Category: Nature > Beach
District: Faro > Vila do Bispo > Salema
Salema Beach is located within the small village of the same name, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. The sandy stretch extends along a sheltered bay, nestled at the base of coastal cliffs that frame the landscape. Reaching the beach is simple and direct, with the sandy area easily accessible from the village.
Maintaining a strong connection to its fishing origins, Salema Beach shares its sands with the activity of local fishermen. It is common to see colorful boats on the sand and observe the work with fishing gear, a visible testament to the village's long maritime tradition. This environment gives the beach a unique character and a certain tranquil feel, especially outside the peak season.
Salema Beach stretches for about one kilometer of sand in a natural embrace, formed by a sheltered bay. At its extremities, imposing cliffs rise. These rock formations have a remarkable geological history, dating back to the Lower Cretaceous Period, giving them an approximate age of 150 million years.
One of the most fascinating features of Salema Beach is found in the rock formations at its western end. There, near an access area with stairs, fossilized dinosaur footprints can be observed. These vestiges of the distant past, documented by specialists in 2001, are signposted on site, allowing visitors to contemplate marks left millions of years ago.
The waters in Salema bay tend to be calm during summer, making it suitable for swimming and for children to play safely on the sand. Recognized for its cleanliness, the beach proudly displays the Blue Flag. For added peace of mind, lifeguards are present during the bathing season, and access is available to facilitate the arrival of people with reduced mobility. The conditions also invite the practice of certain water activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddle.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.0650998,-8.8241962
Coordinates DMS: 37°03'54.4"N 08°49'27.1"W