When people think of the Algarve, they often think of busy resorts. But in the west of the Algarve lies a completely different world. Around Budens and the fishing village of Salema you will find peace, rugged nature and beaches where you still have real space.
In this blog you will read what makes Budens in the Algarve so special and what there is to do.
Where is Budens?
Budens lies in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in the southwest of the Algarve. The parish of Budens also includes the coastal villages of Salema, Burgau, Boca do Rio and Figueira. A large part of the coast falls within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected nature park. As a result, the coast here is hardly built up.
Salema: a real fishing village
Salema is a small fishing village on a lovely beach. Colourful boats lie on the sand and in the streets you will find a few nice restaurants and cafés. The water here is often calm, so it is good for swimming.
A fun surprise: on the rocks at Praia da Salema you can see dinosaur footprints. The three-toed prints are around 140 million years old and are among the best preserved in the Algarve. You will find them on the rocks on the beach, look especially at low tide.
Praia da Boca do Rio
Between Salema and Burgau lies Praia da Boca do Rio, where a small river flows into the sea. The beach lies in a green valley and is usually wonderfully quiet. Next to the beach are the remains of a Roman settlement where fish used to be salted. Behind the beach is a wetland where you can spot many birds.
Burgau
Burgau is a small village with white houses climbing up the hill, with a beach at the foot of the village. A nice place for lunch with a sea view.
Walking around Budens
The area is ideal for walking. A beautiful route runs from Budens to Praia da Boca do Rio and on over the cliffs to Burgau. For a longer hike, you can follow the coast west from Salema towards Praia do Zavial. Bring plenty of water, as there are few facilities along the way.
Why choose Budens?
Budens is perfect if you are looking for peace and nature, but still within easy reach of beaches and villages. The town of Lagos is nearby and Sagres is also easy to reach for a day trip. A car is handy here, so you can easily explore all the beaches.
Staying in Budens
In Budens you will find Casa No Alto, a luxury villa with a private pool, sauna and gym. The perfect place to fully unwind after a day on the beach or a walk. Read more about the area on our page about Budens.