Burgau (Portugal) – The complete travel guide

Although Burgau is not nearly as big as Lagos, you can still easily spend a few hours here taking a walk, snorkelling or surfing and finding an excellent Portuguese lunch with a sea view.

There are a few places where you can park. Down by the beach (if you are early) or at the top around the Mais Perto Bakery and supermarket (where you absolutely have to try a freshly baked cinnamon bun ).

These are the top 6 sights in Burgau:

1. Praia da Burgau

Burgau Beach is a great place for a day at the beach when there is a north or west wind, thanks to the high cliffs on the west and north sides. In summer, the clear blue water is ideal for snorkelling, while in autumn, the surf schools make grateful use of the waves when there is an easterly swell.

Beach Bar Burgau serves excellent lunch dishes and you can try medronho , a local brandy. At the small but atmospheric outdoor bar A Prateleira you can get a cold glass of Somersby or Sagres at fair prices .

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2. The view from the Forte de Burgau ruins

The weather and wind have left little of the Forte de Burgau , which stood guard over the small fishing village for centuries. But the view from the top is timeless and just as beautiful as it was decades ago.

From here, take in Praia da Burgau from above, or turn around and take a short walk along the cliffs towards Luz , looking down on the glittering water and passing pleasure boats.

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3. Rua principal & rua 25 de Abril

Although an exact village centre cannot really be identified, there are three streets in Burgau that are worth exploring. These streets are lined with a number of artisanal gift shops, cafés and restaurants surrounded by old flowering shrubs and trees.

On Rua Principal you will find the Mais Perto supermarket/bakery/lunchroom next to KAiLUZ , a souvenir shop with handmade jewelry and souvenirs.

The Rua da Praia and the Rua 25 de Abril run parallel to each other towards the beach and along these steep roads you will find a number of restaurants, a handful of souvenir shops and, if you come in spring, many shrubs and trees in beautiful bloom .

Rua da Praia

Rua 25 de Abril

4. Praia das Cabanas Velhas

A few minutes drive from Burgau is the beautiful Praia das Cabanas Velhas beach. The last bit of unpaved road is a bit bumpy, but at the end of the 200 meter gravel road you are rewarded with a wide sandy beach with yellow-orange cliffs on both sides.

There is one beach bar here where live music is often heard at the weekend and on the east side of the beach you can climb and clamber on an old pier. When there are no waves, daredevils jump into the water from about 10 meters high and when there is an easterly swell, you can surf well here .

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5. Forte de Almádena

Today a ruin, the Forte de Almádena used to keep watch over the area. Situated on a high cliff by the water, you can enjoy the view of the ocean if you sneak over the fence.

On the left you look towards Praia das Cabanas Velhas , on the right you see Salema in the distance . The road is unpaved and full of holes and potholes, but if you park at the beginning of the driveway on the left, you can walk the last 200 meters to the fort without torturing your shock absorbers too much.

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6. Praia da Boca do Rio

The ride from Burgau to Salema is a nice short route that takes you past the aforementioned Forte de Almádena , but also past Praia da Boca do Rio: a beach at the end of a valley. It is a mix of sand and stones, but with a large parking lot so you can always find a place to park your car.

From here you can climb the hill on the right for a short walk or look at the ruins on the left. It seems that this used to be a trading centre where ships loaded and unloaded their goods.

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1. Snorkeling or surfing at Praia da Burgau

In summer the waters around Burgau are wonderfully calm and clear. As soon as the currents subside and the waves disappear, the water becomes crystal clear and you have good visibility for snorkeling!

Bring a snorkel and mask from the Netherlands and take a dip along the rocks to watch the fish swimming by.

If you come before May or after October, chances are you can surf here very well. Bring your own board on the plane, or rent one nearby at Aloha Rentals for example

2. E-bike or mountain bike around Burgau

One village back you can rent an excellent E-bike or E-Mountain Bike at Algarvesportland for a fair price to explore Burgau and other villages in the area by two-wheeler.

From the shop in Luz, you drive west past Burgau and then continue to Salema. Along the way you will come across beautiful viewpoints and beaches such as the aforementioned Praia da Burgau and Praia da Boca do Rio .

The advantage of an E-bike is that you can get up the steeper sections (and they exist) much more easily thanks to the pedal assistance.

3. Hiking along the cliffs from Burgau to Luz

In the Algarve you can make many beautiful walks along the cliffs. Fortunately there are only a few closed parts so that everyone can and may enjoy the coastline.

From Burgau it is about a 5.5 kilometer walk along the cliffs to Luz. If you don’t feel like walking the same route back to your car, you can take the bus from Luz or order an Uber for a few euros.

4. SUP or bike tour with Ocean Blue

The sporty British owners of the beautiful Ocean Blue accommodation regularly organize cycling tours, SUP excursions and boat trips with their own catamaran for guests and non-guests.

Check out the different options on their website and feel free to send them a message for more information.

1. Apartamentos Os Descobrimentos

The five charming holiday apartments of Apartamentos Os Descobrimentos are beautifully situated on top of a cliff, overlooking the beach of Burgau. Each accommodation has a kitchenette and varies in size from 1 to 3 bedrooms. So you can stay here together, or with the whole family.

In the shared swimming pool you can recover from a hard day of holidaying while you wait to join one of the many excellent restaurants within walking distance.

2. Casas Sul

 Casas Sul in Burgau has three apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms. The rooms are modernly furnished, but have managed to retain their Portuguese charm.

These apartments are also within walking distance of the beach and the restaurants in the village.

From the balconies, you have a beautiful view of the ocean – ideal for a home-made breakfast.

3. Ocean Blue Portugal

This beautiful detached converted farmhouse by Ocean Blue Portugal is situated just outside Burgau on a hill overlooking the village and the ocean. It is an atmospheric boutique accommodation with just 4 rooms.

The owners themselves live on the top floor and organize many sporting activities such as yoga, mountain biking and boat trips with their own catamaran.