Image by Tomasz Wozniak / 500px Images

Sagres

Overlooking some of the Algarve’s most dramatic scenery, the small, elongated village of Sagres has an end-of-the-world feel, with its sea-carved cliffs high above the frothing ocean strung with wind-whipped fortresses that connect it to Portugal’s rich nautical past. It's the only place in the world where white storks are known to nest on cliff faces.

Situated 1.5km east of the square, past holiday villas and restaurants, is the port, still a centre for boat building and lobster fishing, and the marina. Outside town are the striking cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of the European mainland, and splendid beaches that are increasingly popular with surfers.

Sagres has milder temperatures than other parts of the Algarve, with Atlantic winds keeping the summers cool.

Explore Sagres

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sagres.

  • Fortress

    Fortaleza de Sagres

    Blank, hulking and forbidding, Sagres’ fortress offers breathtaking views over the sheer cliffs, and all along the coast to Cabo de São Vicente. Legend…

  • Natural Feature

    Cabo de São Vicente

    Europe’s southwesternmost point is a barren headland 6km northwest of Sagres' town centre that was the last piece of home that Portuguese sailors once saw…

  • Museum

    Farol de São Vicente

    The lighthouse complex at Cabo de São Vicente contains a small but excellent museum that gives a good overview of Portugal’s maritime-navigation history,…

  • Beach

    Praia do Martinhal

    One of the prettier beaches in the Sagres area, 2.5km northeast of the centre, Martinhal is backed by a resort development, so it's a little complex to…

  • Church

    Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

    Within the Fortaleza de Sagres, this small whitewashed church dating from 1570 is a simple barrel-vaulted structure with a gilded 17th-century altarpiece…

  • Fortress

    Fortaleza do Beliche

    Built in 1632 on the site of an older fortress, Fortaleza do Beliche is 4.8km northwest of the town centre, and 1.2km southeast of the lighthouse at Cabo…

  • Fortress

    Fortaleza da Baleeira

    Above the fishing port, all that remains of the tiny 16th-century Fortaleza da Baleeira is an archway and part of the walls.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Sagres.

  • Activities