The walk from Salema to Praia da Luz is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the Algarve and forms part of the Fishermen’s Trail, a long-distance hiking route within the Rota Vicentina network. Stretching for 12 km along dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, this stage is known for its breathtaking ocean views, rugged landscape, and easy-to-follow paths. It’s easily one of the most scenic day hikes in Southern Portugal.
The beautiful Praia da Luz between the towns of Salema and Lagos.
Route Overview: Salema to Praia da Luz
- Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: 409 m
- Elevation loss: 420 m
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Start: Salema Beach
- Finish: Praia da Luz Beach
- Route: Salema → Burgau → Praia da Luz
- Trail marking: Blue and green stripes of the Fishermen’s Trail
The Fishermen’s Trail is part of the larger Rota Vicentina, a collection of well-marked hiking routes that cross Portugal’s wild Alentejo and Algarve coastline.
Where Does the Walk Start and Finish?
Starting point: Salema Beach
The hike begins directly on Salema Beach. At the western end of the sand you’ll find an information board explaining the trail. If you want a longer adventure, you can combine this stage with the Sagres to Salema route.
Praia do Boca de Rio is a wild, undeveloped beach just past Salema.
Finishing point: Praia da Luz
The trail ends at the beach in Praia da Luz, a lively coastal town. From here, you can continue hiking the Fishermen’s Trail towards Lagos if you want to extend your walk. Luz to Lagos is a fantastic hike of about 12 km that takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. At Luz beach there are plenty of nice coffee shops where you can take a break overlooking the beach. This is a good spot to call an Uber from or take a bus.
Difficulty – How Hard Is the Trail?
The Salema to Praia da Luz walk is generally easy and suitable for most hikers. Expect numerous short ascents and descents as the route follows the cliffs, but nothing technical or difficult.
Weather conditions can be a bit challenging. The Algarve gets very hot and very windy at times, and the trail offers no shade, so start early in summer.
Can You Walk the Trail in Either Direction?
Yes. The trail is clearly marked in both directions, meaning you can hike:
- Salema → Praia da Luz, or
- Praia da Luz → Salema
The blue and green markers appear on rocks, poles, trees, and even pavements.
Green and blue lines mark the Fishermen´s Trail.
Best Time of Year to Walk
The Algarve enjoys sunshine year-round, so this hike is possible in any season.
- July & August: Extremely hot (often 30°C by 9 am). Start at sunrise if walking during these months.
- Spring & Autumn: Ideal temperatures and clear skies.
- Winter: Mild, quiet, and scenic.
If you love dramatic coastal landscapes, also consider two other iconic Algarve walks:
- The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail near Lagoa
- The Trail of the Headlands near Ferragudo
Both offer remarkable clifftop views.
Highlights Along the Salema to Praia da Luz Trail
Salema Beach
A golden-sand beach with plenty of cafés and restaurants. Busy in summer; peaceful in winter.
Boca do Rio Beach
A wild and undeveloped bay. One of our favorite beaches to go to when you want to get away from people in summer.
Almádena Fort
17th-century cliff-top ruins offering sweeping coastal panoramas.
The small Praia das Cabanas Velhas is a beautiful beach with blue flag status, a restaurant and some other facilities.
Praia das Cabanas Velhas
A Blue Flag beach with a restaurant and seasonal sunbed rentals.
Praia dos Rebolos
A remote beach accessible only by boat.
Burgau
A charming fishing village halfway along the route. Narrow cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and a beautiful sandy bay make it a perfect lunch or coffee stop.
Burgau is a a charming town with narrow cobbled streets, traditional white-washed houses, a beautiful beach, and many restaurants and cafes.
Praia da Luz
A popular beach town with a long sandy shoreline. Crowded from June to September, quiet and relaxed outside peak season. Nice cafes and restaurants on the beach.
How to Get to Salema
By Bus from Lagos
Take Bus #47 (Lagos → Sagres) which stops in Salema.
- Travel time: 35 minutes
- Price: Around €5
- Departs at regular intervals
- Timetable varies seasonally—check the official site for updates.
By Uber or Taxi
Uber is widely available across the Algarve.
Expect to pay from €5 depending on distance and season.
Get from Praia da Luz to Lagos
Uber is the easiest way to get from Praia da Luz to Lagos. Public bus is another option.
- Take ONDA Bus Line #4
- Departures roughly every 30 minutes
- Journey time: ~20 minutes
- Ticket price: €1.50
Walking on the promenade of the beautiful Lagos town at sunset.
Salema to Praia da Luz – Trail Description
Option to Walk Only Part of the Route
You can split the hike:
- Salema → Burgau (6.5 km)
- Burgau → Praia da Luz (5.5 km)
If choosing only one section, most hikers prefer the Salema to Burgau half for its untouched landscapes.
Part 1: Salema to Burgau (6.5 km)
This idyllic stretch features:
- Wild, unspoiled beaches
- Impressive cliff formations
- Quiet paths with fewer people
- Some of the most dramatic scenery on the Fishermen’s Trail
Burgau makes a wonderful halfway stop, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and a photogenic beachfront.
Part 2: Burgau to Praia da Luz (5.5 km)
Still scenic but more developed, this section passes numerous villas, holiday homes, and resorts. Expect more foot traffic, but still enjoy uninterrupted views of the coastline.
What to Pack for the Hike
For this easy day walk, pack light but prepare for sun exposure.
Where to Stay in Salema
The basic furnished TP tents and glamping tents in Salema Eco Camp are very nice to stay in.
Where to Stay in Praia da Luz
Stingy Nomads Fishermen´s Trail T-shirt
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