These are the 6 most beautiful beaches in Sagres

Sagres is a great destination for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s great for surfing and not too crowded. These are the most beautiful beaches in Sagres.

Table of contents hide

1 Why is Sagres such a fine destination?

2 The most beautiful beaches in Sagres

3 Tips for your Sagres beach visit

4 Best places to stay in Sagres

5 Book your trip to the Algarve

Why is Sagres such a fine destination?

At the southwesternmost tip of mainland Europe, where the Atlantic Ocean pounds forceful against the rocky coasts, lies Sagres. This charming Portuguese seaside resort is not only a favorite spot for sunbathers and nature lovers but especially attracts surfers from all over the world. The perfect waves and rugged coastline make Sagres a true surfing paradise.

Unlike other popular resorts in the Algarve, Sagres tends to be less crowded. Its location, which is somewhat remote, gives it a more relaxed vibe.

Whether you are looking for a perfect place to surf, relax on the beach without too many crowds, or enjoy the beautiful nature, Sagres is the perfect destination.

For more Sagres tips, check out the article The best things to do in Sagres, Portugal.

The most beautiful beaches in Sagres

You want to know more about the best beaches to visit in Sagres. I myself visited Sagres several times in recent years and have been to almost all the beaches in Sagres and its surroundings. These are the most beautiful beaches in Sagres.

Praia do Martinhal

One of the most popular beaches in Sagres is Praia do Martinhal. This wide sandy beach stretches for more than a kilometer and offers plenty of space for sun lovers. The beach is surrounded by a dune landscape, making for a picturesque setting. Thanks to the calm sea, Praia do Martinhal is perfect for families with children. Various facilities are available such as beach bars, sunbeds, and a beach bar.

Praia do Tonel

Surfers beware: Praia do Tonel is the place for you! This beach is known as one of the best surf spots in Portugal because of its consistent waves. Experienced surfers can have a great time here, but beginners can also have a great time here. Thanks to the surf schools present, you can always get a surf lesson somewhere in Sagres.

Book your surf lesson in Sagres here.

Praia dos Rebolinhos

Praia dos Rebolinhos is the place to be if you are looking for something unique. Instead of the usual sand, you will find a pebble beach covered with thousands of white, round stones. The name “Rebolinhos” is derived from the Portuguese word for “marbles,” which perfectly describes the shape and character of the stones.

Walking along the waterline, you can feel the smooth stones under your feet and hear a gentle crunch with each step. It is a special beach that you don’t see much in the Algarve.

Praia da Mareta

Directly west of the port of Sagres, you will find Praia da Mareta and this beach is also the closest to the “center” of town. This cozy beach has golden sand and clear water. It is the ideal place to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the view. Praia da Mareta is well sheltered, making it a pleasant beach to visit even on windless days.

Praia do Beliche

The busiest beach in Sagres lies between the town and Cape St. Vincent, that is, Praia do Beliche. This beach is hidden among high cliffs and can only be reached by a long staircase. Despite that challenge, many people come here, as it is a perfect place to go surfing.

Almost every time I visit Sagres, I stay on this beautiful beach for a while. In fact, once you descend the stairs you come to an incredibly wide sandy beach surrounded by impressive rock formations. A wonderful place to sit and watch surfers for a while.

Praia da Ponta Ruiva

On the west coast of the Algarve, the wind is even more powerful, making the waves pound even harder against the rocks. This is where you will find Praia da Ponta Ruiva, the most pristine beach in this list of beautiful beaches in Sagres.

Unlike the other beaches in the area, which are surrounded by golden cliffs, Praia da Ponta Ruiva lies among red rock formations. These rocks, sculpted by wind and water over centuries, give the beach a unique and spectacular appearance.

Strong currents and waves make Praia da Ponta Ruiva not the most suitable place for swimming or sunbathing. However, for experienced surfers, it is a true paradise. The high waves and challenging surf conditions attract surfers from all over the world to this idyllic spot.

Do you like hiking? If you hike the section of the Fishermen’s Trail between Vila do Bispo and Sagres you will pass by this beach.

Tips for your Sagres beach visit

So, now you know where to find all those beautiful beaches in Sagres! There are a few more things handy to know before you head out, so here are a few more tips for your beach visit in Sagres.

Sagres’ beaches are accessible all year round, but for sun lovers, the months of June through September are best.
It’s no problem to check out the beaches in Sagres winter time (I would ever recommend it, as they are even more quiet) but keep in mind that not all facilities are available (such as restaurants and sunbeds, for example).
Keep in mind the tides and currents. Some beaches can become very narrow or even disappear altogether at high tide.
Protect yourself well from the sun, as UV radiation can be intense here, even on cloudy days.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as not all beaches have facilities.
Please respect nature and do not leave trash on the beach.
There are several stores in Sagres where you can rent surfboards, bodyboards, and other water sports equipment.
There are several restaurants and bars in Sagres where you can enjoy fresh fish and other Portuguese specialties.

Sagres’ beaches are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Portugal. Whether you want to sunbathe, surf, hike, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, you are guaranteed to find the perfect beach here. So grab your towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses and find out for yourself why Sagres is so popular as a beach destination!

Best places to stay in Sagres

Sagres is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy a few days at the beach. Although the city does not have as many accommodations as better-known places like Lagos and Albufeira, there are more than enough good places to stay. Here are a few great options:

Algarve Surf Hostel – nicely decorated hostel with both dormitories and private rooms. It also has cozy common areas so you can easily meet other travelers.
LemonTree Eco Surfhouse – cozy guesthouse with nicely decorated rooms. It also has a cozy courtyard garden where you can sit quietly.
Memmo Baleeira – Design Hotels (4⭐) – a luxury hotel with a beautiful pool on a great location between Praia do Martinhal and Praia da Mareta. A perfect hotel to stay in if you are ready for a truly relaxing vacation!

Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.

Book your trip to the Algarve

Would you like to discover the Portuguese Algarve and visit the most beautiful beaches in Sagres? Then book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Faro Airport is the international airport of the Algarve and the best place to start your road trip. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets. From the airport, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Sagres (on a toll road).

🚘 Rental Car – To get to Sagres and to check out more amazing places in the Algarve, it’s highly recommended to rent a car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

💊 Travel insurance – Make sure to invest in travel insurance, it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.

🏄🏼 Tours & activities – There are lots of fun tours and guided trips in the Algarve, like boat tours and surf lessons. Check Get Your Guide for a lot of fun day trips.

These are the 6 most beautiful beaches in Sagres

Why is Sagres such a fine destination?