Praia dos Salgados Holidays

There’s only a scattering of hotels in the protected area of Praia Dos Salgados, so views over the sprawling sandy beach and acres of countryside go barely interrupted by bricks and mortar. It’s a peaceful place to stay, without being completely cut off – just 20 minutes’ drive along the coast will get you to the bustling city of Albufeira where there’s nightlife, dining and shops on tap.

If you’re looking for enough space to play a game of beach rounders, Praia Dos Salgados is a great choice. Not only is it super-long and wide, it’s also flat as pancake. Its inland edge is fringed by swampy marshland, but getting to the sand is a doddle thanks to the wide, pushchair-friendly boardwalks. Keep an eye out for the pink-faced local residents dipping their toes in the water – the flamingos, of course.

Praia Dos Salgados makes a good base if you want to tick off some of the area’s family-friendly attractions. With its kid-sized rollercoasters and waterslides, the Zoomarine theme park is within easy daytripping distance. As is the Aqualand waterpark, which packs in just as much sliding fun.