Latest update: 11 July 2024
Sagres is the last village just before the most southwestern tip of Europe, the end of the mainland. The waves of Sagres have an undeniable attraction for surfers. But you don’t have to surf to enjoy the surf town. I definitely also enjoy the impressive cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente and the last bratwurst before America.
Sagres in the Algarve
Sagres is different from the other villages and towns I have visited in the Algarve. It is not a village with cute winding roads and hills. It is actually quite flat with straight roads. It is not that charming, but it still has something to offer. A lot of Australians think so, too. I didn’t know so many of them visit Portugal. But the fantastic surfing conditions and upside-down summers (when it’s summer here, it’s winter in Australia) explain a lot.
I only have a short time in Sagres, and just my luck: the weather is terrible. Bye bye beach day, bye bye surfing attempt. The alternative is to visit all the coffee bars and restaurants. For such a small village, there are a surprising number of lovely coffee shops where you can slowly start your (late) morning or relax with a cup of coffee. So it’s not really a punishment to try them all.
Tip! I have actually drunk water from the tap everywhere in the Algarve. Still, in Sagres, the water has an awful taste. It is safe to drink, but I recommend buying mineral water.
Surfing in Sagres
Sagres is the surfing town of the Algarve. There are several beaches nearby where you can surf well, for both beginners and advanced surfers. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you about it from my own experience. I had the intention to rent a surfboard for a day, but the weather was not good. So I went to the beach to see if there were brave souls in the water, but I turned around pretty quickly.
But you can surf well on other days in Sagres. You can rent a board or take lessons at various places. Or, if you really want to go all out, you can book a surf camp for several days.
Visit Cabo de São Vicente
Cabo de Sāo de Vicente is located near Sagres. You can follow a hiking trail to this southwesternmost point of Europe from Sagres, or take the car like I did. You can easily park along the road. It is a beautiful piece of nature with high cliffs and distant views. You won’t be the only visitor, but it won’t be too crowded in mid-September. Unfortunately, the Cape St Vincent lighthouse at the tip was not open during my visit.
It can be windy here and can be a bit cooler. So, bringing an extra layer of clothing doesn’t hurt. If the weather is not too cloudy, you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Algarve at Cabo de São Vicente.
Eat the last bratwurst before the States
If you visit Cabo de São Vicente, you will probably notice that one food truck is busier than the others. That is most likely the food truck of a German couple. They sell the ‘Letzte Bratwurst vor Amerika’ – clever marketing! You can choose from three types of German sausage, and funnily, most people order in German. You will also receive a stamped certificate with your bratwurst: proof that you have been to the most southwestern point of Europe.
Quick stop at Santo António de Belixe Fort
On the road to Cabo de São Vicente or on the way back to Sagres, you will come across the abandoned fortress of Santo António de Belixe. You can make a short stop and walk around it. After the views of Cabo de São Vicente, it’s not nearly as impressive anymore, but if you’re in the area, why not?
Visit the fortress of Sagres
The Sagres fortress is much more impressive than the Santo António de Belixe. Fortaleza de Sagres is a well-maintained fortress complex with several buildings, art installations, a museum, and, above all, a long walking path along the cliffs. There are also several fishermen on those cliffs – terrifying!
It is often said that Henry the Navigator (Dom Henrique o Navegador) started his voyages of discovery here. That is not true! He arranged and paid for the voyages of discovery, but he only made a ‘trip’ to Morocco himself.
Sagres beer
There’s a good chance that if you’ve been to the Algarve or anywhere else in Portugal, you’ve already had a Sagres beer. The first Sagres beer was brewed in Sagres in 1940, but it is now an international beer brand. The beer is also no longer made in Sagres but in Vialonga, just above Lisbon. But don’t let that stop you from ordering a Sagres beer in Sagres!
Beer tasting at Bossa Brew House
If you enjoy trying local beers, head to Bossa Brew House. Order the beer ‘tasting board’ for just €6. You will get four small glasses of beer to try. You can choose those beers from the menu yourself. My personal favorites are the Weizen and IPA – while, usually, I wouldn’t say I like IPA at all. So your visit might turn out to be a surprising experience! You can also have a bite to eat at Bossa Brew House, and there are regular events with live music.
Coffee at Picnic Sagres
Someone has to tell you about Picnic Sagres; otherwise, you will rush right past it. Fortunately, you read this blog, and you have me to recommend this little coffee shop. It is located on a large, unpleasant road. You can park your car in front of the door. Somehow, the setting with the road and parking feels very American to me. But inside, of course, there are Australians behind the counter.
Picnic Sagres is a small coffee shop with sweets and sandwiches. They even have the typical Franzbrötchen from Hamburg here! Later, I found those at several places in Sagres, but I was completely surprised by this first ‘sighting’. The coffee is perfection, and you can buy various coffee accessories, local wines, and more in the shop.
Restaurant and laundry: Laundry Lounge Sagres
Sip a cocktail or have a nice lunch while doing the laundry. Yes, really, it’s not called Laundry Lounge for nothing. There is a whole set of washing machines that people actually use. It’s not a joke; it’s the concept.
The Laundry Lounge clearly has beach and surf vibes. The audience is quite young, and people come and go all day long. You can go there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks (but I think the coffee is mediocre). On some evenings, there is live music, and in the morning, there are yoga classes on the roof terrace.
Three Little Birds: long live the cheese sandwich
Of course, the name Three Little Birds comes from the Bob Marley song. When you listen to that song, you feel the atmosphere of Three Little Birds. There is a laid-back vibe, some benches to chill on, and the courtyard is surrounded by greenery. On Wednesdays, there is usually live music or a party in the evening.
You can go to Three Little Birds all day long for all meals. I eat a fantastic cheese toastie there. I didn’t know I could get so excited about a cheese toastie. So when in doubt, order that cheese sandwich! That is if you like cheese.
Tip! You can get the tastiest pastel de nata from Sagres at Villa Mareta. (Google Maps location)
Eating tapas at Água Salgada
Água Salgada is also on the cozy square in Sagres. Order some delicious tapas. The friendly service is happy to help you make a choice. But maybe you just fancy a bitterbal? Because yes, that is also on the menu. The owner’s Belgian wife put it on the menu, so as a Dutchie, you might recognize a few more dishes. Before COVID-19, Água Salgado was a bar, but they made the switch and started offering food during that period. Successfully!
Pizza at Arte Bianca
There are quite a few Italian restaurants in Sagres. I choose Arte Bianca and am happy with that choice. The interior looks modern (more Scandinavian than Italian), and the small courtyard is not very special, but eating outside is always a perk. The pizzas are excellent, with good flavor combinations and local ingredients. Arte Bianca also has classic pizzas or pasta. Unfortunately, the dessert is a bit of a disappointment (way too much mascarpone in the tiramisu), so I think you can skip it and focus on the pizzas.
Huge pastas at The Hangout
The Hangout is a restaurant, surf shop, tattoo shop, and music stage in one. I come for the pasta. At The Hangout, they serve giant bowls of pasta for two. So you have to negotiate with your table companion about which pasta it will be. I actually think that the size is big enough for three people. With the two of us, we’re unable to finish it. The girl next to us is shocked by the scale. She is eating solo and thought she would take some leftovers home: “Looks like I’m eating pasta the rest of the week”.
Parking in Sagres
You don’t have to worry about parking in Sagres. There is plenty of space, and it is free. You can park along the road or try it here or here. Most people also drive to the beach entrance by car so they don’t have to walk far with surfboards. I imagine that it could be much busier in high season.
If you still need to arrange a rental car, I recommend comparing your options at Discover Cars or Rentalcars.
Hotels in Sagres
There are some really nice hotels and hostels in Sagres. The only problem is that they are so popular! If you like something, book it as soon as possible. For example, I missed out on the LemonTree Eco Surfhouse (this one). Bummer.
I stayed at Casa Azul Sagres. It has wonderfully spacious rooms with good beds. It is freshly decorated and very clean. I could easily have stayed here for a week. When you check in, you will receive a link with an extensive list of tips in the area. At the reception, there is a table where you can make your own coffee and tea.
View the rooms on Booking.com.
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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