Free walking tours in Sagres and what to see

Must-sees

Sagres sits at the south-western tip of Europe, in a land of wind-battered cliffs. The Sagres fortress, on a headland jutting into the sea, is linked to the Age of Discovery and to Prince Henry the Navigator; inside you can see the stone wind rose and the small chapel.

About six kilometres away, Cape St Vincent, with its lighthouse, is where the coast turns north, and its sunsets draw crowds. Around it are Atlantic-facing beaches such as Tonel, Beliche and Martinhal, popular with surfers. The village, small and quiet, still has a working fishing harbour.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Sagres. What people book are dolphin-watching boat trips and 4x4 tours along the coast, also at sunset, or inland through Monchique and the Bravura lake.

Sagres is also one of the great surf destinations in Portugal, with schools on almost every beach. The Rota Vicentina starts here for those who want to walk along the coast.

How long to spend

One day lets you see the fortress, Cape St Vincent at sunset and a beach. With more days you can surf, walk the Vicentine coast or visit Lagos, half an hour away. Always bring something warm: even in summer, the wind cools things down a lot in the evening.

Where to stay

In the village there are hotels, guesthouses and surf houses, with restaurants and the harbour close by. The Martinhal area has a family resort facing the beach. Inland, in Vila do Bispo and the surroundings, there are cheaper and quieter rural houses, for those travelling by car.