreline, with some stretching on the beach and others braving the waves. Among them, two foil surfers glided effortlessly across the water, adding a dynamic touch to the scene.

Despite the activity, there was a sense of tranquillity as regular surfers patiently awaited their perfect wave. Most of the waters on our hike were calm, but there was the odd large wave at this end of the sea, before a large headland cut off walking via beach to any further beaches.

At the back of the beach, there was a sizable pool of water where my 11-year-old delighted in splashing around for a brief moment.

We noticed several motorhomes parked nearby, which explained the increased activity on this beach. Its accessibility by road made it a popular spot, perhaps known for wild camping, attracting a mix of visitors enjoying the coastal scenery.

Final Impressions of Our Algarve Coastal Adventure

From the rugged cliffs to the untouched beaches, this secluded slice of the Algarve coast is a true gem waiting to be uncovered. Preferring tranquillity over crowds, this stretch of coastline suited us perfectly.

Of all the beaches, Furnas didn’t quite capture our hearts as much as the others. It was busier and lacked the secretive charm of the quieter spots. We saw more people at Furnas than all the other beaches combined! Our top picks were Figueira and Santa. Santa, although small, offered a sense of intimacy, while Figueira provided the space and seclusion we craved.

Our exploration mainly hugged the coastline, occasionally veering onto cliffside paths or through woodland, notably from Salema to Santa and then from Santa to Figueira. On our return journey, we opted for a different path, ascending through cliffside trails from Santa to Salema, revealing more stunning views, including a potential unnamed beach of pebbles and rocks.

Leaving this breathtaking region behind filled us with a hint of sadness as we returned to the UK. We’re already dreaming of returning to explore more cliffside walks and discover the beaches further west past Furnas.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, a free day out from Salema, or simply longing for a moment of serenity, this coastal hike promises an unforgettable and affordable Algarve experience, leaving you yearning to return time and time again.

Not ready to stop exploring this area? Why not visit the Land’s End of Europe just a little further in Portugal and the nearby beach Praia do Castelejo?

Or take a Salema coastal walk in the other direction to Praia da Boca do Rio and Forte de Almádena.

Also, you might find this interesting: how we packed for 7 nights in Ryanair’s tiny under seat baggage allowance!