Sagres, the last wild corner of Europe

Sagres is a small fishing town at the end of the Algarve, next to Vila do Bispo and not far from Lagos. With its dramatically cut cliffs, wild waves and outsiderness from the most popular roads of the Algarve, it has become the perfect destination for those who want to escape the crowded Algarve and seek sheer nature. Nearby, Cape St. Vicent, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe, will show you the best sunset of Portugal. And to top it all, it belongs to the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the best-preserved shore of Europe. Welcome to Sagres, the last wild corner of Europe!

A bit of history

The name of Sagres comes from the Latin “Promontorium Sacrum”, the sacred promontory, as the known world ended right here. Beyond the frightening, mysterious ocean, so ceremonies were held here in honour of the Greek and Roman gods Saturn, Heracles, and  Cronus. So this tradition stayed and ended up being dedicated to the Christian martyr St. Vicent, from whom the cape also took its name. 

Traditionally, its people have always been fishermen. To this day, if you visit Baleeira port, boats are still being made there. This name, Baleeira, has to do with whaling, which Sagres' fishermen did until recently. Nowadays, they focus mainly on top-quality lobster, so remember to try it while you are here!

Maybe because its inhabitants have always been people of the sea, Prince Henry, known as the “Navigator”, funded a navigation school and a shipyard in Sagres in the 15th century. From this area, he explored and discovered new lands for Portugal. He was responsible for re-discovering Madeira, Açores, and the African coast until Sierra Leone. 

In 1587, English corsair Francis Drake captured Sagres fortress. After the earthquake of 1755, it was entirely rebuilt to the version you can currently visit. And you should not miss it. It only has one rampart on its southern part, the other ones being protected by vertical, impregnable cliffs. So if you have vertigo, do not look down!

Sagres Fortress

8650-360 Sagres, Portugal

You should also stroll to the St. Vicent lighthouse, whose light can be seen over 40 kilometres away, set on a wild cliff. 

Sagres is the southwesternmost point of continental Europe. That is why it has the best sunset you have ever seen! You can look at it from the beach or hop on this tour and go to the secret cliffs from where you admire this beautiful spectacle, along with Portuguese wine and chorizo.

From Sagres, you can walk to four beaches: Mareta, Tonel, Baleeira and Martinhal. Mareta Beach is the most popular long beach with great sand and medium-sized waves. If you are a great surfer, you can try Tonel Beach and its huge waves. Baleeira Beach is next to the fishing port, and Martinhal is another good choice. 

Praia da Mareta, Sagres

2346+5F Sagres, Portugal

Praia do Tonel, Sagres

N268-2, Vila do Bispo, 8650 Sagres, Portugal

Sagres is indeed a great spot for surfing. Its beaches are located in all directions, so one will always be suitable for you. But if you want something different, you can always do coasteering! This thrilling tour will take you to the Algarve coastline, where you will combine swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping to explore the most amazing spots of the beautiful shore. It is the best way to explore the sheer nature of the Natural Park of Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the best-preserved shore of Europe.

Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina

Parc naturel du Sud-Ouest Alentejano et Costa Vicentina, Rua Serpa Pinto, 32, 7630-174 Odemira, Portugal

If you are looking for the best place to stay, I recommend choosing a house that combines beach and closeness to Sagres’ city centre. Well, I found you the one! Cercas Velhas is an old farmhouse refurbished with a lot of style, and it just gives you the right vibes for the best holiday. 

By the way, Sagres is also the name of one of the two main beers in Portugal, and although it is not produced here, be sure to try it while in the area! So you see, it is impossible to give you more reasons to visit a place. So come and discover Sagres, the last wild corner of Europe!