Lying just west of LAGOS, this barren land swept by the wind was “the end of the world” for the Greeks. 
Map of Sagres Peninsula
Yet, it has been inhabited since the Neolithic. Menhirs have been found nearby. Historians think the promontory was the site of religious rites.
This is the southwestern most tip of Europe known also as Sagres Point [Ponta de Sagres] with high cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean, marking one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes!
The peninsula is both a scenic area and a historic landmark. The Romans and later the Moors came here, but its golden age shone - like the nearby City of Lagos - during the Portuguese Age of Discoveries at the time of Infante Dom Henry the Navigator (1394-1460). As a matter of fact, the Prince died in Sagres.
There are three main attractions to visit in this area. In spite of being over the Ocean, the region is blessed with a Mediterranean climate.
1.SAGRES.
This usually sleepy community has nothing much to offer, particularly in the off season. But it turns out to be a hotspot for surfers. And just out of the village, facing south, there is a large esplanade offering a great view over the coastline and overlooking a nice sandy beach below.
Yet, an unescapable historic landmark lies a few kilometers away: the Sagres Fortress [Fortaleza de Sagres].
Built about 60-meter high cliffs, the fortress was built to protect the area from North African raiders. But it is best known for its 15th century use at the time of Henry the Navigator. Known as the Vila do Infante (the Infant’s Town), where the science of navigating was refined in cartography and major instruments like astrolabe and sundial were improved. This is also where a newly type of vessel, the caravel, was designed.
Sadly, most of the monument was destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755. But it was restored in the 20th century.
2.CAPE ST.VINCENT.
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| Cape St. Vincent |
Cape St. Vincent [Cabo de São Vicente] is the southwestern-most extremely of the continent. It marks the southern end of Portugal as well at that of the western Atlantic coast of the country.
There is a small fort, topped by a 24-meter high lighthouse. The usual tourist amenities can be found inside. But you are here just because of the location and of the excitement to be at one end of a world!
Actually, the site used to be a Franciscan monastery dating from the 16th century. But in 1846, they built the lighthouse on the ruins. This accounts for the name of the place. Both St. Francis Xavier and St. Vincent used to stand here but they have now been safely transferred to the Sagres Church.
Due to its strategic location, the lighthouse is one of the most powerful ones in Europe. Its light can be seen as far as 60 kilometers away! The most powerful European lighthouse is located off the coast of Brittany, in France.
3.VILA Do BISPO.
On the way back either to Lagos (east) or Aljezur (north), you may want to stop at Vila do Bispo (City of the Bishop). This small town on a hilltop is worth visiting. Leaving the town square with its picturesque, white Mother Church, walking up the streets going uphill will provide a lovely break. There are many colorful Portuguese houses and the rests of former mills, now used as a decorative addition to homes.
Christian Sorand
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| Sagres beach |
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| Sagres coastline |
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| Fortaleza de Sagres |
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| A quiet beach |
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| Cliffs near the cape |
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| High cliff above the ocean |
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| Cape landscape |
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| Sea rocks |
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| The lighthouse |
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| At Cape St. Vincent |
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| Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse |
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| At a ceramic maker's |
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| A house at Vila do Bispo |
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| A picturesque street at Vila do Bispo |
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