11+ Best things to do in Sagres Portugal
Sagres is a small town in Portugal’s Algarve region that is right at the southernmost tip of the country. It’s a beautiful town that’s well-known by surfers since it is home to so many great surfing beaches.
However, there are so many other fun things to do in Sagres Portugal including learning about the town’s history, hiking and more.
Though growing in popularity, Sagres maintains a laid-back vibe and somehow never feels too busy.
When we visited, there was plenty of room on the beaches and we found some great restaurants and bars too. There aren’t any of the huge hotel blocks that dominate the coastline further to the east, and that’s what I liked most about this cool town in the Algarve.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Sagres or a longer stay check out this guide to the best things to do in Sagres from surfing to chilling on the beach, exploring the lighthouse to going coasteering.
How to get to Sagres
When it comes to how to get to Sagres you’ve got a few options but renting a car from the airport you land in (usually Faro), is the easiest way to get around this part of Portugal.
Alternatively, you can use buses as detailed below.
If you’re coming from Lagos to Sagres, check out my guide on how to do just that!
Driving to Sagres
Driving to Sagres is the easiest way to get there and gives you the most flexibility. It’s also the best option if you’re looking to explore some of the other beaches in the Sagres region just outside of the town.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
Sagres bus
There are several bus companies that go to Sagres from the other bigger towns and cities around the Algarve. I like to use Omio to book my buses in Portugal since you can see prices and schedules upfront.
Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!
Best guided tours to Sagres
If you’re staying in Lagos or one of the other larger towns in the Algarve then you could also book a guided tour to Sagres. This way you don’t have to deal with figuring out transport or renting a car and you’ll also have a local guide with you so that you learn more about what you’re seeing along the way.
Some of the best day tours to Sagres, based on reviews they get, are below:
Best things to do in Sagres
1. Chill out on the beautiful Sagres beaches
Just like in other places in the Algarve, the beaches in Sagres are absolutely beautiful and simply can’t be missed.
There are so many beautiful Sagres beaches that picking the ‘best one’ can be difficult. There are five beaches in Sagres town alone, and then numerous beaches up the westerly coast of Portugal and along the southern coastline.
One of my favourite beaches in the area was Praia da Mareta. It wasn’t very busy and had a long stretch of golden sand as well as a couple of restaurants. While not great for surfing in Sagres, it would be perfect for a chilled out beach day.
If it’s super windy and you’re looking for a spot that’s protected from the gusts, you should go to the small Praia da Baleeira and if you want a bigger beach, head to Praia do Martinhal which usually has plenty of space and doesn’t get too busy.
There’s also Praia do Tonel in town but this isn’t great for swimming due to strong currents and waves. It is great for surfing though!
2. Go surfing in Sagres
The powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean make Sagres perfect for surfing.
Sagres sticks out in a point and this means you get two coastlines worth of surfing opportunities. So, if the wind isn’t great on one side, then you can head to the other to check whether it’s any better.
There are lots of surf camps where you get accommodation as well as surf lessons as well as plenty of surf shops if you just want to get a rental or a lesson.
3. Go paragliding in Sagres
Another fun adventure activity in Sagres paragliding. One of the best places for this is Praia da Cordoama just up the coast from Sagres itself.
You don’t even have to know how to paraglide to enjoy this fun activity since you can book a tandem paragliding trip.
With tandem paragliding you’ll be flying with an experienced paraglider and it’s so much fun. We saw lots of people flying high above the cliffs and the beach while at the viewpoint for Praia da Cordoama and having tried it before it’s such a unique feeling.
Read more: Want to try paragliding elsewhere? Check out paragliding and parasailing in Albufeira.
Paragliding tours in Sagres typically last about an hour and you’ll get such stunning views of the Algarve coastline.
Book your Sagres paragliding tour
4. Visit the Sagres Fortress
The Sagres fort (the Fortaleza de Sagres) is one of the best things to do in Sagres and there’s a trail that goes all the way around the headline and gives you such great views of the beaches and coastline.
This fortress in Sagres was built way back in the 15th century as a defence against pirates. It was built by Prince Henry the Navigator who is very important in Portuguese history and can be seen on statues throughout the country including the Monument of Discoveries in Belem.
The fortress was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and was then rebuilt in the 20th Century but not fully.
Tickets to ge tin cost €3 and you’ll get entrance to the fort where you can see the 16th Century ‘Our Lady of Grace; church, and the old barracks, a small lighthouse, the ramparts, entrance, and cannons. There’s also an exhibition space with information about the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
5. Go to the end of the world in Sagres at Cabo de Sao Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente is thhe point known as the end of the world and marks the mostly southwesterly point of Portugal and mainland Europe.
When visiting Sagres you have to visit Cabo de São Vicente, mostly for the views, but you can also enjoy a drink at the restaurant there and visit the lighthouse that sits on this point.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, these cliffs served as the final glimpse of land for countless sailors embarking on their voyages of discovery into uncharted waters.
These days, Cabo São Vicente is the starting point for two long-distance hikes: the Via Algarviana GR13 route, which traverses eastward across the country, and the Rota Vicentina, a 280-mile journey northward to Santiago do Cacem.
The best way to reach Cabo São Vicente is by car, though there is a bus which goes twice a day from the centre of Sagres except on weekends and public holidays. A single ticket costs under €3, and the bus waits for half an hour at the lighthouse before returning to town.
6. Try rock climbing in Sagres
Sagres is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing thanks to all the cliffs and rocky headlands around. There are routes for all levels of rock climber and if you’re a beginner you should book a tour.
With a rock climbing guide you’ll get instruction as well as all the gear you need to help you enjoy the sport and enjoy the amazing views.
Book your rock climbing experience in Sagres
7. Go hiking in Sagres
Sagres is super close to the beautiful Costa Vicentina Natural Park which is a great place for hiking.
There are plenty of easy routes and some that are more difficult including the long-distance hiking trail Rota Vicentina long-distance hiking trail that goes through Sagres.
We found some great trails to explore by Praia da Cordoama!
AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.
8. Try kitesurfing near Sagres
If surfing isn’t your thing then be sure to check out kitesurfing near Sagres.
There are a few companies that’ll help you learn the ropes from how to fly the kite to how to get out on the water with the kite and your board.
I’ve tried kitesurfing before and it’s harder than they make it look, but it’s also super fun.
With a kitesurfing lesson you’ll get all your tuition and equipment. The lessons last around 2-hours and it’s a great activity to try. Who knows, it might be your new favourite adventure sport!
Book a kitesurfing lesson near Sagres
9. Take a jeep tour in Sagres
Taking a Jeep tour in Sagres is an excellent way to explore the rugged beauty of the town and its surrounding countryside. The town is surrounded by off-road trails and paths that you shouldn’t drive if you’re in a rental car as it usually is against your contract with your provider.
This jeep tour in Sagres is led by locals and is a great way to explore without getting lost or getting into tricky situations and learning more about the area too.
This jeep tour takes place at sunset which is definitely the best tiem to go exploring on the backroads and enjoying the views.
Book this sunset Sagres Jeep tour
10. Explore more of the Algarve Coast from Sagres
Just a 30-minute drive from Sagres is Lagos which is a super cute town full of cobbled streets, beautiful beaches and plenty of fun things to do.
If you’re staying in Sagres for your whole trip, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Lagos and checking out some of the museums, the markets and the beautiful Ponta da Piedade, with its spectacular rock formations, grottoes, and sea arches.
Booking a Lagos kayak tour is a must!
Another town worth visiting near Sagres is Carvoeiro, located just over an hour’s drive away. Carvoeiro is a small, pretty fishing village that has grown into a popular place to visit without losing its traditional charm. The town centre has a great mix of shops, local restaurants, and bars, while the surrounding area has beautiful beaches and the amazing Algar Seco and Carvoeiro boardwalk.
Among the other things to do in Carvoeiro are visiting the beaches, and walking the 7 Hanging Valleys trail.
11. Try Coasteering in Sagres
Coasteering is a must if you’re a bit of an aventurer. It allows you to explore the rugged coastline of Sagres while swimming, jumping, climbing, and scrambling your way along the coast, taking in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way.
It’s a great way to see the coastline, get a workout, challenge yourself, and meet new people.
Book Sagres coasteering trail.
Where to eat and drink in Sagres
You’ll want to eat and drink in Sagres and probably try some Sagres beer. Here are the best cafes and restaurants in Sagres.
The Laundry Lounge Sagres
This super cool cafe is actually in a laundrette so you can do your laundry while you eat and drink which is super useful if you’re camping or living in your van as you travel around Sagres.
Laundry Lounge Sagres serves delicious brunches (pancakes and toasts!) and burgers for lunch too. It’s also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Arte Bianca – Cucina Italiana – Sagres
The Arte Bianca Sagres pizza restaurant is where we went for one of our lunches in Sagres and it was absolutely delicious! They have a cute outdoor seating area too and if you want pizza in Sagres this is the place to go.
Picnic Sagres
If you’re a coffee lover then be sure to check out Picnic Sagres which serves some of the best coffee along the Algarve.
Three Little Birds
Three Little Birds is one of the best Sagres restaurants and does delicious burgers for both veggies and meat eaters and their portions are always generous too.
It’s got a great relaxed and chilled out vibes and you’ll find plenty of people coming here after a fun day at one of the local surf schools.
Where to stay in Sagres in Portugal
If hostels aren’t your vibe, check out these hotels in Sagres where you’ll be close to the waves. You can book a lesson with the hostels even if you’re not staying with them and that’ll include rentals and equipment so you’ll be ready to go.
Mareta Beach – Boutique Bed & Breakfast
In central Sagres, Mareta Beach Boutique Hotel offers modern and stylish rooms with a minimalist design. The nearest beach is just 200 meters away and some rooms have panoramic views of the ocean.
You can arrange bike and car rentals from the hotel concierge and there’s a beautiful outdoor pool area too.
Pousada de Sagres
Pousada de Sagres is in a stunning cliff-top location along the Atlantic Ocean and provides stunning views of the Sagres fort and the lighthouse of Cape St Vicent.
Relax and unwind by the swimming pool, surrounded by sunbeds that offer breathtaking coastal panoramas or enjoy a game of tennis or fishing.
There’s also an onsite restaurant serving some delicious Portuguese food.
Casa Azul Sagres – Rooms & Apartments
For a coastal getaway in Sagres, Casa Azul Sagres is a perfect choice, just a short stroll away from sandy beaches in Sagres.
The spacious rooms have balconies and some rooms have views of Cape St. Vincent and the Fortress of Sagres.
Casa Azul Sagres can arrange surf and bodyboard lessons too.
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
For a touch of luxury, head a couple of kilometres outside of Sagres to Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel.
With breathtaking views of the beach, you can experience boutique-style accommodation with private balconies and terraces in both rooms and villas.
The resort has 5 swimming pools, including a main pool overlooking the Beach Club Garden with its own bar.
Enjoy a game of tennis on the resort’s artificial grass tennis courts or make the most of the gaming consoles and activities like surf lessons, paddle tennis and football available for children.
Guests have a choice of three restaurants at Martinhal Sagres. O Terraço offers a fine dining experience, As Dunas specializes in delicious seafood, and Os Gambuzinos, an Italian restaurant, offers à la carte dining. There are also four bars available.
FAQs about what to do in Sagres Portugal
Is Sagres worth visiting?
Final thoughts on top things to do in Sagres
There is so much to explore and plenty of things to see in Sagres and nearby.
Whether you want to enjoy some surfing, history, or the beaches you’ll find all of that and more in Sagres Portugal.
As an Old Town at the end of the world, Sagres is a gateway to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo São Vicente, at the most southwesterly point of mainland Europe and a must visit if you’re staying in The Algarve.
Discover more of the best things to do in the Algarve including these Algarve wine tasting tours!
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
