Sagres, Algarve, Portugal
Sagres is a fishing port and has the remains of a large fortress. The resort provides over 20 beaches, some set at the foot of the cliffs.
Sagres
There is a lighthouse at the Cape and this is a bird watcher's paradise. Sagres is the ideal choice for a get away from it all holiday. Transfer time is approximately 1 hour.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Sagres Reviews
Beaches
There are several beaches in Sagre so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs perfectly. These are just some of the beaches available.
Baleeira Beach is situated next to the fishing harbour in Sagres. It is a small, yet lovely sandy beach with rocks spread out on the sand. There is one restaurant behind the beach and several bars and restaurants behind the port so you won't be stuck for something to eat or drink. There is plenty of parking but the entrance to the beach is quite narrow so disabled access may be difficult. This beach is not supervised.
Beliche beach is situated between Sagres point and Cape St Vincent and has great big towering cliffs behind it. The soft golden sands are perfect for relaxing and with no amenities to speak of, the beach remains relatively quiet with visitors choosing larger beaches with amenities. Access to the beach is down a long set of steps so it's not ideal for disabled visitors or perhaps those with pushchairs.
One of the busiest beaches is Mareta beach which is the one closest to the town. The sandy bay is sheltered from the westerly winds by the cliffs behind it which makes it perfect for sunbathing. There are 3 restaurants here and parking also. Although there are paths to the beach, it is not classed as accessible as there are some rough steps down to the beach and there are no walkways on the actual beach. This beach is supervised during the summer season.
Martinhal Beach is situated at the end of a windy cobbled road, just past an estate of villas. The long stretch of golden sand has a marshy lagoon at the rear and an island out to sea with some great views of the lighthouse and fishing harbour. There are 2 restaurants on the beach with additional bars and restaurants in the town. There is a car park which is right on the edge of the beach which makes it easier for disabled access, however, it is not classed as an accessible beach. The beach is supervised during the summer months and there are lots of watersports available such as snorkelling, kayaking, body boarding and windsurfing, it even has it's very own windsurfing club.
Things to Do
There is plenty to see here, such as the Sagres Fortress which is listed as a national monument. The original 15th Century fortress was destroyed in the 16th Century and rebuilt in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries There is also the structure which is 43 metres in diameter with 32 spokes marked out with stones. It is commonly known as a wind rose but many believe it may have been a sun dial.
The Church of Our Lady of Grace is also worth a visit. This 15th Century church features the tomb of a 16th Century Spanish captain who helped defend the fortress from Sir Francis Drake's attack in 1587, the two tombs of 17th Century fortress commanders and an image of St Vincent that came from the convent of Cape St Vincent.
There are also some Roman ruins here for eg remains of a large pottery centre can be found at Martinhal beach and ruins of fish salting tanks can also be found on the small islands of Martinhal, just opposite the beach.
Boat trips are popular too so whether you fancy a spot of fishing, dolphin spotting or just a relaxing cruise, just set sail and enjoy your day.
Out and About
There are plenty of restaurants in Sagres, many of which offer great seafood dishes but there are plenty of other options available if you are not too keen on fishy things. There are also many bars too so if you fancy a quiet drink or something a little more lively then there are plenty of options.
There are a good few nightclubs on offer too so if you want to party into the early hours then there is ample opportunity to do so.
There is a decent selection of shops here, many of which sell locally crafted goods which can be good for souvenirs that are a little different. There is also a flea market once a week where you will be certain to find a bargain. There are clothes shops too but I'm sure if you can't find what you are looking for, you can venture to Lagos or even Portimao.
Nearby Attractions
Why not check out Portugal's largest water park, Slide and Splash which is situated between Lagos and Albufeira. There are loads of rides for all the family and a separate children's area for little ones so everyone is happy. There is a grassy area if you fancy a spot of sunbathing and there is a couple of restaurants and kiosk serving food and drink. Slide and Splash is a great day out for all the family and a great way to cool down
Lagos Zoo is not huge but concentrates more on smaller animals and birds. The monkey island is great fun and there is a pets corner too. There is also a children's playground, picnic area, snack bar and restaurant here which makes it the ideal place for a family day out.
Lagos itself is worth a visit, it is one of the most attractive towns in the Algarve with its main avenue running the length of the town. The marina and beach is on one side and the cobbled streets of the town centre are on the other side. There are some great restaurants to sample and plenty of shopping if you fancy.
Although the pretty seaside town of Albufeira is approx 1 hours drive from Sagres, there is lots to see including Paderne Castle and the beautiful Blue Flag beach. A lovely, relaxing day out for all the family.
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