Sagres and Cape Saint Vincent

The town of Sagres lies at the extreme south-western tip of Portugal and Europe. Because it's so far from anywhere, tourists rarely venture here. This region is very different from the rest of the Algarve. The steep orange cliffs have given way to large, high arid plateaux with red hues. The wind blows extremely hard and the waves crash against the rocks. It's like being at the end of the world! And it's this very special atmosphere that visitors for a day (or more) come to discover.

Given the picture we've just painted of the town of Sagres, you're probably wondering what you could possibly do there... Right? 😅 It's true that this part of Portugal isn't overflowing with activities and places to visit. But there are plenty of great things to do, and you'll never regret taking the plunge during your Algarve road trip. Below, we explain the programme for your next stay in Sagres. Follow the guide!

First and foremost, people come to Sagres for its unique landscapes. Immense stretches of wilderness where you can hike in magnificent surroundings. And below these massive cliffs, you'll find long, beautiful beaches of golden sand. Most of the time, the ocean is raging and the waves are everywhere. That's why Sagres attracts mainly adrenalin-hungry surfers.

Sagres' main tourist attraction is its fortress. It was built in the 15th century to defend Portugal from enemy invasion. The fortress is unique in the way it was built. It has only one wall. The other 'walls' are more natural: the surrounding cliffs. The visit to the fort is fairly brief. Behind the one and only wall, the one through which you will enter, lies a vast expanse where there is virtually nothing... apart from a small lighthouse. The vegetation is bare due to the strong winds. The fort can be discovered by following a path around the edge of the high cliffs. Some will find this rather old-fashioned, while others will be fascinated by the beauty of these vast wilderness areas where nature reigns supreme!

We'll also venture as far as Sagres to observe Cape Saint Vincent. This is the most westerly point in Europe! It is overlooked by a pretty lighthouse that you can visit. This viewpoint is also the ideal spot from which to watch the sun set. It's one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll ever see, so make sure you stay in Sagres until nightfall to enjoy this magnificent spectacle!

One of the main attractions of Sagres is, of course, its superb beaches. You'll find several with different orientations. You'll find several beaches with different orientations, offering waves of varying sizes. Some beaches will be popular with the most experienced surfers, others will appeal to those wanting to try out the pleasures of surfing, and the quieter beaches will delight families with children.

The most emblematic beach is located at the foot of the Fortress of Sagres. With its beautiful waves, Praia de Tonel sees the number of surfboards grow exponentially as the hours go by. This is the spot not to be missed if you're coming to surf in Portugal 😀

If you're looking for "tamer" waves, Praia Beliche beach will be your playground.

Lastly, we'd like to invite you to Praia Mareta and Praia Martinhal for sunbathing and swimming in calmer waters. As they are located in bays, they are better protected from the wind, making them quieter spots for families.

There are plenty of hotels in the Sagres region. You'll find some pleasant hotels with sea views, where you can spend a few days in this fascinating place!