Salema, Portugal: Coastal Hike & Yoga
- Route: Praia da Salema ↔ Praia da Figueira (round trip)
- Distance: ~ 7.6 km (4.72 mi)
- Duration: ~ 3 hr (2 hr hike, 1 hr Yoga Class)
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Rocky cliff paths, occasional steep descents to beaches, sandy stretches; some uneven ground
- Character: dramatic elevation changes, hidden coves, peaceful yet energising experience
Join us for a coastal adventure along one of the Algarve’s most expressive and varied cliffside paths.
We begin at Salema, a peaceful seaside village where a few brightly painted boats rest on the sand, and old stone slipways hint at its long maritime history. The setting feels timeless – ocean, cliffs, and the traces of communities that have lived on these shores for generations.
We meet at the western Salema viewpoint parking area, located just above the beach near the local church. This elevated spot offers open views over the bay, the ocean, and the golden curve of the beach below. Wide benches, open space, and the surrounding cliffs create a welcoming atmosphere – ideal for meeting before we step onto the trail.
From here, we follow the path westward and enter a landscape shaped by rugged limestone formations, aromatic coastal shrubs, and sweeping Atlantic views. The cliffs rise and fall in a dynamic rhythm, creating gentle climbs, wide ridgelines, and occasional steeper sections that reveal the shifting contours of the coastline.
As we approach Praia da Figueira, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more secluded. This sheltered bay is framed by protective rock rises and the remains of Forte de Vera Cruz, a 17th-century fort once used to defend this stretch of coast from pirate incursions and maritime threats. We descend to the beach and take a short break. In summer, we sometimes take a refreshing swim before heading back.
We then follow the same scenic route back to Salema, enjoying the breathtaking views from a different perspective.
On the beach, you will participate in a rejuvenating yoga session, moving through gentle stretches to enhance comfort and ease in the body, allowing you to relax and enjoy the calm of the evening.
The sands of Salema are also home to fossilised dinosaur footprints – a quiet reminder of the prehistoric events witnessed by the surrounding cliffs.
This activity is ideal for anyone seeking a unique experience in the Algarve near Lagos. A blend of scenic coastal hike and beach yoga in the peaceful surroundings of Salema will make your evening truly unforgettable.
Activity times follow seasonal light, weather and energy. Please refer to the season that applies to your visit.
Seasonal Schedule
| Spring | Thursdays | 4:30 – 7:30 pm |
| Summer | Thursdays | 5:30 – 8:30 pm |
| Autumn | Thursdays | 4:30 – 7:30 pm |
| Winter | – | – |
Season definitions:
• Spring – from the last Sunday of March until the end of May
• Summer – June to August
• Autumn – September until the end of daylight saving time (DST) in October
• Winter – no activities
Looking for a different day? Explore other Coastal Hike & Yoga routes
| PRICE: €35 | GROUP INFO: Min group size 2 people, Max group size 20 people. |
| MEETING POINT: Let’s meet at the cliff-top viewpoint parking above Salema Beach. Please note: there are two parking areas near the beach – the main beach-level parking and the elevated viewpoint parking, which has the town church behind it (marked as ‘Igreja’ on Google Maps). We will meet at the viewpoint parking, located on the west side of the beach. If you are facing the ocean, it will be on your right. FINISH POINT: Salema Beach. | TRANSPORTATION: You are responsible for your own transportation to and from Salema Beach parking place (the starting point of the hike). Some spaces in the car driving from/to Lagos are available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. Driving distance from Lagos: 18 km Driving time from Lagos: 22 min |
INHALO YOGA 