Sagres, Portugal, the Westernmost Side of the Algarve

Sagres Portugal is totally different than many other resorts in the Algarve. The majestic cliffs, the strong winds, the waves of the ocean and the solitary lighthouse by Cabo San Vicente make Sagres look like the end of the world.

Portugal is one of the hottest countries in Europe in December and that’s thanks to the south of the country, namely to the Algarve region, where winter temperatures roam around 18-19 degrees Celsius.

Sagres is a surfers’ paradise, one of those hidden gems in Portugal, and also the ideal destination for nature lovers seeking for relaxation and serenity. Sagres is also a local Portuguese beer brand.

How To Get to Sagres, Portugal

The nearest airport to Sagres is Faro. At almost 120 km distance from Faro to Sagres, taking a taxi will set you back anywhere between $130 and $160.

Taking a Uber will cost you slightly less, but this may also go beyond your budget. Besides, you may not be able to find a driver willing to take you from Faro to Sagres, as they might need to return empty.

It is possible to get from Faro to Sagres by bus. Nevertheless, the journey will take over three hours, because you have to change the bus in Lagos.

Lisbon and Sagres are well-connected via railways. You can visit Sagres during your Lisbon vacation, should you be willing to set aside one or two days for that. After you’ve spent a minimum of four days in Lisbon, you can take the high speed train to Algarve. The journey takes about 3-4 hours and it is well worth it.

If you want to visit some of the lovely towns and villages on the Algarve coast of Portugal, I’d strongly suggest you rent a car. I had my own car, as Sagres was part of a longer road trip across Europe that started in Bucharest, Romania, and crossed several countries to arrive to southern Portugal.

Driving in Portugal is easy. People are laid back and polite, so you won’t need to put up with crazy drivers honking at you as soon as they see the green light. Finding parking isn’t usually difficult in these small towns and villages on the Algarve coast, particularly outside the peak season. Beware of the highway fees, as you must pay them in advance. You can either pay them online or at the local post offices.

Do You Know How To Pronounce Sagres?

Asking locals for directions is tricky, due to the very difficult pronunciation of Portuguese names. Here’s how you pronounce Sagres, for instance. I bet you wouldn’t have guessed it, would you?

When I was living in the Algarve, I had a hard time at making myself understood by local people, although I used a Portuguese dictionary. Asking my Portuguese friends to read those words, I realized why they didn’t understand anything of what I was telling them. Learning how to say thank you in Portuguese was easier, but everything else was tricky. Other Portuguese phrases for travel were quite difficult for me to master.

Sagres was one of the first words I learned to say correctly. Maybe that’s because it is also the name of that local beer I got to enjoy soon after my arrival to Algarve.

Why Visit Sagres? Or Portugal for That Matter?

This region is a paradise for all outdoor lovers. If you are a surfer, you have one more reason to book a vacation in Sagres.

Non-surfers also have lots of outdoors adventures to choose from. The hiking trails and the bicycle roads take you to stunningly beautiful wild areas where luxuriant vegetation meets sandy beaches and high cliffs.

What Are the Main Beaches in Sagres?

If you want, you can take surf lessons, as there are many surf centers and schools in Sagres. There are also beaches for beginners, so you don’t have to worry you’ll get swallowed by the ocean.

There are four beaches near Sagres: Praia da Mareta, Praia do Tonel, Praia da Baleeira and Praia do Martinhal. They face three different directions, and this has an influence on the height and the power of the ocean waves. A bit further from Sagres there’s Praia do Beliche, which is very popular among local surfers.

In terms of accommodation, you’ll find lots of hotels and apartments. Here’s a list of Sagres hotels you may want to take a closer look at. Keep in mind, though, that Sagres Portugal isn’t your average holiday destination. Apart from surfing, hiking and cycling, there’s not much to do here. If you need a silent place to write a book, do work or find your inner peace, this area of the Algarve is the place to go. If, on the contrary, you want all inclusive hotels, beach bars and parties, this is not the place for you.

Cabo de Sao Vicente – Cape St. Vincent

Cabo de Sao Vicente is the actual reason why I visited this area in the first place. I was living in Pera, a small village very close to Albufeira and I took a chance to see the southwesternmost point of Europe, Cape Saint Vincent.

I think it was January or February. The weather was mild, perfect for flip-flops and shorts. There was nothing like the winters I’d been used to in my home country. However, Cape Saint Vincent is exposed to very strong winds, so there’s no wonder the temperature was much lower than in Pera, Portimao, Albufeira, Silves or even Sagres.

The landscape is absolutely stunning. The lighthouse, the cliffs and the seagulls remind of all scary movies featuring birds that exist. It looks like the end of the world. The cliffs are similar to the rock formations in Meteora.

Inside the lighthouse you’ll find a rooftop bar and an old dog guarding the place (I’m not sure if the dog is still there, as it looked very old).

Because of the strong winds that blow almost all year round, there isn’t much vegetation on the cliffs at Cape Saint Vincent. The only plants that can resist here are succulents with thick leaves and robust flowers.

The following photo shows the same cliffs in January. You can see there’s barely any green.

The seagulls are noisy and they don’t mind getting close to humans. You can get as close as to take proper closeup photos of these birds. Yet, they look anything but friendly.

The Ceramic Shop By the End of the World

The last inhabited dwelling before reaching Cape Saint Vincent is a ceramic shop with amazing tiles, plates and pots. Their facade is covered in vividly colored plates featuring traditional patterns and designs.

Apparently I’m not the only one who had this “end of the world” feeling. The Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Romans considered this sacred location as being the end of the world. The fortress dates from the 16th century. Since 1946, it is home to the day lighthouse.

If you are in the Algarve and you want to take a road trip to Sagres, consider stretching it to reach Cape Saint Vincent. It is a scenic place, full of mystery and charm. Should you set your base in Sagres Portugal, you can explore the southern and western coasts of this wild but welcoming country.

Sagres, Portugal – A Glimpse into the History

Sagres is a town that’s loaded with history. Everywhere you go, you can see remainders of the past, beautiful ruins that had witnessed the daring Age of Discoveries, Portugal’s greater moment of glory.

One of the main tourist objectives in Sagres is the Fortaleza de Sagres, a 15th-century fortress that stands on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The fort was used as a naval school during the Age of Discoveries and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the historic structure and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Another popular attraction is the Praia do Tonel, a large beach with soft golden sand and clear waters. The beach is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, and is surrounded by cliffs and rock formations. As mentioned above, the nearby Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse is also worth visiting, as it marks the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. Just look at my photos of Cabo de Sao Vicente and tell me that’s not worth a visit.

The town of Sagres has a long and rich history, dating back to the 15th century when it was a major center of Portuguese maritime exploration. The town was a base for explorers such as Prince Henry the Navigator, who used Sagres as a launching point for his voyages of discovery. Today, the town continues to be a hub for water sports and outdoor activities, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Where To Stay in Sagres, Portugal

When it comes to accommodations, there are several great hotels in Sagres to choose from.

One of the best Sagres hotel options is Pousada de Sagres, a stylish hotel with ocean views and an outdoor pool. The Martinhal Sagres Family Resort is another excellent choice, offering spacious apartments and a range of family-friendly amenities.