Sagres, Portugal: 19 Best Things to Do and See

Sagres is located on the very western tip of the Algarve in southern Portugal. This secluded corner of the country boasts a desolate, wind-swept landscape, mighty cliffs, and a turbulent sea.

Sagres is not a town for everyone; it’s not Lagos or Carvoeiro, and you won’t find dozens of shops and businesses here. However, if you enjoy a relaxed, hippie atmosphere, you’ll love Sagres, where surfers from all over the world gather.

It’s a part of the Algarve for adventurers, daredevils, and those who want to surf in ideal conditions, go hiking on cliff trails, cycle on deserted roads, or simply relax under the sun in a less crowded part of Portugal.

Let’s take a look at what to see and do in Sagres, where to stay, and where to go on a trip.

In this guide I will share with you the 19 best things to do and see in Sagres — Sagres, Portugal: 19 Best Things to Do and See.

When to Visit Sagres

Southern Portugal is amazing because it’s sunny all year round, and even though winter temperatures are between 17-19 degrees Celsius, it rarely rains, so you can simply visit all year.

• Summer (June – September): Temperatures around 25–30 °C are ideal for surfing, sunbathing, and evening strolls along the beach. Although it’s busier in summer, the beaches are so vast that everyone can find peace.
• Autumn (October – November): Mild temperatures of 18–25 °C and fewer tourists make this period ideal for hikes and exploring the local nature. Additionally, there are many festivals here in October and November.
• Winter and Spring (December – May): From December to February, temperatures range from 17–22 °C, after which the temperature slowly starts to rise. This period is ideal for surfers.

Where to Stay – Hotel Tips in Sagres

If you’re looking to stay in Sagres, definitely check for availability at Romantik Villa! It’s a fantastic accommodation with a reasonable price. If you’re going for surfing, I also recommend checking out Aljezur and Carrapateira.

How to get around Southern Portugal

Bus connections in Portugal are not very good, so it’s necessary to have a car. We rented a second car (we travel by camper van) through RentalCars.

What to See and Do in Sagres

There isn’t much to see in Sagres itself, but if you look around the area, you’ll immediately find enough for several days of excursions. Let’s take a look at what you can do in Sagres.

Cabo De São Vicente and Farol De Sagres

The lighthouse near Sagres stands on dramatic cliffs not far from Cape São Vicente, one of Europe’s westernmost points. Built in 1846, its light, visible up to 50 kilometers away, still helps ships navigate the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The lighthouse itself is rather unassuming, but its location is breathtaking. The cliffs are high, the wind often blows strongly here, and with the endless ocean, you simply feel like you’re at the end of the world. And it was here that the known world once ended. From here, Portuguese navigators set sail on voyages of discovery. In Sagres, Prince Henry the Navigator had his famous nautical school.

Stay for the sunset. The sky here transforms into a breathtaking palette of orange and pink. It’s a spectacle you won’t soon forget.

Praia Do Tonel

One of the many popular surfing beaches in Sagres is Praia do Tonel. The beach is located near Sagres Fortress. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the town center. If you’re driving, take road N268 towards the fortress and turn off just before it, following the signs for Praia do Tonel. Parking is available above the beach and is free.

There’s a small beach bar on the beach, which also has toilets. In summer, the waves here are smaller, ideal for beginners, while in winter they are larger and suitable for experienced surfers. There’s a surf school on the beach where you can rent equipment or arrange lessons.

Lifeguards are present on the beach during the summer season. Nevertheless, be careful, as the sea can be unpredictable and currents strong. The beach is not suitable for small children due to strong waves and currents.

Praia Da Mareta

A calm beach with fine sand, ideal for swimming and relaxation, located right in the town center. From the main road N268, turn at the roundabout towards the beach, where there is a large parking lot. Parking is free, and the beach is easily accessible on foot from the town.

Toilets, showers, and in summer, sun loungers and umbrellas for rent are available on the beach. Above the beach, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes offering local specialties and fresh seafood.

Thanks to its calmer waters, the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and family activities. There are also opportunities for diving and other water sports nearby.

Praia Do Beliche

A hidden gem surrounded by high cliffs, also a popular surfing spot. The beach is located between Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente. Access is via a steep staircase leading from the parking lot above the beach. Parking is limited, so it’s better to arrive early during the summer months.

The beach is popular among surfers, especially during autumn and winter when the waves are larger. In summer, the beach is also suitable for beginners due to smaller waves. However, we learned to surf in December, so don’t be intimidated; surf instructors will always take you to a beach where conditions are ideal at that moment.

Go for a Beer Tasting

As a Czech, I couldn’t help but recommend a local brewery where you can also go for a beer tasting. Bossa Brew House, which offers a range of its own craft beers brewed on-site, and a diverse menu inspired by Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine.

For food, they have tapas, aged meat, and other specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients. The establishment is located on Rua Da Mareta, in the courtyard behind Dromedário bar.

Buy an Original and Quality Souvenir at Surf Shack Sagres

I recommend visiting Surf Shack Sagres if you want a quality souvenir from Sagres. You’ll find T-shirts, hoodies, as well as cosmetics and jewelry made right here in southern Portugal. The quality is high, and the surfing theme is, after all, an ideal souvenir.

Taste the Famous Pizza Made with 20-Year-Old Sourdough

If you’re craving one of the best pizzas in Europe, head to Arte Bianca Cucina Italiana. This pizzeria, which has a branch directly in Sagres, has been ranked among the top 50 pizzerias in Europe for three consecutive years. In 2024, it secured a prestigious 33rd place in the 50 Top Pizza ranking.

The secret to their success lies in the perfect combination of premium ingredients. Some of them are imported directly from Italy, others come from local farmers or their own garden.

They prepare the pizza dough from flour from an Italian artisan mill and use a more than 20-year-old sourdough starter, which they ferment for 72 hours.

Behind the pizzeria’s success is chef Emanuele Zingale, who, together with Manuela Mattavelli, opened the first Arte Bianca in Aljezur back in 2014. Since then, the establishment has won the hearts of true Italian pizza lovers and has become a symbol of quality.

Try Surfing – School Tips

If surfing appeals to you, Sagres is the right place to start, with beautiful beaches nearby offering ideal conditions for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner who has never stood on a board, or an advanced surfer looking for new challenges, you’ll find a number of surf schools here to help you improve your skills.

Popular options include Sagres Surf School, Wavesensations, or Sandy Surf School.

You can find more about surfing in Portugal in our article.

Fortaleza De Sagres

This fortress, built in the 15th century at the command of Prince Henry the Navigator, played a key role in Portuguese overseas discoveries. Although it was significantly damaged by the earthquake in 1755, it underwent a major reconstruction in the late 18th century.

Inside the fortress is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, also founded by Henry the Navigator. In 2018, Fortaleza de Sagres was the most visited monument in the Algarve, which personally quite surprised me, as I honestly consider it something that can be skipped.

Hiking

If you love hiking, Sagres will thrill you. This picturesque town on Portugal’s southwestern coast is surrounded by breathtaking trails that lead over wild cliffs, past deserted beaches, and through amazing nature. Sagres is an excellent starting point for two well-known routes – Rota Vicentina and Via Algarviana.

Rota Vicentina is a network of hiking trails over 450 km long and offers two main paths. The coastal Fishermen’s Trail will guide you along dramatic cliffs with breathtaking views. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, take the Historical Way, which leads inland and connects traditional Portuguese villages.

The second major route is the Via Algarviana, which starts in the east of the Algarve and ends at the iconic Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point. This 300-kilometer trail will take you inland, where you’ll discover a completely different Algarve – calm, authentic, and full of magical corners.

Cycling – Rental and Route Tips

Sagres, like Carrapateira, is extremely popular among cyclists. The area offers diverse routes, from coastal paths with breathtaking views of the Atlantic to inland trails leading through traditional villages and beautiful nature.

Recommended Cycling Routes:

• Quick route to Sagres – Praia do Beliche loop from Martinhal: This easy 19.4 km route is suitable even for those who cycle occasionally.
• Sagres – Lagos: This moderately challenging route of approximately 54 km will take you from Sagres to the historic town of Lagos.
• Sagres – Aljezur: A more challenging 91 km route, leading through green pastures and pine forests, with the option to visit the picturesque coastal village of Carrapateira.

Bike Rentals in Sagres:

• Sagres Bicycle and Company: Offers bike rentals, bike sales, and service. Additionally, they provide surfing and skateboarding equipment.
• Musette Bike: Specializes in renting various types of bicycles, including gravel and mountain bikes.
• Martinhal Bike Station: You can find this rental shop at the Martinhal resort.

Visit the Best Cafe for Coffee or Brunch

You’ll find the best coffee in Sagres at Picnic Sagres cafe, but if you want something to eat and to sit in a wonderful setting, definitely head to Three Little Birds, where they have good coffee and, more importantly, great food.

Carrapateira

While you’re in Sagres, explore the surrounding area. In 23 minutes, you’ll reach the village of Carrapateira, which is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. There, you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches (Borderia), as well as a museum dedicated to fishermen. You can find more in our article.

Aljezur

Another beautiful place about 40 minutes from Sagres is Aljezur, where you’ll find not only many great establishments but also the remains of a castle that towers over the town. In the vicinity of Aljezur, there are also amazing surfing beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the entire Algarve. You can find more in our article about Aljezur.

Ponta Da Atalaia

Near Aljezur, you’ll also find one of the most amazing viewpoints, for which you don’t have to walk too far from the parking lot. But don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain is rocky.

Lagos

A 35-minute drive from Sagres, you’ll find the town of Lagos. This rather touristy town is popular not only for its pleasant historic center, where you can admire typical colorful Portuguese houses, but also for its iconic surrounding beaches and viewpoints. You can find more in our article about Lagos.

Carvoeiro

An hour’s drive from Sagres, you’ll find a town where we spent four winters. Carvoeiro is one of our favorites; it’s not without reason that it’s an extremely popular part of the Algarve among tourists. A short distance from Carvoeiro, you’ll find what we believe is the most beautiful beach in Portugal – Praia da Marinha. You can find more about Carvoeiro in our article.

From Carvoeiro, you can also go on dolphin and cave tours, which you can easily book via GetYourGuide (we like using it because you can easily cancel your reservation).

Silves

Had enough of beaches? That’s hardly possible, but if you’d like a change, we recommend visiting the castle in the town of Silves. We spent a whole month in this town, so you can find more information in a separate article.

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