Sagres is located in the Algarve, on the west coast, with its uneven landscape, just a few kilometers from Cape St. Vincent is the extreme southwestern point of Europe. Originated as a traditional fishing village, Sagres is all imbued with history, as well as a touch of mysticism. The most significant legacy of the current city is its connection with Henry the Navigator, who lived here nearby. It is claimed that it was in Sagres that he opened his legendary seafaring school, and from here in the XV century his first caravels sailed on research expeditions.
Due to its steep slopes and the coast open to all winds with a rugged landscape, Sagres avoided the fate of some other settlements of the Algarve, or rather, its eastern part, where the development of the tourism industry was accompanied by a rapid growth of new buildings. Sagres still retains its untouched pristine beauty. There are many beautiful sandy beaches located between sheer cliffs, while a number of less protected beaches are very popular with surfers. In the city itself you will find a lively port, a beach and a pleasant central square, surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants serving delicious fresh fish. There are not many sights of historical interest in the city: evidence of former glory was erased from the face of the earth by the devastating earthquake of 1755, which devastated the whole region. Nevertheless, during a short walk around the city you can make a journey into the past, in the times of the sun gods, ancient Roman rites, pirates, overseas discoveries, Arab mosques, Christian martyrs and wars on the Iberian Peninsula.
Located near the city, Cape Ponta de Sagres is an impressive ridge of sheer cliffs 165 feet (50 meters) high, which are beaten by waves on all sides. The cape offers magnificent views of the coast, as well as the grottoes and depressions created in the rocks by the sea elements. This is one of the historical places of the Algarve: there are the ruins of a fortress that was built in the XVIII century on the site of another one created by Henry the Navigator in the XV century and allegedly destroyed by Sir Francis Drake after his attack on Cadiz. The fortress frames a part of the cape, which can only be reached by passing under its impressive arch. Other evidence of the historical importance of this place is the Church of the Merciful Mother of God, built in the XVI century on the site of a chapel once built here by Henry the Navigator, as well as a tower and the famous wind rose 43 meters wide.
A few kilometers away is the legendary Cape St. Vincent, which offers equally amazing views of the coast. Manhir accumulations testify to the presence of man here in the Neolithic era: even then this place was used for rituals. Later, the Phoenicians erected a sanctuary in honor of Hercules on the cape. The Romans also considered this land sacred, around which ocean waters boiled under the rays of the sun setting in them. Subsequently, a stream of pilgrims seeking to worship St. Vincent reached the cape: his body was transported here and buried after the liberation of these lands from the Arab conquest, then the cape was named after the holy martyr. The powerful lighthouse standing here was built on the site of the Franciscan monastery of the XVI century: according to some testimonies, back in those distant times, monks illuminated the cape with signal lights to warn suitable ships of imminent danger.
There are many beaches in the vicinity, some of which are open elongated strips of sand, while others are sheltered in protected bays. The main city beach of Praia da Mareta is just a 5-minute walk from the center, its length is 600 m. It is popular as a great place for a family vacation. Many of these beaches offer various sports and entertainment, where there are grottoes and tunnels, scuba diving has become especially a favorite.
No matter how much time you spend in Sagres, be sure to try local cuisine. This land is famous for freshly caught fish and seafood. Delicious snails and sleepy crayfish, which are caught here, in nearby rocks, are perfectly combined with cold beer. And at the end of the meal, try a local honey cake - a typical Sagres dessert.
Stepping on the sheer cliffs of this amazing and impressive coast and admiring the power of nature itself, here, where the earth meets the sea, you will certainly feel the spirit of myths and legends that owl Sagres.