Sagres (Algarve) – Holiday tips and sights
Sagres holiday tips, best sights, activities & more local tips
Sagres , the most southwestern village of the Portuguese Algarve and of Europe is mainly known for two highlights: surf & seafood. Praia do Tonel is a popular beach among surfers, while along the last 300 meters of the N268 and its side streets you will find several surf schools and delicious fish restaurants.
Come for a sunset at Cabo de São Vicente and stay for a sunset at Forteleza de Sagres . This town is definitely worth a visit during your west coast adventure in Portugal.
Sagres feels like the end of the world. And not in an apocalyptic way, but as a quiet corner of the busy western world. Most visitors come to relax or surf at one of the various beaches nearby. For sunbathing and floating, go to Praia do Martinhal ; for surfing, go to Praia do Tonel. The fort at the top of the peninsula is a popular stop for a romantic sunset.
On this page you can read my tips for sights, activities and nice accommodations in Sagres based on my own many visits. Welcome to Sagres!
💬 My experiences in Sagres (click to unfold)
When I first arrived in the Algarve, I lived in Sagres for a few weeks in different hostels and Airbnbs. Now, I didn’t necessarily want to stay in a different accommodation every week, but I always managed to find an accommodation that then closed a week later for a winter break, with the owners themselves -rightly- going on holiday after a busy season.
I am not a city person myself, so I liked Sagres. It is small, restaurants are affordable and most beaches are within walking distance. Every now and then there is live music and an event is organized here and there, such as the annual Sagres surf film festival.
Besides B&Bs, Sagres also has plenty of hostels for young people (and older young people like me) to stay in, which also serve as an excellent base for taking surf lessons. Many hostels offer a surf & stay package , where you can save on your total costs, just like in Lagos. If you want to stay longer, try to get a job in one of the hostels, where you work a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation, sometimes a meal and surfboard rental.
In terms of restaurants and bars, here are a few of my personal favorites. You can find them at the bottom of the page, but I will already reveal that I regularly go to Three Little Birds for the truffle fries .
When the south coast has no waves, most surfers head to Sagres to surf at Praia do Tonel or Beliche. I prefer the former as it is much wider, so you don’t have to compete as much for a wave and there is a lot of steps to get down to Beliche.
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The best car rental company in the Algarve is Luzcar: a small family business with a super score of 4.8/5 on Google Maps. The rental prices always include full insurance, you pay no deposit and the car is ready for you at the airport or in Lagos. Moreover, you do not need a credit card!
Discover all the great conditions and excellent prices on this page. Moreover, you will receive free extras from us if you make a reservation directly.
Sagres (Algarve) top 9 sights
Sagres is not one of the largest places in the Algarve, but there are still a number of nice sights that make it worth the trip. You can easily spend a whole day in and around Sagres visiting the different beaches, the cliffs, the fortress and in one of the restaurants where you can score a delicious meal in between.
These are the top 9 sights in and around Sagres that I recommend visiting:
1. Fortaleza de Sagres
At the end of the road to Sagres stands like a rock in the surf the old Fortaleza de Sagres . This fortress consisting of a fortified wall and three impressive cliffs offered defense against foreigners who did not have the best intentions for Sagres and its inhabitants.
On the wall, weathered cannons still stand proudly guarding the fortress and at the end of the peninsula you can look out on all sides over the azure blue North Atlantic Ocean.
2. Cabo de São Vicente
A few minutes drive from Sagres, on the most south-westerly point of not only Portugal, but the whole of Europe, stands the lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente .
During the day this attraction is a beautiful place to look out over the typical Algarve rock formations; in the evening you can take beautiful sunset pictures as the sun sinks into the sea.
During high season, there is a food truck here selling the ‘ last hot dog before America ‘.
3. Praia do Tonel
Praia do Tonel is the most popular beach in Sagres among surfers and sun worshippers. Surrounded by high cliffs, you can stay here well out of the wind and watch the many surfers wading into the water as soon as there is even 1 good break to be found.
At low tide you can walk around a small rocky outcrop on the north side to a hidden beach, but make sure you get back before high tide or you’ll have to swim.
During high season there is a pop-up café where you can get drinks and small snacks (cash only), as well as a surfboard for a few hours.
Watch below a short video I made about Praia do Tonel :
4. Praia do Beliche
📽 Click to watch a (very) short video
Found at the bottom of a long and steep staircase, Praia do Beliche is worth the descent. From Sagres, you can walk there in half an hour, or drive there in a few minutes. The beach is not wide, but the cliffs are high, so you can lie here well sheltered from the wind.
It is a popular surfing spot among locals and next to the stairs there is a small restaurant on scaffolding poles where you can smell the grilled fish as soon as you walk down the stairs.
Don’t feel like walking down? Then stay at the top and walk along the cliffs and see the beauty of the west coast of the Algarve from above.
5. Ponta da Atalaia
On the east side of Praia da Mareta, the Ponta da Atalaia cliff juts out over the blue seawater. After a short walk on a wooden boardwalk, you arrive at the point from where you can take beautiful photos of the beach with the fortress of Sagres in the distance.
This is one of the sights in Sagres that not everyone visits, so chances are you won’t encounter many tourists here.
6. Praia da Ponta Ruiva
A short 20 minute drive from Sagres on a mostly unpaved road, you’ll find the rugged Praia da Ponta Ruiva . Since this beach isn’t on everyone’s radar, you’ll probably find few other people here besides a few fanatic surfers.
When the swell is high, the crashing waves result in big spraying expolsions, allowing you to take beautiful photos of the typical Algarve cliffs and the ocean.
Tip: Don’t drive all the way to the beach but park in the last bend and walk the last 100 meters, especially if you don’t have a 4W drive.
The location button below will direct you to the parking spot I mean.
7. Ceramica Paraiso
Just outside Vila de Bispo , on the road to Sagres, you will find the Paraiso pottery . This shop is full of (misspelling intentional) handmade pottery. From plates, to mugs, decoration, serving dishes and many, many, many other colorful objects for a fair price. Half of our kitchen inventory comes from here.
In the shop you can only pay with cash, but recently there is an ATM right next to the entrance. That is handy. If you are looking for typical Algarve / Portuguese pottery, you are in the right place .
8. Menir de Padrão
On the way to Sagres you will arrive at the Menir de Padrão with a small detour . Where most menhirs in the Algarve are unfortunately located on private property or have fallen over, this one still stands proudly after centuries of weather and wind and in the public space.
According to a local guide on Google Maps, this is one of the oldest menhirs in Western Europe, and was probably made around 4500 BC.
Unfortunately there is no information board at this attraction, but with a little imagination you can see the Neolithic population of that time walking around.
9. Praia do Ingrina
A fifteen minute drive from Sagres towards the east will bring you to Praia do Zavial’s little brother: Praia do Ingrina . Just around the corner from its larger neighbouring beach, you can often find small waves here during the surfing season, while in the high season you can snorkel beautifully here on a clear day.
Bring your snorkel and mask and swim left or right around the rocks and stones to find the many colorful fish and anemones that the Algarve has to offer.
I have personally encountered squid here several times!
Sagres top 5 activities
There are all sorts of activities to be found in Sagres, but one activity stands head and shoulders above the rest: surfing ! With a variety of beaches, all with slightly different orientations, Sagres is a great base to try your hand at surfing for the first time, or to take your skills up a level or two when Tonel produces 6-8 foot waves on a rough winter day. But don’t worry, in the summer it’s a lot more beginner-friendly and you can expect waves of between 1 and 3 feet.
These are the top 5 activities you can do in and around Sagres:
1. Surfles in Sagres
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Sagres is one of the most popular locations in the Algarve to learn to surf . If the waves at the main beach Tonel are a bit too big, then around the corner is Praia da Mareta where they will be a lot more beginner-friendly.
During this surf lesson you will receive 2 x 1.5 hours of instruction from a certified instructor. Of course all the necessary material is included, such as a surfboard, wetsuit, transport and sports insurance!
2. Coasteering with Coastline Algarve
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Conquer your fear of heights and join a Coasteering tour with Coastline Algarve , where the three-hour excursion will see you swimming into caves, cliff jumping and hiking along the stunning cliffs surrounding Sagres.
After extensive instructions, you will set off with a small group, fully equipped, to explore the coastline up close: in the water.
Photos and videos will be taken so that you can show your friends afterwards that you really jumped off that high cliff!
3. Sagres sunset tour by jeep
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
Rather high and dry – then the sunset tour by jeep near Cabo Sao Vicente is better suited for you. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Sagres before you leave with a small group to the most beautiful places on the west coast, where few tourists come.
The friendly tour guide will be happy to tell you about his village Sagres, giving you some interesting background information about this old fishing village in the western Algarve.
Arriving at the last stop, you will enjoy a glass of wine and a snack while the sun slowly sinks into the sea. Afterwards, you will be brought back to your accommodation.
4. Dolphin spotting from Sagres
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
From the port of Sagres departs this special boat trip where you will search for wild dolphins ! Dolphins swim along the Algarve coast all year round and the experienced captains know where to look.
This boat trip is a combination trip, because in addition to looking for wild dolphins, you will also view a number of caves and impressive cliffs up close.
Please note that dolphins are wild animals so there is no guarantee that you will encounter them, but the chances are very high!
5. Horse riding along the coast
⭐ View availability (click to expand)
A short twenty minute drive from Sagres you can go horse riding through the dunes and over the beaches of Carapateira. Advanced and novice riders are welcome and after you have been introduced to your horse, the one hour tour begins where you ride over unpaved paths to beautiful viewpoints.
This horse riding tour is suitable for children aged 10 and over and persons weighing under 95 kilos.
Sagres accommodation tips
Sagres has a healthy mix of laidback surf hostels to luxury apartments and resorts. There is a suitable accommodation for every type of traveler, despite the village not being too big. One thing is for sure, if you are looking for a quiet destination, Sagres is the place to be.
These are my 3 hotel tips for Sagres:
1. Blacksheep Sagres Guesthouse
Blacksheep Sagres Guesthouse is a super atmospheric hostel in Sagres where you can relax after a hard day of surfing in the large garden, the hot tub or one of the many comfortable sofas.
The rooms are arranged around the central space / living room, which gives a very homely feeling. I myself stayed there for a week in the winter and felt at home immediately.
Highly recommended if you are looking for a good and affordable hostel!
2. Sagres Time Apartamentos
Sagres Time Apartamentos consists of a handful of luxuriously furnished apartments where you can rent a unit together or with the whole family.
In the middle of the park there is a (heated!) outdoor swimming pool while the rooms have air conditioning for the hot days.
The location is ideal as you are just a few minutes walk from the beach.
3. LemonTree Eco Surfhouse
At LemonTree Eco Surfhouse it’s all about one thing: surfing! In this super atmospheric guesthouse you can book daily yoga lessons in addition to surfing lessons and board rental, and fun events are occasionally organized in the backyard.
Thanks to its super central location, you can be at Praia do Tonel within a few minutes’ walk to catch some waves in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
Sagres restaurant tips
Having lived there for a few weeks, and not being the biggest fan of cooking, I have had the chance to try many restaurants in Sagres, some of which have quickly become part of my regular repertoire. These are my favourite restaurants in Sagres:
| Name, price range and directions | Kitchen & info |
|---|---|
| Three Little Birds €€  | Quesadillas, Nachos, Tacos, Burgers, Salads. The truffled fries are delicious here and the pulled pork burger is also recommended. |
| Laundry Lounge €€ | Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in the Laundry Lounge you can not only eat but also actually do your laundry in one of the many washing machines and dryers. In addition to meat and fish dishes, the menu also includes various vegetarian/vegan options ranging from Pad Thai to curry, sushi and miso soup. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to see if there is live music. |
| Holi Diwali €€ | Fancy some Indian food? Then you’re in the right place at Holi Diwali. I’ve had delicious Tandoori’s here several times. Tip: Try the garlic naan as a side dish. |
| Picnic Sagres €€ | This small but charming espresso bar has the exact opening hours “from sunrise to sunset”, so you can get delicious coffee all day long, especially in the summer, accompanied by one of the many vegan sandwiches or cakes. Not the cheapest, but definitely worth the price difference if you are a coffee snob like me. |
Affordable car rental in the Algarve
The best way to discover all the beauty in the Algarve is with a rental car. By renting a car for a few days you can much more easily reach the sights and activities that are not always accessible by public transport.
By renting a car from Luzcar, you are helping a local family business run by Portuguese entrepreneurs. This way you support the local economy and you also get top service, which is often a stark contrast to the large corporations. Luzcar is based in Lagos, but they also offer cars at the airport in Faro. This way you can pick up the car immediately upon arrival and return it at the airport upon departure.
Luzcar’s reputation speaks for itself. Almost 5 out of 5 on Google Maps.
Parking in Sagres
In Sagres it is easy to find a parking space, as it is a small village that is spaciously laid out. Parking is free everywhere and you will find more than enough space in one of the side streets or in the huge parking lot at the fortress.
I recommend parking in one of these places:
The brief history of Sagres
Sagres takes its name from “ Sagrado ” (holy) because of the importance of local religious practices in the history of the region. Mediterranean people, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, worshipped their gods here in what they considered a meeting place for gods, due to the lack of human settlements.
During the Moorish occupation, the Christians (Mozarabs) built the Church of Corvo, where the remains of Saint Vincent were buried in the 8th century. This presence led to the area being named Cape of Saint Vincent.
Infante Henry, son of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster, was closely connected to Sagres. He was granted the land in 1443 and was an influential figure as head of the military Order of Christ. His wealth came from land ownership, fishing and investment in the founding of a village, later known as Vila do Infante. The strategically located fishing village on Ponta de Sagres dominated the bays of Mareta and Beliche.
In 1519, Sagres was founded by dividing the municipal territory of Vila do Bispo. In 1587, the British explorer Francis Drake arrived with 800 men and attacked the fortress of Sagres, destroying the fortifications and pillaging the artillery.
Today Sagres is a quiet village and the fortress is open to the public. In the past decades the fortress has been restored several times.
Photo gallery of Sagres
As a hobby photographer I regularly go out with my cameras to take pictures of this beautiful area. Below you can see some of my favorite pictures of Sagres.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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