Praia dos Salgados Algarve - a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean
1 / 10

Praia dos Salgados Algarve

4.6
·4k reviews·, Portugal

A vast, unspoiled beach in the Algarve, known for its dunes, marshlands, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for long walks and nature exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Praia dos Salgados Algarve - a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean

Praia dos Salgados Algarve

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Mild weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, unspoiled beach in the Algarve, known for its dunes, marshlands, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for long walks and nature exploration.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"Stunning beach with beautiful coves and soft sand - you can walk for miles!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is recommended for easy access to Praia dos Salgados and exploring the wider Algarve region.

🚶‍♀️ Walkway Wonders

Enjoy miles of walking along the beach or the dedicated wooden promenade, perfect for all fitness levels.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shoreline

Expansive Sandy Shoreline

Main beach area

Miles of soft, clean sand perfect for long walks and relaxation. Ideal for beachcombers and sunbathers.

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve

Ria Formosa Nature Reserve

Adjacent to the beach

Explore diverse wildlife and unique marshland landscapes. A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Sunset Spectacles

Sunset Spectacles

Western end of the beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the ocean. A truly magical and romantic experience.

Beachfront Bar & Restaurant

Beachfront Bar & Restaurant

Near the main access point

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies with stunning ocean views. Book ahead in summer!

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Natural Beauty

Praia dos Salgados is a vast, unspoiled beach known for its dunes and marshlands. It's perfect for long walks and enjoying nature, but be mindful of strong currents if swimming. The nearby Ria Formosa Nature Reserve offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Summer Season Buzz

During summer, Praia dos Salgados can get busy, especially the beach bar/restaurant. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Beautiful sunsets, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Dramatic stormy seas, quiet
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#algarve #portugal #albufeira🇵🇹 #praiadossalgados
@estelaluanaa82
62 likes • 4.7K views

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is recommended for easy access to Praia dos Salgados and exploring the wider Algarve region. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkway Wonders

Enjoy miles of walking along the beach or the dedicated wooden promenade, perfect for all fitness levels. Instagram

Best walk to do in Albufeira 🇵🇹☔️ This is the perfect program to do during the weekends in the winter This beach is called praia dos salgados and it tames less then 20min. By car to reach here from albufeira. SAVE THIS TIKTOK for your next trip to albufeira and share it with someone who is visiting Portugal! #praiadossalgados #salgados #albufeira🇵🇹 #rainydays #rainydaysportugal #walk #portugal
@emiliahellbom
54 likes • 5K views
Praia dos Salgados/Albufeira/Algarve Mais um dia de praia. Hoje está assim...
amlpereira1956
0 likes • 504 views

🌊 Beware of Currents

While beautiful, the ocean can have strong currents. Swim with caution and stay aware of conditions. Reddit

☀️ Summer Reservations

If visiting in summer, book tables at the beach restaurant well in advance. It gets very busy! Reddit

O VidaMar Algarve celebra 11 anos! 🍾🏝️  A piscina exterior com acesso direto à Praia dos Salgados continua a ser um dos locais preferidos dos nossos hóspedes. Se já fez parte da nossa história, partilhe connosco qual é o seu lugar especial no VidaMar Algarve.   VidaMar Algarve celebrates 11 years! 🍾🏝️ The outdoor pool with direct access to Praia dos Salgados remains one of our guests' favorite spo...
vidamarresorts
450 likes • 24.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car is Essential

A car is recommended for easy access to Praia dos Salgados and exploring the wider Algarve region. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkway Wonders

Enjoy miles of walking along the beach or the dedicated wooden promenade, perfect for all fitness levels. Instagram

🌊 Beware of Currents

While beautiful, the ocean can have strong currents. Swim with caution and stay aware of conditions. Reddit

☀️ Summer Reservations

If visiting in summer, book tables at the beach restaurant well in advance. It gets very busy! Reddit

📸 Sunset Photography

The sunsets here are incredible! Bring your camera to capture the vibrant colors over the sea. TikTokInstagram

🍹 Beachside Cocktails

Check out the 'We Love Fruits' cocktail shack for refreshing drinks right by the car park. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praia dos Salgados is lauded as a beautiful, unspoiled beach with vast stretches of soft sand, ideal for long walks and relaxation. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty, the adjacent nature reserve, and the stunning sunsets. While generally peaceful, the summer season can bring crowds, especially to the popular beach restaurant, and swimmers should be mindful of strong currents.

"Great beach, not too busy, has loads of folk walking along the shoreline. Fab sand, not too coarse like some. Fab waves! Felt a bit string for the current though, I wouldn't go too deep. Great for a relaxing afternoon. Very clean."

Diane McGhie

"Stunning beach with beautiful coves and soft sand- you can walk for miles and miles and can cut off when tide is in as there is a lovely walkway to continue the walk . Very well set up and only seen this in Jersey from all my travels - beach walkers dream"

Bafs Mak

"Wonderful beach - unspoilt, quiet and bursting with wildlife. We went twice, one time during a storm which was humbling - the waves were incredible and once on a hot sunny day where the breakers were invigorating, the sand was red hot and it seemed like we were the only people there."

Mac Saxe

What People Like

Vast, soft sand
Unspoiled natural beauty
Spectacular sunsets

What People Dislike

Strong ocean currents
Summer crowds at restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Praia dos Salgados is by car, as it offers a convenient parking area. It's located near the Salgados Resort and Herdade dos Salgados. InstagramReddit Some accommodations like VidaMar Algarve and The Westin Salgados offer easy access or are located nearby. Instagram+1

Public transport options are limited directly to the beach. While buses serve Albufeira, you may need a taxi or ride-sharing service from the nearest bus stop to reach Praia dos Salgados. Renting a car is generally recommended for flexibility. Instagram

There is a car park available near the beach access, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. InstagramReddit

The beach has a wooden promenade that offers a more accessible way to enjoy the surroundings, though direct access to the sand might be challenging for some. Instagram

Praia dos Salgados is located a short drive from Albufeira center, typically around 15-20 minutes by car. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Praia dos Salgados is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the sand and sea freely. TikTok

The beach is accessible at all times, though facilities like the beach bar may have specific operating hours, especially outside of peak season. TikTok

Parking at Praia dos Salgados is generally free, especially in the main car park area. Instagram

Yes, Praia dos Salgados is accessible year-round. It offers different experiences, from sunny summer days to dramatic winter storms. TikTok+1

Access to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve itself is generally free, though guided tours or specific visitor centers might have associated costs. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy long walks along the shore, relax on the soft sand, swim (with caution due to currents), and explore the adjacent nature reserve. Sunsets are a major draw. TikTokInstagramReddit

The beach has nice waves, but visitors should be aware of potentially strong currents. It's advisable to swim with caution and stay aware of the conditions. Reddit

Basic facilities are usually available near the main access points, including restrooms. Showers might also be present. Instagram

The sand is described as soft and not too coarse, making it pleasant for walking and sunbathing. Reddit

Yes, the adjacent Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is home to a variety of fauna, making it a great spot for wildlife observation. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a popular beach bar/restaurant located on the beach, known for its seafood and desserts. Booking is essential during summer. TikTokReddit

The restaurant serves fantastic seafood and local dishes. Their coconut pudding is a highly recommended treat. Reddit

Absolutely! There's a cocktail shack called 'We Love Fruits' near the car park offering refreshing fruit cocktails. TikTok

Yes, the Salgados Resort area and nearby Guia offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Instagram

Picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach, especially if you prefer a more secluded experience away from the restaurant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire stretch of beach offers stunning backdrops, especially during sunset. The wooden promenade and the dunes also provide unique photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Praia dos Salgados is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers. TikTokInstagram+1

The nature reserve is a fantastic place for wildlife photography, with diverse bird species and unique flora. TikTok

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the beach. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. TikTok

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for beach photography. Sunsets are particularly dramatic here. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praia dos Salgados offers a great environment for families. The soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles, and the wooden promenade provides a safe and easy way for little ones to explore without getting too sandy. While swimming, parents should be extra vigilant due to potential strong currents, so sticking to the shallows or enjoying the sand is often best. The nearby nature reserve also offers educational opportunities about local wildlife. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers & Walkers

This beach is a dream for walkers! The expansive shoreline allows for miles of uninterrupted strolling, and the well-maintained wooden promenade offers an alternative route with beautiful views, especially if the tide is in. Instagram+1 The proximity to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve also provides opportunities for nature walks and birdwatching, making it a versatile destination for those who love to stay active outdoors. TikTok

📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers

Praia dos Salgados is a paradise for photographers, particularly those chasing stunning sunsets. The wide-open horizon and the interplay of light on the sand and sea create dramatic and beautiful scenes. TikTokInstagram The natural landscape of dunes and the adjacent nature reserve also offer unique photographic subjects. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the essence of this Algarve gem. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural Landscape

Praia dos Salgados is more than just a beach; it's a gateway to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. This protected area is a vital wetland ecosystem, characterized by its lagoons, salt marshes, and dunes. It's a haven for a diverse array of birdlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors can explore this unique environment via the wooden promenade that runs alongside the beach, offering stunning views and a chance to observe the local flora and fauna up close. TikTokInstagram+1

The beach itself is vast and often windy, with a long stretch of soft sand that invites leisurely strolls. The dunes play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem, providing habitat and protecting the land from erosion. It's this blend of expansive beach and delicate natural reserve that gives Praia dos Salgados its unspoiled charm. InstagramReddit

The Magic of Sunset at Salgados

Praia dos Salgados is consistently praised for its spectacular sunsets. As the day winds down, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, reflecting beautifully on the ocean and wet sand. This makes it a must-visit for sunset lovers and photographers alike. TikTokInstagram+2 The western orientation of the beach provides unobstructed views of the sun dipping below the horizon, creating a truly magical and peaceful atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors find the sunset experience to be a highlight of their trip to the Algarve. It's the perfect time for a romantic stroll along the shore or simply to sit back and soak in the natural beauty. The changing light offers a different perspective on the beach, making it a memorable part of any visit. TikTokInstagram

Dining and Relaxation

For those looking to refuel or simply enjoy a drink with a view, Praia dos Salgados offers a beachfront bar and restaurant. This establishment is known for its fantastic seafood and local specialties, with the coconut pudding being a particular standout. TikTokReddit During the busy summer months, it's highly recommended to book a table in advance to secure a spot, as it can get quite crowded. Reddit

Beyond the main restaurant, there's also a charming cocktail shack named 'We Love Fruits' located near the car park, offering refreshing fruit-based drinks perfect for a hot day. TikTok This provides a more casual option for refreshments while enjoying the beach. The presence of these amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, allowing for a full day of relaxation and enjoyment by the sea. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2