6 Amazing Things to do in Sagres, Portugal! October 3, 2022

Tucked along the southwestern most tip of Portugal, Sagres is a tiny town that packs a big punch. Unlike other areas of the Algarve, Sagres is a well-kept secret and one of the region’s most beautiful hidden gems. The town is known for its long sandy beaches, quiet streets, and laid-back surfer vibe. It may not be the most obvious place to seek out while visiting the Algarve, but there are tons of great things to do in Sagres for families and travelers who want to get off the beaten path. Let’s dive in!

1. Beaches

Relaxing on the beach is one of the best things to do in Sagres. Like the rest of the Algarve, the town’s beaches are one of its biggest draws. Praia da Mareta is by far the most popular beach in Sagres. Not only is it the closest to town, but it’s also well-protected from strong winds thanks to the cliffs that wrap around it. Once you’ve had enough fun in the sun, the town is just a few steps up from the golden sands.

For a quieter beach day, head to Praia do Martinhal. This is a great family option, thanks to the shallow and calm water. Lifeguards are posted in the summer months. If you stay at the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, you’ll have direct access to the beach, with a private Beach Hangout area with loungers, umbrellas, and bar service.

Surfers looking for a beach with great waves will be well served at Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche.

2. Sagres Fortress and Lighthouse

Aside from the glorious beaches, the Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres) is the town’s only major tourist attraction. The fort dates back to the 1500s and was built to ward off pirates coming up from northern Africa.

While much of the Fortress was decimated by a tidal wave caused by the 1755 earthquake, the structure remains one of the most popular things to do in Sagres. This is primarily thanks to epic cliff top views that still prevail. There is also a lighthouse, a small church, and a cliffside walking path to discover.

3. Cabo de Sao Vicente

Once upon a time, Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape of Saint Vincent) was considered the end of the world. While this has been disproved for some time now, standing atop this rugged clifftop, you might understand why this was once believed.

Aside from the lighthouse, there are not many man-made structures in this area. This adds to the appeal, and you can enjoy the scenery further by undertaking one of the various long-distance hikes in this area.

4. Ponta da Atalaia Viewpoint

Another excellent spot for taking in the views is the Ponta da Atalaia. This lookout point features sweeping views across the Atlantic, surrounded by staggering cliff tops for as far as the eye can see. In fact, if you’re staying at the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, you can take a nice stroll along the beach and follow the path to this viewpoint.

5. Surf

While Sagres’s main beaches are pretty well protected from the strong Atlantic breezes, there are a few outposts around town that are great for hanging ten. Naturally, surfers flock to Sagres to catch these epic waves.

Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche are both particularly great surfing spots, though some of the other main beaches also get good waves from time to time.

If you’re not a seasoned pro but want to try surfing while in Sagres, you can head to one of the surf shops around town and get lessons or rent gear for relatively cheap. The Algarve Surf School is one of the best in town.

6. Lagos Day Trip

Make Sagres the base for your Algarve adventures, and you’ll be in a great position to explore the rest of the region. Lagos is just a quick 30-minute drive away, and taking the day to discover this nearby city is one of the best things to do in Sagres. There’s something for every type of traveler in Lagos: picture-perfect beaches, zoos, and waterparks, amazing restaurants, or unbeatable nightlife with clubs that go all night.

Where to Stay in Sagres

Because Sagres is relatively untouched by tourism, the accommodation options are a bit limited. However, the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort makes up for this with its incredible family-friendly amenities and spacious rooms and villas. This upmarket resort is perched above the beautiful Martinhal Beach, and the views alone are worthy of the hotel’s five-star status.

In addition, the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort boasts five pools, multiple bars and restaurants, tennis courts, a spa, and a beach area almost exclusively available to resort guests. If you’re traveling with the youngsters in tow, the resort has a kid’s club, sports lessons, and a baby concierge service.