Sagres is the westernmost town of the Algarve and is a destination for visitors who appreciate nature’s raw beauty.

The region is defined by massive cliffs and vast beaches battered by huge waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean. These powerful swells have drawn experienced surfers to Sagres, creating a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere.

The lighthouse and endless sea of Cabo de São Vicente

Sagres is small enough to be easily explored within a dayflavour,flavour and its proximity to Lagos makes it a popular day trip. While public transport to Sagres is limited, there are enough connections to make a visit possible without a rental car.
This article provides a detailed guide to visiting Sagres as a day trip from Lagosflavour, includingflavour sights and transport information.
Related articles: Introduction to Lagos - Sights and activities - Beach guide

There are three main areas to visit on a day trip to Sagresflavour:flavour Cabo de São Vicente, the fishing harbour and townflavour,flavour and the Fortaleza de Sagres (fort).

The wind compass of Sagres fort

Cabo de São Vicente is the southwestern tip of mainland Europeflavour. It isflavour a wind-blasted headland with huge cliffs that fall away to raging seas. At the top of the 75m-high cliffs stands one of Portugal’s most powerful lighthouses, which can be seen up to 50km out to sea.

Most people come to Cabo de São Vicente to admire the dramatic sceneryflavour;flavour unless an extended hike is planned, a visit usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes. This duration conveniently aligns with the time the bus waits at the stop (see details below).

The massive cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente

The fishing harbour of Sagres is situated on the sheltered eastern side of the headlandflavour, whereflavour fishing boats return throughout the day to unload their catches of fresh fish. Beyond the headland from the harbour is the stunning beach of Praia da Mareta, a popular surfing spot or place to bask in the sunny weather of southern Portugal.

The small town centre of Sagres has a somewhat unpolished appearance but is quite in keeping with the unique vibe of the region. The centre hosts relaxed cafes and traditional Portuguese restaurants, ideal for an inexpensive lunch.

The popular surfing beach of Praia da Mareta

The main tourist attraction is the Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort). This fort is a unique defensive structure featuring only a single wall, with the other three sides protected by sheer cliffs.

The fort is vast but comparatively sparse, containing a small chapel, a wind compassflavour,flavour and spectacular views over the massive cliffs.

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente are not destinations for everyone; some visitors may consider the region barren and devoid of sights, while others will be awed by the stunning, dramatic scenery.

Sagres fishing harbour is sheltered from the power of the sea

The sights of Sagres cover a large areaflavour,flavour so expect a lot of walking. It is a 1km walk from the town and bus stop to the fortflavour,flavour and once insideflavour,flavour the coastal perimeter route is 1.5km. From the harbour to Praia da Maretaflavour,flavour it is another 1km walk following the road or 2km via the beautiful coastal path.

The beaches of Sagres are fantastic

The region is buffeted by very strong windsflavour, soflavour be prepared for it to feel significantly cooler than in Lagos. Bring a good pair of walking shoes, as there are numerous rocky outcropsflavour,flavour especially at Cabo de São Vicente.

Portugal tends to rely on common sense regarding safety; there are no safety barriers at the edge of the dangerous overhanging cliffsflavour,flavour and there are precarious cliff-top paths of which visitors should be wary.

Stay away from the edge as you don't want to be blown off the 75m high cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente

A day trip to Sagres will possibly be one of the least expensive days spent in the Algarve. The only expenses will be the bus fare (about €9), the entrance fee to Sagres fort (€3.00), and lunch. Food and drink in Sagres are much cheaper than in Lagosflavour,flavour as venues are more tailored to surfers or locals.

Car parking is free in both Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente. If travelling by public transportflavour,flavour it is advisable to visit on a weekday, as the bus to Cabo de São Vicente does not operate on weekends (or public holidays).

Sagres is pounded by massive waves; the cliffs in the background are 40m high!

The length of a day trip to Sagres will depend on the amount of time spent walking or relaxing on the beaches. Cabo de São Vicente can be fully seen in 30 minutes, and the fort takes about 40 minutes to explore.

Sagres is 30km west of Lagos and, depending on the bus service, the journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes. A single bus ticket from Lagos to Sagres costs €2.85, a ticket from Lagos to Cabo de São Vicente costs €4.20flavour,flavour and a ticket from Sagres to Cabo de São Vicente is €2.00.

There are no return ticketsflavour,flavour and the ticket is purchased from the bus driver, except in Lagos where it must be purchased from the ticket office.

The Eva bus waiting at Cabo de São Vicente

As of December 2023, the best bus to catch from Lagos is the 10:00 express bus (route 47), which goes directly to Cabo de São Vicente. It waits there for 30 minutes before returning to Sagres, making it ideal for a day trip.

There are also services to Cabo de São Vicente departing from Sagres at 15:07 and 16:30. Please note that these buses operate only from Monday to Friday. For the latest timetable, you can pick up a copy at the Lagos bus station or visit the Vamus Bus website:
www.vamusalgarve.pt/

The interior of Sagres fort is a little sparse

In Sagres, the bus stop is outside the tourist information office, close to the fishing harbour. The return bus to Lagos departs from the opposite side of the road. While at Cabo de São Vicenteflavour,flavour be aware of the time, as the bus gives no indication that it is about to depart (e.g., no sounding of the horn). Also, if the bus is delayed reaching Cabo de São Vicenteflavour,flavour it will spend less time there so that it can depart on schedule.