I recently had the opportunity to experience Herdade dos Salgados apartments sitting between the towns of Albufeira and Armaçao do Pêra in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
I was on the Algarve with a digital nomad friend in October 2024 to explore it as a winter digital nomad destination with an emphasis on finding suitable places to stay that offered a combination of beaches, nature, comfort, privacy, peace and quiet.
The Algarve in Portugal is a popular destination for digital nomads
The Algarve region is almost always on the map for digital nomads visiting or staying in Portugal. Usually before or after a stay in the capital city, Lisbon.
The Algarve provides a lovely contrast to the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.
Most often digital nomads visiting the Algarve will stay at a hostel or a co-living space or perhaps a private flat rented out on AirBnb.
This experience however wasn’t at a typical hostel, AirBnb or co-living space made for digital nomads, instead, it was a luxury resort aimed at holidaymakers. Not the usual place you will usually find digital nomads setting up camp.
As a remote entrepreneur myself and the founder of The Global Circle Club, I am always on the lookout for the best accommodation options.
With this in mind, I wanted to check out how Herdade dos Salgados apartments in Albufeira could be suitable for digital nomads looking for a place to stay and work in southern Europe when it’s chilly in other parts of northern Europe.
The Algarve region of southern Portugal is renowned for its mild winter climate, beautiful beaches, sunshine and relaxed pace of life.
When I arrived in the middle of October it was bright and sunny with a temperature of around 25 degrees. In comparison, London, Paris and Berlin were closer to 13 degrees! Quite a big difference.
As Global Circlers we know that the digital nomad lifestyle can get exhausting at times, even if it is fun and exciting.
The sometimes constant travel and new social interactions combined with a demanding job or clients can take its toll after a while.
It is during these times that a place like Herdade dos Salgados Apartments in the Algarve region of Portugal can really hit the spot.
I found the connection to nature, the quiet and space offered really helped me to recharge my batteries.
Herdade dos Salgados – Best Apartments and complex, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
Herdade dos Salgados is a well-appointed and maintained residential complex comprising 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments.
The apartments at Herdade dos Salgados are all privately owned and about 80 of these apartments are managed by a property management company.
As each apartment is privately owned, it will be slightly differently furnished and configured but the basic level of facilities and space will be very similar.
There is a lovely and perfectly manicured garden area with a total of 7 swimming pools to enjoy. At this time of year, the pools were virtually empty. It’s quite lovely to take a morning dip in the pool before starting work.
Many of the apartments including our 2 bedroom top floor apartment look onto the gardens while others look out on the street and surrounding area.
From the top floor, it’s also possible to enjoy the beautiful local landscape. From our apartment, I could also get a tiny glimpse of the sea in the distance.
All apartments are furnished to a high standard and include a fully equipped kitchen including a built-in microwave and oven. Dishwasher and washing machine. Each apartment also has a Nespresso coffee machine which is a nice touch. Coffee capsules can be bought from the nearby supermarket.
Our apartment was a very spacious 120m2 which would make it very comfortable to live in and work from for an extended period of time.
Herdade dos Salgados Apartments, Albufeira – ideal for couples or a small group of nomad friends
Herdade dos Salgados Apartments in Albufeira, Algarve we think is a great option for a couple or perhaps a few nomad friends wanting to enjoy the comforts, mild weather and the proximity to beaches and nature.
In terms of price, the 2-bedroom apartment we stayed in would cost €110 per night and could be shared by two couples or 4 friends at a cost of €27.50 per person per night which is quite reasonable according to the amount of space and comfort offered.
One thing to note is that the apartments have a wide balcony that runs along the full width of the apartment so there could be some privacy issues if sharing with others. However, closing the curtains is a simple enough solution when privacy is needed.
The two-bedroom, 3rd floor apartment we shared has two full-size bathrooms which is great if there are a few people sharing.
The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and there is a second guest bathroom directly opposite the second bedroom. There was a hydro bath in the master bathroom but I’m not sure if it was working correctly.
There is also a door to the living room/kitchen area which is useful for keeping cooking smells and noise out of the bedroom areas.
I would say that Herdade dos Salgados apartments could also suit a solo traveller but it could get a bit lonely after a while. If however, silence and solitude are needed then this could be perfect.
The internet connection (WiFi) was fast and stable
I got 133 Mbps download and 67 Mbps upload which was more than enough for working and for zoom calls.
There were plenty of places to work in the apartment
On the balcony was a large table as well as a small table. In the living dining area, there was a dining table suitable for working and also a sofa which were all comfortable enough to work from. There wasn’t a dedicated working desk but I didn’t feel like I was missing it.
There is a supermarket just a few minutes walking distance away
Very close to the Herdade dos Salgados apartments is a local supermarket where you can get all the essentials, from alcohol to fresh bread, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, sauces and more. The prices are quite reasonable and most everything you could need is available. The supermarket is open until 8.30pm.
I was coming from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon where I am mainly based between my nomad travels.
As a remote entrepreneur, it’s also nice to be in a place where I can truly unwind and focus on important projects without too many distractions. I found that my apartment in Herdade dos Salgados really worked well for this.
We spent a total of 5 nights / 6 days staying and working remotely at Herdade dos Salgados giving me a fair opportunity to assess the suitability of the apartments and local area as a winter digital nomad escape.
What’s near Herdade dos Salgados Apartments, Albufeira?
It should be noted that Herdade dos Salgados is not the place if you are looking for a buzzing location with lots of cafes and things going on. The location is quiet and peaceful, at least during the off-season winter months.
That being said the town of Albufeira is not very far away by bus or car and was still quite buzzing in October.
Albufeira is about 9 km away and the closest large town
Herdade dos Salgados, is close to the popular Algarve town of Albufeira if you head towards the direction of Faro. Albufeira is about 9 kms away. There is a bus service, otherwise an Uber/Bolt is possible and will cost around €6 – €8 one way. The journey by car would be about 15 minutes without traffic.
Travelling by bus to Albufeira would take around 30 – 35 mins from Salgados.
Within walking distance, there isn’t a huge amount in terms of cafes, bars, things to see. However, the beach is just a 5-minute walk away and a beautiful nature reserve, Lagoa dos Salgados is less than 10 mins away on foot.
The primary appeal of Herdade dos Salgados is peace, tranquillity, nature and the lovely beaches right on the doorstep.
Praia da Galé beach is just 5 minutes on foot and has great sunsets
Praia da Galé is a beautiful sandy beach only a short walk away.
What makes it particularly nice is that it’s quite natural, with very few buildings around so you can truly relax and enjoy the scenery without lots of noise and ugly buildings ruining the natural beauty.
Right on the beach, there is a cosy beach bar called, O Luis where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, have a coffee or a drink and a bite to eat.
There isn’t an extensive menu but there are pizzas (including a vegan pizza) on the menu as well as some salads and toasts with various toppings.
It’s not very expensive, a glass of wine costs around €3, a Gin & Tonic or Mojito is €8 and a pizza will set you back around €13.50.
It’s a nice spot to unwind after a day of work, walk on the beach a little and then stop for a little drink to watch the sunset.
Armaçao de Pêra is a small coastal village about 8.1km away
Armaçao de Pêra is in the opposite direction of Albufeira if heading in the direction of Lagos or Portomão, also popular destinations on the Algarve.
There are beaches, bars and restaurants in Armaçao de Pêra as well as places where you can book boat rides and excursions.
A particular highlight and a recent addition to the area in 2024 is a wonderful wooden pathway that goes all the way to Armaçao de Péra, crossing the Lagoa dos Salgados nature reserve and the sand dunes.
It’s great for a walk, run or for cycling and goes for maybe 6 km or so. It’s highly recommended to go there to enjoy the scenery and serenity.
Lagoa dos Salgados – natural area for bird watching
Lagoa dos Salgados, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a coastal lagoon and a vital wetland, known for its rich biodiversity.
Originally formed by the confluence of freshwater streams and seawater, the lagoon has evolved into a key habitat for over 200 bird species, including flamingos, herons, and storks, making it a prime bird-watching spot.
Historically, Lagoa dos Salgados was used for agriculture and salt production, but conservation efforts have shifted its focus towards eco-tourism.
Visitors can explore the scenic trails, enjoy views of the sand dunes, and witness the delicate balance between nature and the surrounding urban development.
There is a long wooden walkway that is great for running, cycling or walking of course. If you have an interest in bird watching/nature in general you will find this place very worthwhile. (add photos)
Salgados Golf Course
If you are into golfing or would like to give it a try, there is a lovely golf course just a few minutes walking distance away.
Getting to Herdade dos Salgados Apartments from Lisbon or Faro Airport
Flixbus from Lisbon
Bus operator Flixbus operates a regular daily route to Albufeira from Lisbon and is very cost-effective, you can often get a Flixbus for €5 or less one way. The journey is around 2.45 minutes from Oriente Bus Station in Lisbon.
Train from Lisbon to Albufeira
There is a train station in Albufeira and a direct route to Lisbon with a regular service. Tickets cost around €23 one way and can often be bought for less if booked in advance
Rent a car
Car rental is an option although I would say it’s probably not really worth it unless you are a group of 4 people for example and want to explore the route down to the Algarve and have a car at your disposal. Beyond the cost of renting a car, there are also fuel costs and tolls to consider. A bus or train is more economical and probably way easier.
If you do travel by car there is plenty of parking at Herdade dos Salgados Apartments including a secure underground car park.
Travelling from Faro Airport to Albufeira
If you are travelling to Herdade dos Salgados from abroad then you will most likely arrive at Faro airport about 40km away. There are plenty of transport options from bus services to trains, car hire and also Uber/Bolt from the airport. An Uber/Bolt from Faro Airport to Herdade dos Salgados Apartments might cost anywhere from €40 – €70.
Conclusion
We are very happy to recommend Herdade dos Salgados to digital nomads who are looking for a well-equipped apartment which is within a short walking distance to the beach and offers peace, quiet, space and comfort during the off-season period in the Algarve which in my opinion is probably one of the nicest times to visit the Algarve.
The apartments are spacious and well equipped and the resort complex is very well maintained. During the off-season, it’s really quiet as well.
You can use the form below to request rates and availability for Herdade dos Salgados, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal and use our free personal booking service for a no-hassle experience!
Or visit the official Herdade dos Salgados website at: https://www.pcferias.pt/en/
