We recently returned from a delightful family holiday in Salema, Portugal filled with sunshine, good food, and plenty of exploring. With our love for hiking, we decided to explore the streets of Salema and walk along the coastal path towards Praia da Boca do Rio, eventually reaching Forte de Almádena.
With our adventurous 11-year-old daughter and fossil-hunting 8-year-old son in tow, we set off for a morning of exploring on our Salema coastal walk, enjoying beautiful panoramic clifftop views, shell hunting, butterflies and more.
Join us as I share our memories and this family adventure in words and pictures.
Pretty Salema Houses
Our walk began in the heart of Salema, where charming whitewashed houses topped with terracotta roofs line the cobbled streets behind Salema beach.
Decorative details like painted flowers and colourful tiles added to the village’s picturesque charm.
One street particularly captivated our children, with houses adorned with animal mosaics – a delightful scavenger hunt waiting to be discovered!
Check out my slideshow of images of the streets and houses of Salema in Portugal:
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal 
Streets and houses of Salema in Portugal
Salema Coastal Walk to Praia da Boca do Rio
Across the road from the last house in the above gallery, the pretty white house with yellow painted windows and purple flowers climbing its exterior wall, we joined the rocky red coastal path to begin our Salema coastal walk to Forte de Almádena.
As we left the village and walked along the coastal path, we were immediately immersed in the vibrant beauty of the Algarve at this time of year.
Lush greenery surrounded us, and vibrant wildflowers, blooming in February sunshine, painted the landscape with colour. Beneath our feet, the red-hued path, a reminder of the region’s Jurassic-era coastline, added a unique touch to the scenery.
Reaching the cliffs, we were met with breathtaking views of Salema. The village and its beach stretched out below us, offering an idyllic picture-postcard moment.
Continuing our walk, the stunning Praia da Boca do Rio with its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs gradually came into view.
A sign for butterfly spotting piqued our interest, and sure enough, we spotted butterflies with vibrant yellow, orange, and almost neon wings, making our walk even more magical.
Praia da Boca do Rio
Praia da Boca do Rio itself is a small, picturesque cove. Large rocks and pebbles frame the beach, offering a haven for exploring and seeking treasures.
Armed with excitement, our children eagerly searched for shells and fossils, their efforts rewarded with the discovery of a particularly large shell – perhaps the biggest we’ve ever found on a beach!
A gentle reminder to be cautious came in the form of a cliff fall warning sign.
Erosion poses a risk at the western end of the beach, so we ensured we stayed within safe boundaries.
The beach also serves as a popular spot for campervans, with several parked on the road behind the beach, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of the Algarve.
Forte de Almádena
After a short break on the beach, we continued our adventure towards our final destination – Forte de Almádena.
The path leading up to the fort was a steep but scenic climb, feeling like a walk through a forest formed by tall trees.
Coastal flowers bloomed along the way, and we were once again joined by many colourful and vibrant butterflies fluttering amongst the greenery.
Reaching the top of the path, we emerged onto a road leading directly to the fort. To our surprise, we were the only ones there, enjoying the solitude of this historic landmark.
Forte de Almádena, a substantial ruin perched on the edge of the cliff, offered a glimpse into the region’s past.
We explored the accessible areas of the fort, marvelling at the remnants of its structure and taking in the panoramic views of the coastline.
The vast expanse of the blue sea stretched out before us, while on either side, the dramatic cliffs provided a dramatic backdrop.
Soaking in the beauty and history of the fort, we knew it was time to head back to Salema. Of course, the return journey was just as enjoyable, allowing us to relive the sights and sounds of the coastal path and the charming village of Salema!
Our family adventure from Salema to Forte de Almádena was filled with discovery and exploration. From the quaint streets of Salema to the rugged coastline and historic fort, it was a journey to remember.
Combining a visit to Praia da Boca do Rio and Forte de Almádena can make for a great day trip, offering a chance to relax on the beach, explore historical ruins, and enjoy the beautiful Algarve scenery. Just be mindful, there are no facilities here, only nature itself mixed in with ruins.
What can you tell me about Praia da Boca do Rio?
Praia da Boca do Rio is a small, secluded beach located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It’s known for its natural beauty, with golden sands and clear waters. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. Praia da Boca do Rio is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling.
What can you tell me about Forte de Almádena in the Algarve in Portugal?
Forte de Almádena is a historic fortification situated near Praia da Boca do Rio, located along the coastal path on the located on the eastern side of the beach. It was built in the 17th century to defend the coast from pirate attacks. The fort was heavily damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and subsequently abandoned.
Today, the fort serves as a cultural and historical attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime history.
Today, the fort is a popular spot for Algarve hiking and exploring the ruins. It provides panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
Where are Praia da Boca do Rio and Forte de Almádena?
Praia da Boca do Rio, also known as Praia de Almádena, and the nearby Forte de Almádena (Fort of the River Mouth) are located in the western Algarve region of Portugal, between the towns of Salema and Burgau.
More things to do nearby:
If you are looking for more adventures not far, a short drive to Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse offers picturesque landscape and rugged beauty at mainland Europe and Portugal’s Land’s End. From here you can explore Praia do Castelejo a beach on the other side of the Faro district with contrasting cliffs to the Salema coastline.
Check out the amazing dinosaur Footprints in Salema at the end of the beach fossilised into the flat rock beds!
Need somewhere to stay? We recommend NAU Salema Beach Village Accommodation where we recently stayed after flying from the UK with Ryanair and only packing an underseat bag for one week each! Find out how we managed to visit Salema in Portugal on a budget.
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