Sagres

Sagres is located in the westernmost area of Algarve. It is a natural paradise loved by travellers looking for some sun, relax, hiking, and surfing.

Sagres managed to remain slightly isolated from the tourist invasion that has conquered the rest of the region.

It is not a coincidence if Henry the Navigator chose this place to spend the last years of his life, looking at the sea that he has loved so much.

The level of services and structures here is definitely lower compared to other destinations around the region; that is why Sagres is more suitable for tourists who don’t need special comforts.

The first settlements around the area date back to the Phoenicians era. The name Sagres comes from Sagrado, that is to say “sacred”, to refer to the local importance of religious practice and rituals since ancient times.

Just like the rest of the region, also Sagres has experienced a moved history made of several conquers. It was declared an independent municipality in 1834, and it became popular among European tourists only during the last decades of the last century.

What to do in Sagres

Surfing is the main activity to practice in Sagres, attracting thousand of passionates every year. Thanks to its position in front of the ocean, big waves arrive up to the shore.

There are several schools offering lessons for beginners and expert surfers. Some surfing schools offer courses in other languages.

In Sagres, surfing lessons have a very competitive price compared to other destinations.

From Sagres there are a series of walking or biking trails. Trekking lovers can discover the Parque Natural Sudoeste Alentejano or can go hiking along the Vicentina Coast, a protected coastal area that extends from Sagres towards west, until reaching the Alentejo region.

The beaches

The beaches of Sagres are just as beautiful as the town itself. There are three main beaches, that can be easily reached on foot.

• Praia da Mareta: the biggest and most crowded beach of the area
• Praia do Tonel: very popular among expert surfers as the beach offers the biggest waves
• Praia da Baleira: it is located by the port and it is the most tranquil beach

What to see in Sagres

The main tourist attraction of Sagres is its Fortress, made of one single defence wall located on the southern end of the town. On the other three sides the area is naturally protected by its majestic cliffs.

It is possible to walk along the cliff for about 1.5km; along the walk you will meet a firehouse and a cave where waves keep crashing.

The port area of Sagres is located on the eastern end of the city. The port gets very busy with the several fishing boats that have just caught some fresh fish, which is often sold by the restaurants in the city center.

In Sagres there are not many clubs, but there are several traditional restaurants where to fall in love with the flavours of the Algarve.

Not too far from Sagres there is Cabo de Sao Vicente, the westernmost tip of the Algarve. This point of interest can be easily reached and it is worth a visit.

Getting there

There are very few public services operating around Sagres; there is also a bus line connecting Lagos and Cabo de Sao Vicente.

In order to reach Sagres from Faro airport you need to take a bus or a train to Lagos, and then move to Sagres. In order to be more independent it is possible to rent a car.

Sagres Weather