Updated October 2026 • 6 min read
Sagres is a small surf town at the far south-western corner of the Algarve, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. A few kilometres west, Cape St Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente) is the south-westernmost point of mainland Europe, with a lighthouse on cliffs about 75 metres above the Atlantic. Visit the Fortress of Sagres, linked to Henry the Navigator, watch the sunset at the cape and spend time on beaches that face both the south and the west coast. Sagres is about half an hour from Lagos by car.
This guide covers what to see in Sagres and at Cape St Vincent, the beaches and surf, how to visit on a day trip and where to stay.
Sagres at a Glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Where | South-western tip of the Algarve, municipality of Vila do Bispo |
| Best for | Surfers, nature lovers, families, sunset at the end of Europe |
| Don't miss | Fortress of Sagres, Cape St Vincent lighthouse, Praia da Mareta, Praia do Beliche |
| How long | A day trip from Lagos, or two to four days to slow down |
| Getting there | About 30 minutes by car from Lagos; tours and buses from the central Algarve |
Things to Do in Sagres and Cape St Vincent
1. Cape St Vincent and its lighthouse
Cabo de São Vicente is the south-westernmost point of mainland Portugal and of mainland Europe, with cliffs rising almost vertically to about 75 metres. The Romans called it the Promontorium Sacrum, the Holy Promontory. The lighthouse, built in 1846 on the ruins of a 16th-century Franciscan convent, is one of the most powerful in Europe, and its light can be seen up to 60 km out to sea. Come for sunset, the most popular time at the cape, and bring a jacket, since the wind can be strong.
2. The Fortress of Sagres
The Fortaleza de Sagres stands on the Sagres headland, a flat promontory surrounded by cliffs. Prince Henry the Navigator, who sponsored the Portuguese voyages of exploration, lived and died here in 1460. The 16th-century fortress was badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake and restored in the 20th century. Inside, look for the giant stone wind rose, 43 metres across, and the small Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, from 1579. A walking trail circles the headland with views along the cliffs.
3. Fortaleza do Beliche
Between Sagres and Cape St Vincent, the small Beliche fort sits on the cliffs above Praia do Beliche, on the road to the cape.
4. Sagres harbour
The fishing port of Sagres, below the town, is where the local boats land their catch. The fish restaurants nearby are a good place to try the day's catch, and boat trips along the coast also depart from the area.
GRAND LAGOS AND CAPE ST VINCENT TOUR
A full-day guided tour of Lagos, Sagres and Cape St Vincent, with time at Ponta da Piedade and the old town of Lagos.
See the tour →More tours to Sagres
Beaches in Sagres
Sagres sits where the south and west coasts meet, so when the wind or swell is wrong on one side, the other side often works.
| Beach | Facing | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Praia da Mareta | South | The town beach, below the fortress headland, usually the most sheltered |
| Praia do Martinhal | South | East of Sagres, next to the Martinhal family resort |
| Praia do Tonel | West | Below the cliffs by the fortress road, exposed to the Atlantic swell |
| Praia do Beliche | South-west | Below the cliffs on the road to the cape, reached by steps |
| Praia do Zavial | South | East of Sagres, with a right-hand point break and a beach break |
Follow the beach flags and lifeguard instructions. The sea around Sagres can be rough, and currents are strong on the exposed beaches.
Surfing in Sagres
Sagres is one of the Algarve's main surf bases, with spots on both coasts within minutes. Beliche and Zavial are the ones to check when the west coast is too big or windy, and the long beaches of the west coast, such as Cordoama and Castelejo near Vila do Bispo, are a short drive north.
SURF LESSON IN CARRAPATEIRA
A 90-minute group surf lesson near Carrapateira on the west coast, north of Sagres, with a maximum of eight students per instructor. Softboard, leash and wetsuit are included.
See the surf lesson →Day Trip to Sagres from Lagos and the Central Algarve
Most visitors come on a day trip. From Lagos it takes about half an hour by car, and the classic route stops at the Fortress of Sagres, a beach or two, Cape St Vincent and, if you stay late, the sunset at the lighthouse. From Albufeira, Portimão or Vilamoura, a guided tour saves the longer drive.
Day trips and nearby towns
Where to Stay in Sagres
Sagres is small, so most places are within a short drive or walk of the beaches.
| Hotel | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort | On the beach at Martinhal, built for families, three outdoor pools |
| Pousada de Sagres | A 5-minute walk from Praia da Mareta, 51 rooms |
| Sagres Time Apartamentos | Aparthotel with 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments |
How to Get to Sagres
- By car: about 30 minutes from Lagos and around 1 hour 15 minutes from Faro Airport, via the A22, which has had no tolls since 2025, and the N125.
- By bus: Vamus buses connect Lagos with Sagres.
- By tour: day tours run from Lagos, Albufeira and other resorts.
Best Time to Visit Sagres
- June to September: warmest weather and the busiest beaches. Sagres is often a little cooler and windier than the rest of the Algarve.
- Spring and autumn: good for walking the clifftops and for surfing, with fewer people. In autumn, the area is known for migrating birds of prey.
- Winter: quiet and wild, with the biggest swells on the west coast.
ALGARVE ESSENTIAL PACKAGE
Flights, hotel and airport transfers in the Algarve, with time to add a day in Sagres and sunset at Cape St Vincent.
See the Algarve package →Plan it your way
Custom Your Trip
Tell our local travel advisors which towns, dates and experiences you want and we build the Algarve trip around you, Sagres and the west coast included.
Start your custom trip →Limited time
Portugal Packages On Sale
Flights, hotels and rental car bundled at reduced prices. See every package currently on sale and book while it lasts.
Book now →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sagres worth visiting?
Yes, for Cape St Vincent, the Fortress of Sagres, sunset at the end of Europe and some of the Algarve's wildest beaches and best surf.
Is Cape St Vincent the westernmost point of Europe?
It is the south-westernmost point of mainland Europe. The westernmost point of mainland Europe is Cabo da Roca, near Lisbon.
How far is Sagres from Lagos?
About 30 minutes by car. Vamus buses and day tours also connect the two.
Can you visit Sagres as a day trip?
Yes. A day is enough for the fortress, a beach and sunset at Cape St Vincent. Stay longer if you want to surf or hike the coast.
What is Sagres known for?
Cape St Vincent, the Fortress of Sagres and its links to Henry the Navigator, surfing, and beaches on both the south and west coasts.
Is Sagres good for families?
Yes, especially Praia da Mareta and Praia do Martinhal, which are usually more sheltered. Martinhal Sagres is a resort built for families.
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