Last Updated on 27th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Those looking to head a little off the beaten path during their time in Southern Portugal would do well to head to Sagres, a town on the most westerly tip of the Algarve, and indeed, all of mainland Europe. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Sagres, as well as travel tips, and what to know before visiting.
One of the most important things to note about sagres is that it is incredibly spread out. There is no quaint old town to explore, and instead many of the top sights are spread far and wide. With this being said, Sagres is a must-see while exploring the Algarve coastline, particularly if you’re looking to enjoy dramatic landscapes and partake in adventure activities.
The best way to get around the region is on your own four wheels, and while public transportation is available, it can be hard as transport services are pretty patchy. Check here for car rental comparison prices. For those who don’t have their own access to transportation, booking a sunset jeep tour like this one is a great way to enjoy Sagres Natural Park.
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Sagres: the end of the world
Within Europe during the Middle Ages, Sagres was known as the ‘end of the world’ because it was the furthest explored place in the known world to Europeans. This was the case all the way up until the 13th-century. For more off the beaten path inspiration in Portugal, be sure to check out our guide to the best-kept secrets of Portugal.
How long do you need in Sagres?
As I mentioned, Sagres is pretty spread out and so you’ll need a car to get between all of the major attractions. If you’re not planning on heading to any of the beaches or partaking in surfing, then you only need half a day to visit the lighthouse, check out the fort, and snap photos of the pretty little fishing port.
When is the best time to visit Sagres?
I have to be honest and admit that we didn’t visit Sagres at the right time of the year! I went to Sagres at the end of autumn, and as a result, the weather was pretty misty, making it hard to see further out than the lighthouse and onto the surrounding sea.
The best time to visit the Portuguese town is actually from the end of April until the end of September when everything in town is open, you can go surfing in nice weather, and you can enjoy all of the stunning surrounding scenery.
Best things to do in Sagres
The Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente
One of the most iconic spots to see in Sagres also happens to the be the most Westerly point of Europe. The Lighthouse/ beacon is situated on the peninsula of Sagres Point and is constructed on the former ruins of a Franciscan monastery.
There has been a lighthouse on the point since as early as 1520, when it was already recognised that the area was full of jagged rocks and so dangerous for passing ships. Various towers were erected on the site until the current construction which can still be seen, admired, and visited to this day.
The Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente was first lit in 1846 and stands at 86 metres in height. It wasn’t automated until 1982. The lighthouse is open from Tuesday through to Sunday.
Go surfing
Due to its position directly alongside the Atlantic coastline, Sagres offers up some of the best surfing opportunities in the entirety of Europe and is widely considered to be the best place to surf in the Algarve (thanks to a number of differently positioned beaches there is surfing available for all levels of surfers, including beginners).
The best time to go surfing along the coastline is from in the spring (between March and June) and in the fall (from September through to November). The fall has the benefit of the water having been warmed by the summer months and so is the more popular of the shoulder seasons. There are a number of surf schools in operation in Sagres and the surrounding area.
Head to the beach
Surfing aside, Sagres also boasts a number of beaches which are perfect for relaxing on sandy stretches. With this being said, it must be noted that while the beaches of Sagres are much windier than those further down the coastline, they are also notably less busy and so you’ll get more real estate worth of beach to yourself. Some of the best beaches in Sagres include Praia do Beliche and Praia do Tonel.
Fort of Sagres
Hands down, one of my personal favourite places to visit in Sagres was the historic fort, which is known as Fortaleza de Sagres in Portuguese. Though you’ll have to pay to enter, the few euros fee is well worth it to enjoy the structure which dates back to the 15th-century.
What is particularly unique about the Fortress at Sagres is that it lies on a natural peninsula, meaning that it is protected on three sides by the jagged rocks, 200 foot cliff faces, and crashing waves below. The Fort only has one manmade side and was built in the 15th-century and has been classed as a national monument in 1910.
Once you enter the fortress today, particular highlights include impressive blow holes (where sea spit from the waves below flies into the air dozens of feet above the water below), walking along the headland and seeing all of the local fauna (plenty of succulents), and a little chapel.
You’ll need a couple of hours to enjoy the views, snap some photos, and walk around the headland. The Fort of Sagres should not be confused with the nearby Fort of Santo António de Belixe, which lies between the Fort of Sagres and the Sao Cabo Lighthouse and is permanently closed.
Go hiking
As you may well have noted by now, Sagres is perfect for those who are looking for an adventure-packed holiday full of outdoor and strenuous activities. Yet another activity that visitors can do within the vicinity of Sagres is hiking. There are a number of different hiking trails scattered across Sagres so be sure to pack accordingly and bring suncream, suitable walking shoes, and plenty of water.
Fishing port
One of the more charming areas of Sagres is the little fishing port, which is known as Porto de Pesca da Baleeira in Portuguese and started out life as a whaling port. Boasting a busy fish market which takes place during the week, you can watch the fish market in action from the restaurant of A Sereia.
Where to stay in Sagres
If you’re looking for a quieter pace of life than Lagos and want to enjoy some of the more active activities along the Algarve (hiking, surfing, etc), then Sagres can be a great place to base yourself (as long as you have a car).
If you are looking for a town base that feels more cosy, with everything in easy walking distance, I recommend instead opting to stay in Lagos. Otherwise, here are some of the best places to stay in Sagres (based on location and web-reviews):
Pousada de Sagres: This hotel is located against the backdrop of a 1960s building and boasts a relaxing swimming pool (surrounded by sun loungers) and offers a free breakfast. Check prices and availability here.
Mareta View Boutique Bed & Breakfast: This cosy B&B is conveniently located close to a number of restaurants and includes complimentary breakfast. Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.