An unknown paradise - Salema and surroundings
Salema beach
Salema Eco Camp locates at Salema, a fishing village in the civil parish of Budens, municipality of Vila do Bispo, Algarve, that has a beach with the same name, Praia da Salema.
Recognised by The Guardian and The Telegraphas “One of the world’s 50 best beaches” and one of the best in the “family category” and by the Travel & Leisure magazine as “one of the world’s most beautiful secret beaches”, this place will receive all those who come here with its arms wide open.
Part of Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina), Salema is a fishing port where people can watch fishing vessels returning to land after a day of labour.
Rua dos Pescadores is the oldest historical heritage of Salema. And the several old images depicted in a number of restaurants in this village are the proof of that.
Salema’s human past goes back to a Prehistoric time with about 8 thousand years as confirmed by the archaeological remains found in the vicinity of this village. The Romans have also left behind significant evidences of their preference for this area.
By preserving its unique, diversified Natural, Cultural and Landscape Heritage, the village of Salema presents itself as an authentic gem between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
In this secret village, still protected from crowds, where life is simple and serenity is queen, there is a small treasure with millions of years. Footprints from dinosaurs that inhabited this region more than 140 million years ago!
There are dozens of footprints spread around Praia da Salema and Praia Santa. First footprints were found 20 years ago in Praia da Salema, but this fact is still unknown to many Algarve residents.
Access to footprints in Praia Santa is much more difficult and winding. And please note that you will not discover these footprints without being accompanied by a guide.
Costa Vicentina Natural Park
“Everything changes where the motorway ends. Suddenly, just beyond Lagos, there are no more superstores, no more water parks, no more billboards for party nights (…) wind down the window and the scent of eucalyptus and ozone-packed sea aromas floods in (…) The Costa Vicentina is just perfect for those of us still nostalgic for the innocent pleasures of European seaside holidays as they used to be before the crowds descended”.
Travelling through the West Coast is crossing landscapes worthy of any postcard that “harbour” the Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. Is finding these magnificent places with a wide variety of plants that make the most magnificent picture, regardless of being taken by a professional or an amateur photographer.
Is finding a wild, still hidden Algarve that brings along an unmatched, special energy. This magical place, much loved by hippies and surfers, promises to continue to have many hidden secrets.
