Buga: 29.11.2021
After about an hour's drive, we arrive at the West Algarve. A huge eco campsite with different elevations. Thanks to our former Swiss neighbor, we knew that there is the most sun up on the mountain. So we took on the challenge and drove up the mountain. It would have been advantageous to have some orientation or a prior visit to the site. The roads are partly very narrow and super steep, so we make the car clutch stink mightily. It is probably the most exciting and fear-filled campsite approach we had to master so far with Polly. Just as we start setting up, we suddenly hear a 'Hello' from above. We look up and realize that the Swiss neighbor from next door is here. Everything feels a little strange, as he told us the night before that he wanted to stay longer in Olhao because he wanted to go to a dog group there with his dog. Afterwards, he gave us tips on where to best position ourselves in Salema this time of year. We feel a little bit stalked. We stay 8 nights and hardly have any conversations with him anymore, which we also prefer. But you quickly get into conversations with others. The audience is very mixed and everyone is always friendly and open. And as it should turn out, two days before departure, another motorhome with Göttingen license plates naturally drives into our street... There are many young families with toddlers and babies on the road, who are on parental leave and want to spend the winter in mild temperatures.
Salema itself is a small town right by the sea. Unfortunately, there is no proper footpath to get there. But by now, we are used to driving a car to all these great places. We also have to admit that the Wi-Fi on most campsites is just a disaster. So after a few days, we decide to get a Portuguese SIM card.
The absolute highlight are the many beaches in the immediate vicinity. We don't drive longer than 30 minutes to any beach. These huge and sometimes completely empty beaches are breathtaking and sometimes leave us speechless. We visit the following beaches:
- Praia do Beliche
- Praia da Cordama
- Praia da Salema
More great beaches will follow...