Portugal City Travel Guide: Sagres
Sagres
Sagres is a fairly remote, laid-back resort and surf mecca in the far south west of the Algarve region.
Its location, waves and laid-back, alternative lifestyle - think surf schools and yoga retreats - make this beautiful part of Portugal something akin to Cornwall in the UK.
Like Cornwall, the area has its own Land's End. Cabo de São Vicente at the far southwest of the peninsula was the end of the world to the ancients. There is a lighthouse and a solitary cafe and gift shop here now and not much else, except for extraordinary and spectacular views and sunsets.
This town of just under 2,000 people may lack the historic buildings, churches and museums of Lagos 30 km up the road, but if you want to get away from it all as much as you can, come to Sagres and ideally come out of season.
Henry the Navigator though largely based in Lagos as the governor of the Algarve is believed to have started a naval academy and school of navigation and map-making in the area. Historians, though, are not sure that this is actually the case, and it may all be a myth, lost in the depths of time.
Supposedly run on almost monastic lines many of the stars of Portugal's golden "Age of Discoveries" in the 15th and 16th centuries are believed to have passed through the mythical "Sagres school" (Escola de Sagres): Gil Eanes, Bartolomeu Dias and Ferdinand Magellan, for example.
Henry certainly had a house nearby, thought to be at Cabo de São Vicente, and died there in 1460.
Sagres the town is not the most beautiful on the Algarve but the coastal scenery around it rivals any in the region.
Places of historical interest include the Fortaleza de Sagres, built during the time of Henry the Navigator to protect the coast from Barbary pirates. The battlements still have the odd cannon and the 43-diameter rosa dos ventos (wind rose), which experts believe may be an early compass or maybe not.
Inside the large fortress is the small, charming, whitewashed Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça dating from the 16th century.
Sir Francis Drake paid a none-too-friendly visit to the fort in 1587 while harassing the Spanish Armada and the 1755 Earthquake did even more damage. Still the impressive walls still stand after extensive renovation and the fortress is one of the most visited attractions south of Lisbon.
The smaller Fortaleza do Beliche is 4.5 km to the west.
Beaches near Sagres
Sagres is home to several great beaches very nearby. These are Praia da Mareta to the south of town, Praia da Baleeira to the east, Praia do Martinhal north of here and the surf beach Praia do Tonel to the west.
Praia do Martinhal is particularly lovely located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Martinhal Beach can get a little windy but is perfect for such activities as surfing, wind-surfing, hiking and jogging. The Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel is right at the beach.
Further afield are Praia da Baleira, Praia de Zavial and Praia da Bordeira 20 km to the northwest.
Praia de Zavial is a favorite with surfers as the beach can get sizeable waves. It is a gorgeous spot, with an incredible view from the cafe/restaurant and an area for nudists.
The beach at Praia da Bordeira features 3 km of fine, often largely deserted sand. Cross the Ribeira da Bordeira river from Carrapateira to get to this long, windswept beach, which is popular with surfers. The beach is known for its limestone cliffs and sand dunes and is quieter than nearby Praia do Amando, which has the better surf. By car from Sagres the beach is 23 km or about 20 minutes.
For a round of golf head to the Golfe Santo António north of Sagres. It has 18 holes and is par 71. Visitors can stay at the adjacent Quinta da Floresta - Santo António Villas, Golf & Spa complete with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as bars and restaurants on site.
Cabo de São Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres is where the end of the world was - or at least, where people thought it was. When Europeans believed the world was flat, the most southwestern part of Europe would have been the last land before the world ended.
The present Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse dates from 1846 and was housed in the 16th century Franciscan convent. It was originally powered by an olive oil lamp! This fell into disrepair and so the tower was made taller and a Fresnel lens installed. This more modern lighthouse began operating in the early 20th century.
Cabo de São Vicente offers fantastic views back along the cliffs.
Cabo de São Vicente is named after Vincent, a Spanish preacher who was burnt at the stake by the Romans in the 4th century.
Sagres Tourist Office
Rua Comandantete Matoso 75, 8650-357 Sagres (Tel: 282 624 873) - close to Praça da República.
Getting to Sagres
Train Travel in Portugal
Sagres is not on the rail network. The nearest station is in Lagos.
Lagos Station has rail connections with Faro via Albufeira and Loulé. There are also trains to Lisbon via Tunes. A regional train to Tunes takes about 55 minutes. At Tunes you can connect with an Alfa Pendular express or Intercidades (Intercity) train to Sete Rios, Entrecampos and Oriente. From Tunes to Lisbon is approximately 2 and a half hours altogether. Check www.cp.pt for the latest timetables and train fares.
Car Travel in Portugal
Sagres is a 10 minute drive from Vila do Bispo with connects with the east-west N125 highway to Lagos and Faro.
Bus Travel in Portugal
There are buses from Sagres to Portimao, Salema and Lagos. There are also local buses to Cabo de São Vicente.
There are long-distance buses to Aljezur (45 minutes), Sines (3 hours, 35 minutes) and Lisbon Sete Rios (4 hours, 10 minutes).
There are also presently 12 daily bus departures from Lagos to Lisbon run by EVA or Rede Expressos arriving at Sete Rios bus station. The journey takes around 4 hours. Check www.rede-expressos.pt for the latest details on times and fares.
From the Airport
The nearest airport is at Faro with flights to many other places in Europe. From the UK there are flights from Manchester Airport, Bristol and Gatwick.
Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation
Accommodation in Sagres
Recommended places to stay in and around Sagres include the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel, the Memmo Baleeira - Design Hotels and the Pousada de Sagres. All are fairly upmarket.
For backpackers, surfers and those on a budget try the Algarve Surf Hostel or the Sagres Sun Stay - Surf Camp & Hostel.
See here for a complete listing of accommodation in Sagres.
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
Hostels in Portugal - Booking.com
Eating
Sagres has several fine restaurants and cafes for a town of its size. Seafood obviously is a specialty. Dromedario Bistro Bar, Laundry Lounge, Terra, Three Little Birds, Mum's and Mercearia 355 all have vegetarian options on their menus.
Drinking
There are a good few surfers' bars and cocktail joints for a refreshing sun-downer.
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Surf, Sail & Dive
Sagres has several surf schools where you take a one-day basic course or longer programs. Several companies also offer boat tours of the coast and scuba diving.
Massage
Tabea offers Ayurvedic, sports and combination massages at Mandala Sagres by appointment, or at the guest's accommodation. Sessions last 60 minutes and cost €50; travel is included between Sagres and Lagos. Appointments are arranged directly on WhatsApp in English, Portuguese, German, Spanish or French.
Contact Details
www: shaanthawellness.com
Tel: +351938132927
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The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade.
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Sagres Weather Forecast
The weather can be idyllic at anytime on the western Algarve. August is the hottest month in Sagres but humidity is thankfully low. The area is slightly cooler in summer than other parts of the Algarve due to the often strong ocean breezes off the Atlantic. In winter expect more cloudy days and such rain as there is. December and January are the coldest months.
Algarve Resorts
Other places to visit in the Algarve region of Portugal include Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Alvor, Cabanas, Cacela Velha, Faro, Ferragudo, Fuseta, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Sagres, Silves, Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Hotels in the Algarve
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Hotels in Albufeira - Agoda.com
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