October 29, 2026
By: Gonçalo Figueira
Some corners of the Algarve ask you to choose between the beach, the golf course and a quiet day by the pool. Salgados lets you have all three. Set between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, this stretch of coast pairs a long sandy beach with an 18-hole golf course and one of the region's most important wetlands.
It is also home to our newest VIP villa, a private pool villa near Salgados Beach in the gated Herdade dos Salgados community. Here is how to make the most of a stay in Salgados.
Salgados sits in the central Algarve, close to Galé and Albufeira. Days here move at a relaxed pace, yet the wider coast is never far away.
From Herdade dos Salgados, the beach and the golf course are both within walking distance. That means fewer car journeys and more time doing what you came for, whether that is a morning round, a swim in the sea or a long lunch by the pool.
Praia dos Salgados runs for more than a kilometer, with golden sand backed by low dunes. It lies between Praia Grande to the west and Praia da Galé to the east, and its calm water makes it a good choice for a swim. For water sports, the beach is also popular for paddleboarding and kitesurfing.
When hunger strikes, Os Salgados, the beach restaurant, is known for fresh fish and seafood. For more beaches along the coast, see our guide to the best beaches in the Algarve.
The 18-hole Salgados golf course opened in 1994 and runs alongside the lagoon, close to the sea. For golfers staying in Herdade dos Salgados, it is within walking distance, so an early tee time is easy to fit around a beach day.
If you want to play more of the region, the Algarve is one of Europe's best-known golf destinations. Our guide to luxury experiences in the Algarve covers some of its top courses.
Just behind the beach lies Lagoa dos Salgados, a freshwater wetland of around 50 hectares separated from the sea by the dunes. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area, and more than 150 bird species are recorded here each year.
Depending on the season, you may see flamingos, spoonbills, avocets and herons, with large flocks of ducks in autumn and winter. Swimming in the lagoon is not allowed, as it is an important nesting area.
The best way to explore it is on foot. A wooden boardwalk of around 5 km links Salgados with Galé and continues west to Armação de Pêra. It is flat and accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, which makes it ideal for an early-morning walk or a sunset stroll.
West of Salgados, the coastline turns to golden cliffs, hidden coves and sea caves. Boat tours to the famous Benagil sea cave depart from nearby Armação de Pêra, making it an easy half-day outing.
For something more private, our team can help arrange a boat day along the coast, timed around your plans.
Neighboring Galé has its own beach and a relaxed, low-rise feel. On the clifftop at Praia da Galé, Vila Joya is one of the Algarve's most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants, worth booking well ahead for a special evening.
A short drive east, Albufeira offers a livelier change of scene, with its old town, marina and restaurants for every mood. For more ideas, see our Algarve beaches and villas travel guide.
To enjoy all of this at your own pace, our newest VIP villa sits within the gated Herdade dos Salgados community, with the beach and the golf course a short walk away.
The refurbished home pairs contemporary interiors with an easy indoor-outdoor flow. The lounge opens onto a wooden sun deck and private pool, with a covered al fresco dining and lounge area alongside for long lunches in the shade.
It sleeps six guests in three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning, around a fully equipped kitchen that is integrated with the dining area.
Every stay includes our complimentary 24/7 concierge. Kabir Singh, our Algarve ambassador, shapes your days around you, from tee times and boat days along the coast to dinner reservations, so every part of your stay feels effortless.
Explore this villa: Luxury Villa with Private Pool near Salgados Beach
Thinking about the Algarve? Enquire about this villa, tell us your dates and who is traveling, and our team will help you plan your stay in Salgados.
Where is Salgados in the Algarve? Salgados is on the central Algarve coast, between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, next to Galé.
Is Salgados Beach good for swimming? Yes. Praia dos Salgados is a long sandy beach with generally calm water, popular for swimming and paddleboarding.
Can you swim in Lagoa dos Salgados? No. The lagoon is a protected nesting area for birds, and swimming is not allowed. It is best enjoyed from the boardwalk.
Is there a golf course in Salgados? Yes. The 18-hole Salgados golf course runs alongside the lagoon, close to the beach.
Where can I stay in Salgados? Our newest VIP villa is in the gated Herdade dos Salgados community, with a private pool and the beach and golf course within walking distance.
How many guests does the villa sleep? The villa sleeps six guests in three en-suite bedrooms.
Gonçalo Figueira
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help maximize your property’s rental potential.
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