Last week, my family and I embarked on a delightful getaway to Salema, a tranquil fishing village nestled in the heart of the Algarve, Portugal. Travelling during the February half term with our two children, aged 8 and 11, we sought a destination that promised relaxation, scenic coastal paths for hiking, winter sun (maybe even warm enough to catch some rays!) with accommodation a stone’s throw from the beach.

Salema, with its unspoiled coastline and picturesque surroundings, looked to exceed our expectations, offering a serene escape from the bustling crowds often associated with popular tourist destinations like Lagos in Portugal at this time of year or the Costa Del Sol in Spain. Just an hour’s drive from Faro airport and around 6 hours in total door-to-door from Newquay, the location looked perfect for our family holiday.

The promise of fossilized dinosaur footprints hidden in the cliffs sealed the deal for our adventure-loving kids!

And indeed, Salema Beach did not disappoint. It captivated us with its tranquil charm, hidden gems, and stunning natural beauty. Read on to learn more specifically about my thoughts on the beach itself, Praia da Salema.

Our Experience at Tranquil Salema Beach

Salema’s tranquil nature and proximity to Faro airport ticked all the boxes for our family holiday, but what would the beach be like?

Luckily, Salema Beach stole our hearts. Imagine pristine golden sand, perfect for sandcastle masterpieces, lapped by calm, refreshing waves.

While February meant having the beach practically to ourselves (except for the occasional adventurous surfer or bodyboarder), the weather surprised us – sunny skies and temperatures reaching 20°C!

Salema Beach was just a short 500-meter stroll from our accommodation, which meant we visited it every day, even if we visited other places each day. Unlike the crowded shores of larger resorts, Salema offered us the luxury of solitude.

Our time on Salema Beach was filled with leisurely strolls along the shore, searching for fascinating fossils and seashells in the rocky outcrops to the left of the beach, as you face the sea, and marvelling at the dinosaur footprints fossilised into the cliffs and rocks at the other end.

One evening stroll along the beach after dinner (around 6 pm) confirmed Salema’s peaceful nature – the beach was deserted and we had the entire beach to ourselves!

On Friday and Saturday, we witnessed a noticeable increase in visitor numbers enjoying the beach each day, although it remained considerably quieter than the Algarve’s usual hotspots. It retained its tranquil ambience.

Delightful Dining by the Sea

Though serene, Salema offers a delightful culinary scene. Right on the beach, the modern Atlantico restaurant beckoned with its contemporary decor and tiki parasols. We enjoyed a delicious vegan-friendly curry (upon request), fresh vegan salad, and refreshing drinks.

The staff were accommodating of our vegan diets and requests. They also recommended a delicious rose prosecco which was very much enjoyed at the end of our holiday as we looked out to the ocean and reminisced about all our memories made in Salema and the surrounding areas. They even let us enjoy takeaway ciders to sit on the beach and watch the waves on our final evening.

Other dining options in the vicinity include sushi (with lots of vegan-friendly options), pizza, curry, and charming bars, catering to diverse tastes. While not extensive, the few eateries comfortably serve the quaint village and avoid overwhelming crowds.

Family-Friendly Facilities at Salema Beach?

The golden sands of Salema Beach provided endless free entertainment in Salema for our children, who eagerly indulged in sandcastle building and beachside frolics!

The calm waves were perfect for our children to safely paddle and play – a stark contrast to the chilly waters back home in Newquay in February where winter wetsuits are needed at the same time of year. My husband and children braved the waters for a swim in their swimming costumes and did not feel too cold at all. The warm weather of south Portugal no doubt helped us brave the sea a lot more!

The dinosaur footprints at the end of the beach were a star attraction and led to lots of interesting conversations!

While we encountered no public toilets directly on the beach, our 500m proximity to our townhouse accommodation at NAU Salema Beach Village and the friendly staff at Atlantico ensured bathroom needs were always met.

I need to note here that there were no lifeguards in February on Salema Beach and I do not know if they have them in summer. So it’s vital to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on younger family members, particularly when near the water.

Exploring Beyond the Beach: Salema’s Coastal Paths

Our quest for Algarve coastal walks wasn’t disappointed. Salema’s location provided stunning scenery on either side, offering endless paths for peaceful exploration to more stunning beaches such as Praia Santa and Praia de Figueira in one direction and Praia da Boca do Rio and Forte de Almádena in the other.

The lack of development in the satellite images proved true, and we revelled in the unspoiled natural beauty along winding red paths through overflowing greenery, wildflowers and succulents.

Final Verdict of Salema Beach for Families in February

Salema Beach is a perfect winter escape for families seeking tranquillity, natural beauty, and a genuine Portuguese experience. While certain amenities might be limited compared to larger resorts, the charm, quietude, and stunning scenery more than make up for them.

If you hate the crowds and the high-rises and prefer a quieter resort, then Salema Beach and its many accommodation options within walking distance to the beach could be perfect for your family too. Especially if you visit during the quieter months when you can get a much more affordable holiday in Salema too!

While I rarely revisit holiday destinations, Salema has left us yearning to return for its unique charm, peaceful ambience and escape from the crowds.

Before you go… check out how we managed to pack for this 7-night trip in Ryanair underseat baggage only!

Looking for more places to explore nearby? On the western side of the Algarve you will discover black cliffs and golden sands at Praia do Castelejo.