The Algarve’s western tip is a surfer’s paradise. From Praia da Luz’s impressive Black Rock headland to Sagres’s towering cliffs, the wild and unspoilt coast boasts beautiful stretches of sand and excellent swells. Although sparsely populated, there is evidence of life dating back millions of years in the form of dinosaur footprints found on the limestone cliffs.
Today, the coast abounds with fresh fish and seafood and has the Western Algarve’s most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. At the very tip, we find Sagres with its busy little fishing harbour, called Porto da Baleeira, and its rich history. It is here that Infante D. Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) settled down in the 15th century and is believed to have built his school of navigation, initiating the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
In 1453 the prince ordered the construction of a fortress on the southern end of Sagres to protect the coast against raiding Moorish pirates. On top of a collection of cannons, this impressive construction features an unusual sundial only discovered in 1919, measuring 43 metres in diameter, named the “Rosa dos Ventos” (Wind Rose).
A 10-minute drive up from the Fortaleza de Sagres is Cape St. Vicente, one of the westernmost points of Europe (after Cabo da Roca, close to Sintra), which opens onto the vast horizon of the sea. It lies approximately six kilometres North-West of Sagres and has cliffs towering 75 metres above the Atlantic Sea. During the Age of Discoveries, Cape St. Vincent was the last piece of land explorers would see before they set sail for the unknown. Today, it still serves as a landmark for ships travelling to or from the Mediterranean Sea, helped by the Sagres lighthouse. Built in 1846, it is one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe, with a 2000-watts beam that reaches up to 60 km.
From Sagres, you can explore the Costa Vicentina, stretching some 100 kilometres along the west coast of Portugal, up to the city of Sines. This coast boasts some of the most beautiful virgin landscapes in the Algarve.
There are also many beautiful beaches East of Sagres, including Praia do Martinhal, which is quite windy and great for windsurfing; Praia da Ingrina, which is small and cosy; Praia do Zavial, popular with surfers; Praia da Salema, where you can see dinosaur footprints; and Praia da Luz, bordering the popular holiday resort which gives it its name.
Our favourite places to stay in the area are the Martinhal Sagres Family Resort, a five-star resort spread across the dunes above Martinhal beach. Just a 5-minute drive from Sagres, it is specially designed to host families, featuring activities for children of all ages and family-friendly restaurants. https://www.martinhal.com/sagres/; and the Memmo Sagres, on a secluded clifftop overlooking Baleeira beach. Offering incredible views of the sea and including an excellent spa with an indoor pool, this 4-star hotel is ideal for those looking for some relaxing downtime. https://www.memmohotels.com/baleeira/.
Our favourite place to eat in the area is Eira do Mel, a traditional restaurant with rustic decor in Vila do Bispo serving authentic Algarvean cuisine. Located in an agricultural area that extends to the coast, its privileged location offers the best of land and sea. Its most emblematic dishes are the cataplanas, both with fish and meat.
Estrada do Castelejo, 8651-909 Vila do Bispo. +351 917 555 669
