Sagres is unlike any other destination in the Algarve.
This laid-back, isolated village is situated at the extreme western tip of the Algarve and is home to some of the Algarve’s most dramatic natural scenery.
Raging seas, towering cliffs and immense beaches make this destination a nature lover’s and a surfer’s paradise.
Expect stunning, desolate and dramatic scenery, but not much else.
Location
Sagres is 115 km west of Faro Airport. The journey from the airport by car takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
It is possible to get to Sagres by public transport, but from the airport you’ll need to take a taxi or a bus to Faro train or bus station.
From there take a bus or train to Lagos. From Lagos you’ll need to take another bus.
If you are staying in Sagres, it would be a good idea to hire a car for the duration of your trip.
Unless you are happy to spend the entire time surfing you may get a little stir crazy here.
Things to see and do
There isn’t much of historical interest in the town, and this isn’t a conventional tourist destination. Apart from the beach and surfing there isn’t a whole lot to do.
However, if you are looking for somewhere to escape the crowds and mayhem of the busy tourist spots in the Algarve, Sagres is the place to come to, especially for those who enjoy rugged nature and the outdoors.
As well as surfing (wind, kite and body boarding), there are some challenging hiking trails and plenty of quiet roads for cycling.
You can also book deep sea fishing trips at the harbour.
Sagres is the perfect place for a peaceful day trip if you are based in the busier surrounding resort towns, such as Lagos. There are regular bus services from Lagos.
The fort
Perhaps the only real attraction (apart from the rugged scenery) is the Fortaleza de Sagres fort.
This unique defensive structure consists of a single wall. The other three sides are protected by sheer cliffs. The fort space is vast, but there isn’t much to see with the exception of a wind compass and a small chapel.
The views over the cliffs though are worth the trip – they are spectacular.
The harbour
Situated on the sheltered eastern side of the headland of Sagres is the fishing harbour.
Here you’ll get to see fisherman bringing in their catch throughout the day.
Beaches
The glorious beach of Praia da Mareta is situated on the western side of the headland.
It’s perfect for surfing and this long stretch of sandy beach is a great place to bask in the sunshine.
Cabo de São Vicente
Five kilometres from Sagres is Europe’s most southwestern point.
The barren headland is a spectacular spot for watching the sunset.
There’s a lighthouse, which houses the Museu dos Faróis, an excellent (though small) museum showcasing Portugal’s maritime navigation history.
The lighthouse is one of the most powerful in Portugal and can be seen up to 50 km out to sea.
Eating out
The small, sleepy town of Sagres looks a little ramshackled, but there are some decent laid-back cafés and traditional Portuguese restaurants, which offer food at much more reasonable prices than the restaurants in the larger resorts along the Algarve.