Things to do in Sagres, Algarve

Leisure activities in the Sagres area

• Surfing: Sagres is ideal for surfing as one of it's beaches is virtually guaranteed to have the waves! Being on the most south-westerly point of Europe and beaches on both sides of the point, whichever way the wind is blowing, somewhere will be having the right sort of waves.
  
  
• Diving: Diverscape, Porto da Baleeira, Sagres

• Sagres boat trip or fishing trip with Cape Cruiser. Enjoy a cruise around the cape, spot dolphins or get in some serious fishing with Cape Cruiser at Baleeira port, Sagres. 

• Eco-karting: On the main road between Vila do Bispo and Sagres. Enjoy the amazing thrill-packed new sport of Eco-Kart Landsailing!

• Swim with dolphins, observe marine wildlife and sea birds or take a boat trip around the "End of the World" with Mar Ilimitado!

• Golf: 'Parque da Floresta' is the nearest golf course.

• Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa - operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens daily at 10am and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year.

• Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos)  - a beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos. It is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots of lovely animals.
  Open all year round, 7 days a week.
  Winter (from the 1st of October to the 31st of March) 10.00am – 5.00pm
  Summer (from the 1st April to the 30th September) 10.00am – 7.00pm
  Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
  Barão de S.João
  8600-013
  Tel: 282 680 100
  
  

Areas of interest in and around Sagres

Cabo de São Vicente:
 
Home to Europe's most powerful lighthouse and offering stunning views of the coast, the headland, Cabo de São Vicente (“Cape St. Vincent”) should definitely be on the 'things to do' list! The point was named after the body of St. Vincent was taken there to protect it from the invading Moors and became a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1173, the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, had the remains of St.Vincent transported to Lisbon. Today, there is an impressive lighthouse (claimed to be one of Europe’s most powerful lighthouses), and the views from either side of the point are simply breathtaking. For a lot of the year, there are a few market stalls lining the road to the lighthouse, selling anything from postcards to clothes (including great winter ponchos!) and there are usually a few snack vans selling snacks, confectionary and drinks.

Praça da República, Sagres:

The pretty sqaure in Sagres, Praça da República, is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. Dotted with palm trees and café-bars, Praça da República is a beautiful place to sit with a good book, enjoy a few drinks and a nice lunch and generally kickback in the sunshine! The square is just off the roundabout near to the tourist information office and road down to Praia da Mareta; so if any of your party get a little restless doing nothing, the beach is to hand and there are also a few shops nearby.

Porto da Baleeira, Sagres:

The working fishing harbour in Sagres is really picturesque and well worth visiting, even for a minute or two. To the left end of the harbour's car park is Praia da Baleeira, which is a lovely sandy beach, with some rocks speckled across the sand. The beach overlooks Sagres bay and harbour so you can sit and watch the boats go by as you enjoy a day on the beach. Or there is a restaurant behind Praia da Baleeira for somewhere to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. For the best view of the harbour and bay pull into one of the lay-bys on the road above near to the hotel, Da Baleeira, and stroll over to the viewpoint.

Churches in the Sagres area

• Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça - is located within the fort on Ponta de Sagres and thought to have been built in the time of Prince Henry.
  
  

• Raposeira  main Church -  Originates from the 16th century and still has a manueline door.
  
  

• Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) - thought to be13th century and where Henry the Navigator worshipped. It was one of only a handful of buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake intact. It is just to side of the main (N125) road between Raposeira and Budens.
  Opening hours:
  April to September 09.30h to 12.30h and 14.00h to 18.00h.
  October to March 09.30h to 12.30h and 14.00h to 17.00h
  Closed Monday, Tuesday morning and main holidays.
  
  

• Budens main Church - from the 18th century contains religious artefacts from the 16th to 18th century
  
  

• Hermitage of São António (St. Anthony) in Budens from the 18th century.
  
  

• Hermitage of São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) in Budens originates from the 16th and 17th centuries 

•  Barão de São Miguel Church - Originates from the 16th century.
  
   

• Igreja Matriz de Vila do Bispo - from the end of 17th century and is also home to the Museum of Sacred Art
  
  

Historical remains in the Sagres area

• Fort do Beliche in Sagres:  The remains of the 16th century fort still stand on the cliff top near Praia do Beliche. Fort do Beliche which was built to protect the local fishing fleet. It was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and subsequently rebuilt in 1632. Inside the fort is the chapel of Santa Catarina.
  
  

• Wind Compass in Sagres: The 39m-diameter wind compass, (“Wind Rose”) is an impressive, yet puzzling sight.
  
  

• Fortaleza de Sagres: Fortaleza de Sagres - originating from the 15th century and generally reputed to be the site of Prince Henry's School of Navigation. It was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and subsequently rebuilt in 1793.
  Opening hours: 10.00 to 18.30 and from May to September: 10.00 to 20.30, closed 1st May and 25th December.
  
  

• Fortaleza do Cabo de São Vicente, near Sagres, was constructed during the reign of King João III - to defend the coast from the pirates and corsairs. The lighthouse was built in 1904 in the centre of the fortifications on the site of an old convent.