Sagres and the Western Algarve has slowly and steadily become a surfer’s paradise and meeting point, and over time a place chosen also by anyone seeking a slower and quieter holiday in the Algarve not least because of its amazing beaches.
Although the water is colder here due to its meeting point between the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic Ocean, its majestic views and village lifestyle have commandeered a specific type of visitor. This area of the Algarve offers unique majestic scenery, history and culture tied in with amazing sun, beaches and gastronomy.
Here we discover the best beaches in Sagres and the Western Algarve
Praia da Murração
Once called the Vicentine jewel, this quiet beach of natural beauty is rarely busy and its dunes extend almost to the shore lines. The contrast between the greenery of the dunes and the blue of the sea make this beach’s beauty unique. On the northern side of the cliffs there is a small spring that runs down the cliff onto the beach.
Did you know Sagres is a hotspot for birdwatching? Allied to the historical architecture and the small town village life, it makes this area perfect to explore on a warm summer afternoon on a Segway tour. You can tour around town and nature’s hidden gems and feel the warm freeze as you tour. What a fun day out!
How to get there? From EN120, after the Wind farm you will have to drive about 6 km towards the sea. It is off the beaten road.
Parking Informal, clay road
Access by car
Lifeguards No
Tips Best access by 4×4 cars. Stay away from the rocky cliff faces as there is a risk of rocks falling
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the zone – the nearest facilities are in Sagres.
Good for – Surfing and a quiet beach
Location – 37° 9’17.02″N 8°54’31.33″W
Praia da Barriga
This quiet beach is unique due to its rock formations and rock types. It has dark coloured cliffs that create little coves where you can enjoy a quiet place with an almost private beach. This long beach provides you with foot access to nearby beaches such as Castelejo and Cordoama.
If you want to extend your day at the beach to explore the area and learn a bit about the history that took place here you can take a tour of Lagos, Sares and Cape St. Vicent that will take you to see historical churches, fortresses and lighthouses. There are several pickup points to choose from.
How to get there? By car, from Vila do Bispo, towards Cordoama and Castelejo. After the diversion to Cordoama access is off road towards Barranco Garcia and Northbound for about 4 km.
Parking Informal / Â off road
Access the beach is at the end of a long green valley with natural grasses, a stream and small dunes
Lifeguards No
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from cliffs.
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the zone – No recreational support facilities.
Good for – Natural beauty and quiet beach.
Location – 37° 7’7.38″N 8°55’46.76″W
Praia da Cordoama
This beach is surrounded by very high cliffs of up to 100m high, giving it a majestic scenery and a natural viewpoint. This is a popular spot for paragliding. This beach is very popular not only to surfers and due to its long beach there is enough space so that you can find a quieter place also.
How to get there? Access by paved road from Vila do Bispo
Parking Organized parking
Access On foot from parking
Lifeguards Yes during summer season
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from the cliff areas. Please stay off the dunes to help preserve them.
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Recreational facilities, surf school, restaurant and information desk.
Good for – Surf
Location – 37° 6’32.87″N 8°56’11.98″W
Praia do Castelejo
This Blue Flag beach is ideal for families and surfers alike. It is more popular than nearby Cordoama and Barriga beaches as the Northern side of this beach provides views of intertidal marine life and a popular fishing ground and the formation of little beach pools for the younger kids to paddle in.
How to get there? By car via the paved road from Vila do Bispo for about 4 km.
Parking Informal parking
Access by foot 150m away from the parking
Lifeguards Yes during summer season.
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from cliffs.
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Restaurant
Good for – Natural beauty, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing.
Location – 37° 5’59.39″N 8°56’42.78″W
Ponta Ruiva
This beach has its name due to a rock formation just off the shore that is a deep red colour that contrasts deeply with the dark colours of the cliff sides. Close to this rock, a wave popular to surfers is formed.
There is a strong rock rose scent on this beach and it remains quite untouched even though it is a popular surfing site. If you are an experienced surfer make sure to bring your gear along, if you are not and you wonder why not take the chance to experience a great adventure in such a beautiful place, you can join in on the fun by taking some surf lessons and surf the same waves pro surfers do! Even if surfing is a bit much for now, try out Stand up Paddling for an amazing way to explore the shores.
It is also common to see birds of prey around this beach.
How to get there? From Vila do Bispo there is a signalled road that takes you there, it is about 6 km long and if off road. The descent to the beach is quite steep and recommended for 4×4.
Parking Informal, off road clay area.
Access by foot there is a trail of medium difficulty down the inclines
Lifeguards No
Tips Due to risk of rock fall, stay aways from the cliff areas. During high tide the beach is quite narrow so make sure you don’t put your towel to near to the water!
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the zone – the nearest facilities are in Sagres.
Good for – Surfing, birdwatching.
Location – 37° 4’3.49″N 8°57’53.66″W
Praia do Telheiro
This is the last western beach before Cabo de Sao Vicente and it is still protected from the cold northern winds. It is surrounded by farming fields and the natural beauty of the beach is due to its rock diversity due to its unique meeting point of southern and western shores. It is also a popular area for birds of prey.
Its proximity to Cabo de S. Vicente gives you the opportunity to take part in the Jeep Safari that takes you along to get to know this area in an unusual way. The Safari takes you to see Martinhal beach also, fishing areas and secret places from which you will have panoramic views of this amazing place. If you prefer holidays filled with adrenaline and off the beaten track enjoy this amazing tour!
How to get there? Take the paved road EN 268 from Sagres towards Cabo de S. Vicente and after passing Praia do Beliche, follow towards Torre de Aspa through 2.5km of paved road and 1km of unpaved road.
Parking Informal and clay off road.
Access by foot 200m from parking through a steep trail along the limestone cliffs.
Lifeguards No
Tips It is quite a hard hike to the beach so it isn’t usually very populated.
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the zone – the nearest facilities are in Sagres.
Good for – Surf, natural beauty and birdwatching.
Location – 37° 2’45.25″N 8°58’44.04″W
Praia do Tonel
This beach is wedged between Cabo de S. Vicente and the Ponta de Sagres. From the beach you can see the 16th century defensive constructions and the Fortress of Sagres, said to home the tomb of St. Vicente.
From the ramp to the beach you can see the warm colours of the rocks exposed by erosion by rain. Close to this beach is the starting point for the Jeep Tour that will take you to see some naturally beautiful areas, fauna and floras and also historical areas, without missing out on Vila do Bispo and close by beaches. This 6-7 hour tour is ideal for anyone who would like to get to know the area in one day.
How to get there? There is a signed paved road that you can follow the direction of Fortaleza de Sagres.
Parking Organized parking
Access There is a ramp to the beach.
Lifeguards Yes during bathing season
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from the cliff area. This beach is classified as a limited use beach due to the proximity to the cliffs and the risk of rock falls, which limits the usable areas.
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Fortaleza de Sagres. Restaurants, water sports and recreational support facilities. Jeep Tour
Good for – Relaxing at the beach, exploring nature and exploring the surrounding historical areas.
Location – 37° 0’25.94″N 8°56’52.95″W
Praia de Beliche
This beach is set on a cove between Cabo de S. Vicente and Sagres which protects it from Northern and Western winds. Although this beach appears to have been dug out by man you can see on your way down the stairs the residue of overthrow and its effect on the rocks and the beach. It showcases the mixture of types of rock in the area.
How to get there? By car take the EN268 towards Cabo S. Vicente.
Parking Organized parking
Access by foot down a cemented stairway.
Lifeguards Yes, during summer season.
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from the cliffs.
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Restaurant, recreational facilities, surf school.
Good for – Surfing and bodyboarding
Location –  37° 1’31.62″N 8°57’48.07″W
Praia de Almádena- Cabanas Velhas
This beach is on the rising side of Forte de São LuÃs de Almádena and sits between Praia do Burgau and Praia da Boca do Rio. It is a small beach that is mostly sought for its fishing. The rocks around it have peculiar lines due to erosion over time and create little curious nooks. It is a great place from which to walk to Boca do Rio as it provides you with the beautiful contrast between the ocean and the natural greenery on the rock formations.
How to get there? Paved road access from Burgau via the beach for about 2.5km.
Parking Informal
Access By foot from the parking area.
Lifeguards Yes during summer season
Tips Due to risk of rock fall stay away from cliffs.
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Restaurant
Good for – Fishing, hiking, natural beauty
Location – 37° 3’57.00″N 8°47’43.21″W
Praia do Burgau
This beach is classified as an urban beach. It is a very popular beach for fishing boats that return from sea due to its location in a cove, at the edge of Costa Vicentina and the Alentejo’s Southwestern Natural Park. Local restaurants buy fish from these boats and serve the freshest fish and octopus in the area. From the beach you can also see the 17th century fortress and a 16th century tower.
Parking Yes
Access by car
Lifeguards Yes during summer season
Tips great bodyboarding beach
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the zone – Restaurant and bar
Good for – Natural beauty, fishing, bodyboarding, visiting surrounding historical areas.
Location –37.072137, -8.773533
