Fortaleza de Sagres
The Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres) is the best known sightseeing spot in Sagres. It is a national monument with great importance for the Portuguese. According to legend, the legendary seafaring school of Henry the Navigator once stood here. Within the fortress walls, the small church Ingreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça still exists. The fortress was destroyed in 1587 during a pirate attack. In the 1990s the fortress was restored.
Don’t miss these recommendations when visiting:
1. Parking in high season
In the high season, the parking spaces are very busy. But it’s not that far from the apartment. – so you’d better take a relaxing walk (1/2 h). Follow Rua do Mercodo to the roundabout just before Mareta beach. Via Praça da República you reach a narrow paved road with hardly any traffic, from where you can walk along a footpath the coast to Fortaleza without any stress. In between, you may have an espresso at the Alice ice cream parlour, eat delicious cake, ice cream or a foccacia.
2. Don’t forget your cash!
Entrance fees be paid in cash, no credit cards are accepted. Also in the small shop drinks and snacks will have to paid in cash.
3. Drinks and Snacks
You should know that the only place to buy drinks and snacks is from the vending machines at the entrance. There are no other cafés or vending machines on the way to the lighthouse. However, there is delicious Portuguese handmade ice cream (Fini) in the museum shop.
4. The monster of Sagres
At the south-eastern end of the Fortleza Peninsula, the monster of Sagres lives in a cave under the cliffs. You can hear its snorting when the waves come in. The entrance to the cave is protected by a circular labyrinth, those who dare to enter at high tide or high waves will be able to hear its snorting.
5. Don’t skipp the museum The museum uses vivid images and modern films to convey the dangers of seafaring and the history of Fortaleza. Interesting for both adults and children!
Cabo de Sao Vicente – The most southwestern point in Europe
The 60 m cliff offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. At the most southwestern point of Europe you can experience a great sunset. You can also get the „last bratwurst before America“ here.
Farol do Cabo de Sao Vicente
The 22 m high lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente was built in the 19th century. It shines in bright red and white and has a range of 33 nautical miles (about 60 km). The lighthouse cannot be visited, but you can learn all about its history in a small museum at the cape.
Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe
The Hermitage of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe) is a real gem only 12,5 km away, next to Raposeira. Unique above all is the overall atmosphere, also supported by the magnificent location in the midst of green hills. The chapel dates back to the 14th or 15th century. Although it has been stripped of almost all its treasures, it is well worth seeing.
The decorations of the chapters and the keystone in the choir, some of which are based on pagan motifs, are really something special. The chapel was built for the veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a black Madonna. Don’t miss the information centre, a small museum loacted in the neighbouring former farmhouse. The explanation of the spice trade in the time of Infante Dom Henrique is vividly presented. Children are not the only ones who will enjoy touching and smelling the different spices that are kept in boxes.
Opening hours, admission fees and further information: see here
Menhir of Padrão (Menir de Padrão)
The pleasant climate and beautiful landscape of the Algarve have always attracted people. This is evidenced by millennia-old findings from the Neolithic period (more than 5000 years before Christ): Menhirs.
Nowhere on the Iberian Peninsula is the density of these stone monuments higher than in the Algarve. A special megalith stands, the Menhir of Padrão, south of Rapseira at the edge of the road leading to Praia da Ingrina.
On the way to or from the beach it is definitely worth a short stop.
