The Perfect Weekend in Salema, Portugal

I honestly could not have imagined a better weekend than the one I enjoyed with Mama and Mom in Salema, a tiny beach town in the Algarve. Our plan was not originally to stay in Salema. We had looked at hotels in Lagos and Faro and decided to go with the flow; our only time commitment was my grammar class on Monday morning. So we headed off in the most adorable yellow Fiat Panda on Friday afternoon.

After driving through the narrow streets of Lagos, a period of about 15 minutes that might be described as an "epic fail", we got back on the freeway and headed towards Salema, a town that Rick Steves refers to as Portugal's best-kept secret: a "simple fishing village" which "glitters in the sun". Mil gracias to you, Mr. Steves. We found the most picturesque hotel that sat on a hill overlooking the ocean; I quickly decided that it was straight out of Mamma Mia and, from that moment forward, sang the soundtrack on repeat.

Here are some highlights:

• Mom's attempt at getting the yellow Fiat Panda out of the parking lot. She might not agree that this was a "highlight", but I found the experience rather amusing.
• Picking up Mom's suitcase on the way to Portugal. Unfortunately, we had to wait half an hour for the airport to open after the siesta (typical Spanish occurrence). But we finally answered two questions, grabbed the suitcase and ran. I was particularly happy to learn that a 2-pound box of See's candy was patiently awaiting us.
• Our first dinner in Salema. The waiters were hilarious, competing to see who could best fillet our fish. We actually returned here the following evening for caipirinhas.
  
• A day trip to Cape Sagres which, back in the day, was literally thought to be the end of the world. It's also famous for its old navigation school, founded by Prince Henry the Navigator.
• The pottery shops. And the (funny/stressful) decisions that ensued. I absolutely love my new plate :)
• An afternoon on the beach.
• Mama's cataplana.

I could go on and on about how much I loved Salema. But, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words:

Best. Weekend. Ever.