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This article was last updated in 2026
On Born Globals I’ve taken you on a trip to Portugal a few times already. Today we’ll go there again to a small village at the end of Europe called Sagres. Why do I say “end of Europe”? Just look…
Sagres is located at extreme southwest of Portugal in Algarve region. Further on there’s only ocean and America 🙂 It’s only 6 km from St. Vincent Cape, the most south-western part of continental Europe. After spending two days in Lisbon, we spent six days there and we really didn’t have time to be bored there! Each and every tourist will find something for him in this village
Sagres – practical information and interesting facts
Sagres is a small town located at the south-western tip of Portugal, in the Algarve region. For centuries it was considered the edge of the known world.
It is one of the windiest places in Portugal. Strong Atlantic winds make Sagres a popular destination for surfers and other water-sports enthusiasts.
Sagres is much quieter than the typical Algarve resort towns. There are no large party resorts here – it’s a place for people who appreciate nature and wide ocean views.
The surrounding cliffs are among the highest and most rugged in the Algarve, reaching heights of over 60 metres in some places and offering spectacular coastal scenery.
The beaches around Sagres have very different characters – some, like Praia do Tonel or Praia do Beliche, are famous surfing spots, while others are more sheltered and calmer.
Sagres is also known for its stunning sunsets. One of the best places to watch them is Cabo de São Vicente or the cliffs near the Sagres fortress.
Sagres is one of the best places in Europe to observe the autumn migration of birds.
How to get to Sagres?
Sagres to Lagos
Distance: about 30 km
Lagos is the closest major town to Sagres and the most common starting point for visiting the area.
By car: Driving from Lagos is simple and takes around 35 minutes. Follow the N125 west and then the N268 directly to Sagres.
By bus: Regular regional buses run between Lagos and Sagres, operated by the regional Algarve transport network. The journey usually takes 40–50 minutes. Buses depart several times a day, though schedules vary by season.
By tour: If you are staying in Lagos, many companies offer guided tours to Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, often combined with visits to nearby beaches and viewpoints. Check a half-day tour from Lagos to Sagres here.
Sagres to Faro
Distance: about 120 km
Faro is the main transport hub of the Algarve and the closest international airport to Sagres.
By car: Driving from Faro is the fastest and easiest option. Take the A22 motorway (Via do Infante) west towards Lagos, then continue on the N125 and finally the N268 towards Sagres.
By public transport:
There is no direct connection to Sagres from Faro.
- Take a train or bus from Faro to Lagos
- From Lagos, take a bus to Sagres (about 45 minutes).
Where to stay in Sagres?
Sagres is a small town, so choosing accommodation is relatively simple. Most hotels, apartments and guesthouses are located close to the centre, beaches or harbour, meaning that you are rarely more than a few minutes drive or a short walk from the main sights.
The links below are affiliate links. It means that if you book accommodation using them, I will get a small commission with no price difference for you. Thanks in advance for supporting me that way! 🙂
Recommended hotel: Memmo Baleeira – lovely four-star hotel with spectacular views and conveniently situated close to town. Quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms. Friendly, helpful staff and amazing breakfast buffet.
Recommended apartment: Sagres Time Apartamentos – perfectly situated within walking distance to the beach and shops. The property is very clean, and all the facilities are available in the apartment.
Recommended hostel: The Lighthouse Hostel – a budget option that feels luxurious! It has a pool and a garden, plenty of showers and toilets, a nice kitchen, and a terrace for watching the sunset.
Sagres – things to do
1. Sagres beaches and sunbathing
These of you who like resting on a beach chair will be really amazed. In Sagres there are three beautiful, huge, sandy beaches. The best thing is that when we were there in September they were almost totally empty.
I regret I didn’t have more time to discover Algarve, to find more golden beaches of Portugal (and not only) like Agnieszka did. The below had to be enough 😉
Praia da Mareta
It is located the closest to Sagres center. They say it’s the most crowded one. We haven’t noticed 🙂
Praia da Martinhal
This one is located in the eastern part of Sagres. It’s not easy to find it, but it’s really beautiful! We were unlucky this time, when we arrived there the sky got cloudy, the wind got stronger and it was quite cold. After a speedy retreat we warmed ourselves up with some Portuguese wine – not bad at all 🙂
Praia do Tonel
It’s located at the other side of Sagres. There are the best conditions for surfing and there’s so many of surfers! And the beach itself is picturesque between big cliffs. St. Vincent Cape is visible from there.
Praia do Beliche
Another fantastic beach is located about 4 kilometers from Sagres towards the Cape. Another surfing paradise. We didn’t sunbathe there, but we were watching it from cliffs on a cloudy day 🙂
“Ok, what if I don’t like beaches?” you may ask. Let me explain further 🙂
2. Water sports
You could’ve realized already that a very popular sport in Sagres is surfing. You can rent a board or assign for a course. It’s also possible to take a “SUP tour”. SUP stands for stand-up paddling. During the tour you stand on a wide board and move yourself forward with a paddle. And you can go to amazing caves hidden in the cliffs… Breathtaking. I regret so much that we couldn’t do that. The conditions have to be opportune, the ocean has to be calm. Unfortunately, when we were there the waves were too high to do the tour safely. It’s a pity…
“I don’t like water. What can I do now?” In this case…
3. Bike tour
It’s possible to rent some very good mountain bikes in Sagres. It costs 14 euros per 24 hours. And biking terrians are amazing! Check our biking trip along Rota Vincentina to Carrapateira.
There are also group biking trips with a guide available. It costs more then, we could do that for 40 euro. We weren’t interested, but if someone feels safer this way, it’s possible 🙂
“But I don’t like biking”. Then…
4. Walking around Sagres
Sagres is a place where you can admire really breathtaking views. When the weather was worse and the waves very high, we went for a walk towards the Cape, to Praia do Beliche. We were walking along the cliffs and I couldn’t stop watching.
5. Visiting Fortaleza de Sagres fortress
The original fortress was built in Sagres in XVth century, in this building there was the oldest cartography school in the world. It was destroyed in XVI century by an English captain Francis Drake and then destroyed again by an earthquake in XVIII century. Nowadays, only a church inside the fortress is originally from XV century. The entrance costs 3 euro, inside we can see the church, an obelisk with which portugese explorers marked new lands, some cannons – and above all, great views again.
“Ok, it’s not bad, but I’m still not fully convinced”.
6. Sunsets in Sagres
People living in Sagres claim it’s the most beautiful spot to watch the sunset in the world. I’m sure there are many amazing sunset places out there but it’s indeed great to watch it from a cliff with cliffs around. No wonder it’s featured in Europe trip packages for those chasing the most scenic moments 😉
Is Sagres worth visiting?
Yes – Sagres is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a less crowded and more wild part of the Algarve.
Sagres feels wild, remote, and deeply connected to nature. It may not have the lively nightlife like Albufeira or Lagos, but if you appreciate stunning coastal scenery, spectacular sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere, Sagres is a place for you.
Accommodation in Sagres
Recommended hotel: Memmo Baleeira – lovely four-star hotel with spectacular views and conveniently situated close to town. Quiet, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms. Friendly, helpful staff and amazing breakfast buffet.
Recommended apartment: Sagres Time Apartamentos – perfectly situated within walking distance to the beach and shops. The property is very clean, and all the facilities are available in the apartment.
Recommended hostel: The Lighthouse Hostel – a budget option that feels luxurious! It has a pool and a garden, plenty of showers and toilets, a nice kitchen, and a terrace for watching the sunset.
So, did I convince you? I hope so! Last encouragement may be the fact that one of two portugese beer brands is called… Sagres 🙂
So, when are you going?! 🙂 Or do you know other places where everybody can find something for himself, regardless what kind of tourist he is? Let me know!
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[…] Is it worth going to Lisbon? Yes, but for sure not as the only destination in Portugal. While being in the capital take a trip to Sintra – it may take you to the world from your childhood dreams! Anyway, in Portugal nature is the most beautiful! Let’s take a biking trip in Algarve together or let’s go to Sagres – perfect holiday destination for everybody! […]