Sagres is one of the most laid-back towns to visit in the Algarve, especially for backpackers and surfers.
The town is located at the westernmost tip of the Algarve, perched above sea-carved cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Sagres is a bit quieter than other popular holiday destinations in the Algarve and offers simple accommodations and restaurants.
However, this is slowly starting to change as it continues to grow as a top tourist destination in the Algarve.
Being a seaside town, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Whether you want to learn how to surf or sunbathe on a beautiful beach, here are the best things to do in Sagres, Portugal.
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Best Things to do in Sagres Portugal
1. Cabo de São Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente or Cape of Saint Vincent is the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe and is commonly known as the “End of the World” due to its barren landscape. Cabo São Vicente is actually four miles from Sagres and it’s best to get there by taxi or a rental car. Although, there is a bus that runs during the week.
After you arrive, you can visit the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse and enjoy the dramatic views atop the 250-foot cliffs. It’s usually super windy here, so don’t forget a sweater.
2. Surfing
One of the most popular things to do in Sagres is surfing! Sagres has four main beaches: Praia do Zavial, Praia da Mareta, Praia do Tonel, and Praia do Beliche, which all provide great surfing conditions for every surf level.
There are plenty of great surf schools in Sagres that offer lessons for beginners and expert surfers. If you rather go on your own you can easily rent a board and wetsuit in town from one of the many surf shops.
If you want to check current surf conditions in Sagres, check out magicseaweed.com.
3. Fortaleza de Sagres
One of the main tourist attractions in the town of Sagres is Fortaleza de Sagres or Sagres Fortress. Inside this 15th-century fort, you will find a lighthouse, a church, a 100-foot-wide wind compass, and a unique sound installation.
After paying the € 4 entrance fee, you can follow the walking path along the cliffs to further explore the fortress. You may see some fishermen standing on the cliff edge with super long fishing poles! The views from the fort are amazing. Plan to spend about an hour here.
4. Chamber of Sound
Within the walls of the Sagres Fortress, you will find a unique sound installation. As you enter the Chamber of Sound or Voz do Mar and walk to its innermost wall, you will find a hole in the ground covered by a metal grate. The hole is a natural geological fault that connects with the ocean located over 100 meters underground!
During this unique experience, you will be able to hear the sound of the waves as the tide comes in. Check out my Instagram Reel to see my cool experience.
5. Coasteering
Calling all adrenaline junkies. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure in Sagres then I recommend coasteering! Coasteering is a unique sport that combines cliff jumping, rock climbing, and wild swimming.
After being fitted out in a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, and shoes, you’ll get to climb the cliffs, swim in the ocean, explore hidden grottoes, and cliff jump at heights up to 10 meters! I still can’t believe I actually did that!
6. Beautiful Beaches
If you’re not into surfing, you can still relax and get your tan on at one of the nearby beaches or praias. Praia da Mareta, a 600-meter-long sandy beach, is the most popular beach in Sagres and can easily be reached on foot. You’ll also find many bars and restaurants here.
If you want some peace and quiet, I recommend walking just outside of town to Praia do Martinhal. If you have a vehicle, Praia do Beliche is a small, sheltered beach just 2km north of town. It’s also a popular spot for surfers.
7. Coastal Hiking
From Sagres, you can easily head out on an enjoyable coastal walk. Rota Vicentina, which follows the Alentejo coastline 280 miles north to Santiago do Cacem, and Via Algarviana, which is a route heading east, are two long-distance hiking trails that begin in Sagres. You can easily choose a small section along either route to enjoy Portugal’s rugged coastline.
8. Rua Comandante Matoso
The small town of Sagres has a big, relaxed, surf culture. With this comes many chill cafés and cool bars, mostly found on or around Rua Comandante Matoso. You can also find a lot of live music during the evenings, which makes for a fun night out. Check out places like Agua Salgada, Pau de Pita, The Hangout, Dromedario, Laundry Lounge, and Three Little Birds to name a few.
While you’re enjoying the Sagres night life, you might as well order a Sagres beer, it’s one of the most popular beers in the entire country.
9. Eat Portuguese Food
Portugal is known for its incredible seafood and since Sagres is a fishing village, you definitely need to try the local food scene. One of my favorite little Portuguese snack bars in Sagres is A Bica. They have a salada do polvo or octopus salad that I am obsessed with.
For a different experience, visit Porto de Baleeira, Sagres’ world-famous fishing harbor. This is one of the best places to buy fresh fish and seafood in town. After you watch the daily fish auction or lota de baleeira, head to A Sereia to have your fresh fish get cooked on the open fire.
10. Go Shopping
If you’re looking to buy Portuguese ceramics or tiles, then make sure to stop at Ceramica Paraiso. You won’t be able to miss this shop while driving as the whole building is decorated in colorful ceramics.
Inside the shop, you’ll find a huge collection of all sorts of pottery and souvenirs. Items in this shop are reasonably priced but it is cash only. Honestly, it’s worth stopping here just for an awesome photo!
Answering Your Questions
When is the best time to visit Sagres Portugal?
Peak summer season is from June until the end of September. Spring brings warm weather without the mid-summer heat. If you want the best surfing, visit in late autumn or early winter. Although, Sagres is very quiet during this time.
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Do you have any questions on top things to do in Sagres Portugal? Let me know in the comments.
