Sagres: Fortress, Coast and Nature

Sagres brings together fortress history, protected nature and varied stretches of coastline. If you are looking for a hotel in Sagres, these highlights can help you consider the destination in light of your interests: they include historic buildings, birdwatching, walking and cycling routes, and beaches with distinctive geological and landscape features. You can ask yourself whether you associate Sagres above all with its history, its natural environment or its coast.

Fortress history and natural environment

The Fortaleza de Sagres was founded in the 15th century; its foundation is associated with Infante D. Henrique. One feature of the site is a 43-metre-diameter wind rose marked on the ground. Another historic landmark on the coast is Forte de Santo António do Beliche, built in the 16th century to protect Praia do Beliche and the fishermen who worked there.

The Promontório de Sagres and the Fortaleza are located in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina. The Promontório is also part of the Natura 2000 network and is a Special Protection Area for wild birds. Due to its location on the migration routes of various bird species, it is considered an important birdwatching site. Protected status and bird migration describe two different aspects of the same landscape.

On foot and by bike

The Promontório is part of the Rota Vicentina walking trail network. The Ecovia do Algarve offers a different perspective: this 214-kilometre cycling route runs from Cabo de S. Vicente to Vila Real de Santo António. Its route includes the São Vicente/Sagres/EN268 section towards Vila do Bispo. When choosing a route, you can first distinguish between the modes of travel: the walking trail network at the Promontório or the cycling route, with its stated total length and a section towards Vila do Bispo.

Beaches with distinctive features

Praia da Mareta is an urban beach in Vila de Sagres with easy access. It is home to a fossil coral reef known as Pedra do Sal. Jurassic traces of Zoophycus organisms can be observed in the limestone cliffs around Pedra do Sal. At Mareta, the beach and a specific geological feature sit side by side.

Praia do Beliche is a cove on the southern coast of Sagres. It lies beneath limestone cliffs about 40 metres high, has small caves and is sheltered from the prevailing winds. It is also located in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina. Praia do Tonel is in the town of Sagres, 500 metres from the town centre, and is also located in the nature park.

The landscape at Praia do Martinhal is shaped by an extensive sandy beach and a long dune belt, which provides protection from northwesterly winds. Praia da Baleeira is next to Porto da Baleeira in Vila de Sagres. Traditional fishing boats can be seen moving there. A paved car park is integrated into the harbour and has about 150 spaces.

Discover more destinations: Vila do Bispo, Budens, Raposeira.

Back to the main travel overview: Vila Do Bispo.