Sagres is located in the southwest of the Portuguese Algarve. It’s a relaxed town and a surfers paradise. What are the best things to do in Sagres? 13 tips.
About Sagres
Sagres is a town in the Algarve (Portugal) and is located almost on the most southwestern tip of the European mainland. Sagres was an important place at the time of the voyages of discovery. Many Portuguese explorers left from Sagres to discover the world.
Unfortunately, due to the Lisbon earthquake (which actually happened much closer to Sagres than to Lisbon) in 1755, many historic landmarks from this time were lost. Now Sagres is best known as a surfers paradise. The wind is always strong on this side of the Algarve and the waves are good for surfing.
There is a very relaxed atmosphere in Sagres. It is open, there is a lot of space and you see surfers and surf schools everywhere. It is a great place to walk around for an afternoon.
What to do in Sagres?
What are the best Sagres sights? Here are 13 fun things to do in Sagres.
Cabo de São Vicente
The most famous spot of Sagres is located a few kilometers outside the city, which is Cabo de São Vicente, also known as Cape Saint Vincent. This is the most southwestern point of mainland Europe and it can get very windy here. On the tip is a lighthouse, which was built on the remains of a former monastery.
Cape Saint Vincent is really a must-see when you’re on vacation in the Algarve. It really does feel like the end of the world. And the waves crashing against the rocks are spectacular to watch.
Fortaleza do Beliche
Another fortress is hidden between Cape Saint Vincent and Sagres: Fortaleza do Beliche. It is mainly a ruin, but still nice to look at. From here you have a spectacular view of the high cliffs.
Praia do Beliche
Attention surfers! Praia do Beliche is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the Algarve. A good place for both beginners and advanced. On busy days, dozens of surfers are catching waves in this place.
This is also a wonderful beach for non-surfers to relax. The beach is enclosed by high golden cliffs and is therefore nicely sheltered.
Fortaleza de Sagres
The largest and most striking structure of Sagres is located just outside the center. This is Fortaleza de Sagres, a huge fortress from the sixteenth century. The nautical school used to be here and Prince Henry the Navigator started his voyages of discovery here.
There is a long walking path over the cliffs behind the fortress. From here you have a beautiful view of the cliffs and the coastline of the Algarve. There is also a small church and a lighthouse.
Jardim de Sagres
Jardim de Sagres is the large central square in the center. There is a statue of Prince Henry the Navigator on the square, there are several benches to sit on and there is some fitness equipment. This is also the square where you will find the tourist information and various trails start here.
Praia da Mareta
Praia da Mareta is the largest beach in the center of Sagres. It has a very sheltered location in a bay, so you are not bothered by the wind. Not suitable for surfers, but for sunbathers. Even in winter, you can relax on this beach.
Porto de Pesca da Baleeira
Sagres has a nice fishing port (Porto de Pesca da Baleeira) where it is busy all day long. Small fishing boats come and go and the fish caught is sold almost immediately. In this place, you can really the local life.
Praia do Martinhal
Praia do Marinhal is a large and wide sandy beach just outside the center and is located in a somewhat dune-like area. This is really a perfect place for an afternoon at the beach and there are also several nice beach bars where you can go for a snack or a drink.
Nice and adventurous: Coasteering
Do you feel like being active and experiencing a real adventure? You can do Coasteering in Sagres, which is a combination of rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming. The coast at Sagres is very suitable for this, there are beautiful places to discover everywhere. Book your coasteering adventure here.
Praia dos Rebolinhos
The last in this list of best things to do in Sagres is Praia dos Rebolinhos, which is a very special beach. Unlike the other beaches, this is not a sandy beach, but a beach of white round stones. Very interesting!
Fun day trips from Sagres
Sagres is a nice relaxed town and I can imagine you want to stay longer. That’s not a problem because you can make plenty of fun day trips from Sagres.
Lagos
Lagos is about 30 minutes drive from Sagres and is one of the larger towns in the Algarve. It has a beautiful old center, beautiful beaches, and an impressive coastline, with Ponta da Piedade as the highlight.
Hike the Fishermen’s Trail
There are several hiking trails through or along Sagres and the Fishermen’s Trail is perhaps the most beautiful. This is a 226.5km long-distance trail that runs along the Algarve and Alentejo coastline. Sagres is the starting and finishing point of two stages:
- Vila do Bispo – Sagres (20.5 kilometers, difficulty: average)
- Sagres – Salema (19.5 kilometers, difficulty: very difficult)
Both stages are really beautiful.
Carrapateira
Carrapateira is a small village about 20 kilometers north of Sagres. The village itself is nestled in the hills and consists of white houses along narrow winding streets. Just outside the village is Praia da Bordeira (also called Praia da Carrapateira) and this is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Algarve. This is also a very good surfing destination. Carrapateira and Praia da Bordeira are located in the municipality of Aljezur, where there is much more to see.
Where to eat in Sagres?
Sagres is a destination that is well visited all year round and there are many nice cafes and restaurants. A few recommendations.
- A Fonte – a very typical Portuguese place for coffee and a snack (get some delicious pastel de nata!)
- The Hangout – fun bar, also some vegetarian options.
- Agua Salgada – nice tapas restaurant, also a good place for a drink.
How to get to Sagres?
Sagres is located in the southwest of the Algarve and is therefore very easy to reach. From Lagos, you follow the N125 to Vila do Bispo and it automatically changes into the N268. When you drive all the way to the end, you are in the center of Sagres.
Sagres can also be reached by bus from Lagos, which runs about once every two hours. Check Google Maps for times and stops.
Where to stay in Sagres
Sagres is a great place to stay for a few days. What are the best places to stay?
- € Algarve Surf Hostel – nicely decorated hostel with both dorms and private rooms. Fun common areas.
- €€ LemonTree Eco Surfhouse – cozy guest house with nicely decorated rooms.
- €€€ Memmo Baleeira – Design Hotels – luxury 4* hotel with a beautiful pool on the beach. Perfect for a relaxing holiday!
Would you like to check all the options yourself? Check Booking.com for hotels, villas, and apartments and Hostelworld for cozy hostels.
Book your trip to the Algarve
These are the best things to do in Sagres. Would you like to book a trip to the Algarve? These are useful websites to book your Algarve vacation:
- For a vacation in the Algarve, you fly to Faro Airport. Check Skyscanner to find the cheapest tickets.
- Prefer sustainable travel? Traveling by train is of course also possible! You can reach Portugal by train from everywhere in Europe. It might take a while, but it’s a great and relaxing way to travel. Check Rail Europe for timetables and prices.
- A rental car gives you complete freedom during a vacation in the Algarve. Check Discover Cars and Rental Cars to find the best deals.
- You can book a lot of fun tours in the Algarve. For example, jeep safaris, kayaking, or boat trips. Check Get Your Guide for all possibilities and prices.
- Don’t forget to take out travel insurance. Check Insubuy for all the possibilities and prices.
Read more about the Algarve and Portugal
Would you like to read more about a holiday in the Algarve? Here are some great travel guides full of tips:
I myself lived in the Algarve for about seven months in 2020 and 2021. You can therefore also find a lot of information about a vacation in Portugal on this website. For example, check out these articles:
- Silves, the oldest town in the Algarve
- 14 awesome things to do in Portimão
- Things to do in Faro | Portugal
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