Sagres: Day Trips and Tours from Lagos (Portugal)
Sagres is a small town located on the southwestern tip of Portugal. It's known for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking beaches and surfing, and is especially popular with outdoor activity enthusiasts. The town is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Fortress of Sagres, which was built in the 15th century. For those wanting to leave the city life behind, a day trip to Sagres from Lagos provides a calming change of pace. Whether you want to ride the impressive waves or tick off a visit to the most southwestern point in Europe from your bucket list, Sagres is worth a visit.
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Sagres is a small town located on the southwestern tip of Portugal. It's known for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking beaches and surfing, and is especially popular with outdoor activity enthusiasts.
The town is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Fortress of Sagres, which was built in the 15th century. For those wanting to leave the city life behind, a day trip to Sagres from Lagos provides a calming change of pace.
Whether you want to ride the impressive waves or tick off a visit to the most southwestern point in Europe from your bucket list, Sagres is worth a visit.
How to get to Sagres from Lagos?
Sagres is situated on the southwestern tip of Portugal and is 32 kilometers from the city of Lagos.
From Lagos to Sagres by car
The journey to Sagres from Lagos by car is a relatively straightforward one. The drive takes just 35 minutes and the main road between the two towns, the N125, is well signposted. The N125 turns into the N268 just after Vila do Bispo and you'll continue on the road all the way to Sagres.
From Lagos to Sagres by bus
A direct bus leaves for Sagres from the Lagos bus terminal several times per day. The journey takes just under an hour and you'll pay between €3 and €6 for a ticket.
Guided tour to Sagres from Lagos
Most day tours to Sagres last just three or four hours and have the option to choose a morning or afternoon trip. If you choose to visit the town early in the day, you can expect to be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 AM. Afternoon tours begin around 2:30 PM.
There are also sunset tours available that will pick you up from your hotel in Lagos in the late afternoon. You'll be returned to the city after three or four hours.
What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Sagres from Lagos?
Sagres day tours vary, but most visit the same points along the way. There is not much travel time, which allows you to pack more into the itinerary. Most often, you'll travel by minibus or coach and visit the Fortress of Sagres, the Port of Baleeira and Cape St. Vincent.
You'll also stop at some of the most picturesque beaches in the area, including Mareta, Ingrina and Burgau. Once you've seen everything Sagres has to offer, you'll make the 30-minute journey back to Lagos.
What kinds of tours are available to go to Sagres?
There are several different options for day tours to Sagres, depending on your interests. Some tours add extra stops to the itinerary, whereas others visit at sunset for a romantic trip.
Half-day tour to Sagres from Lagos
Half-day tours last between three and four hours, and start with a quick jaunt to Sagres from nearby Lagos. You'll visit the fishing village, known for its prime surfing conditions and famous 15th-century fortress, before returning to your vehicle and continuing on the tour.
The next stop is Cape St. Vincent which is the most southwestern point in Europe. Here, you'll experience outstanding views of the ocean as far as the eye can see. There is also a lighthouse to visit which was built in 1520 by order of the king to defend the town from seaborne attacks.
The last point of interest before returning back to Lagos is the Beliche Fortress, which is partially ruined and dates back to the 16th century.
Day trip to Sagres from Lagos
Day trips to Sagres travel by jeep and give a more thorough view of the village. You'll make stops at some of the most renowned beaches and landmarks, such as Mareta Beach and Cabo de Sao Vicente. A six- to seven-hour trip to Sagres also includes lunch in the village.
Sunset tour to Sagres from Lagos
Sunset tours visit the same magnificent landmarks as other tours, such as Mareta Beach and Sagres Fortress. However, on this Sagres excursion, you'll benefit from seeing the sites with a rosy glow. You'll also stop at Cape St. Vincent to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine and traditional Portuguese pastry.
How much does a tour to Sagres from Lagos cost?
Half-day tours include tickets to the Sagres fort, a professional guide and round-trip transportation. Prices start from €45.
Day trips to Sagres include lunch and round-trip transportation from your hotel in Lagos. You can expect to pay €65 and entrance to the fort is at your own expense.
Sunset Sagres day tours include alcoholic beverages and snacks, as well as a local guide and hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour lasts three to four hours and costs around €45.
What will you see and do in Sagres?
Cabo de Sao Vicente
The rocky headland of Cape St. Vincent is the south-westernmost point in mainland Europe, and its windswept cliffs offer unparalleled views out to sea. On a clear day, you can even see the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands in the distance.
Until the 13th century, it was thought that the cape was the end of the world.
Visitors on a day trip to Sagres can explore the many hiking trails that wind their way along the cliffs. If that doesn’t appeal, simply enjoy a picnic at one of the scenic lookout points.
Fortaleza de Sagres
Sagres Fortress is one of the most important historical landmarks in Portugal. The fortress was commissioned in the 15th century by Prince Henry the Navigator and served as a strategic lookout point during the Age of Discoveries. The main concern was to protect the town from North African raiders.
To this day, Sagres Fortress is exceptionally well-preserved and serves as a popular tourist destination for those interested in Portuguese history. The fortress offers impressive views of the surrounding coastline, and visitors can also learn about the town's role in the Age of Discoveries.
Sagres Fortress costs €3 to enter. Visitors are welcome between 9:30 AM and 8 PM from May to September. During the low season between October and April, the site closes at 5:30 PM, and the last entrance is 30 minutes prior.
When is the best time to visit Sagres?
The weather is at its most pleasant in Sagres during the summer months. During July and August, you can expect warm but not scalding temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius, which many would agree is the perfect climate.
If you want to visit Sagres when there are fewer tourists around, consider the shoulder months of April, May, September or October.
If you're choosing to visit the coastal town for its surfing, you'll experience the best waves during the fall and winter months.
Are there any tours to Sagres from other cities in Portugal?
Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Portugal:
Travel tips
- Sagres is a popular summer destination spot. If you wish to participate in activities such as watersports, you should consider pre-booking these.
- While this corner of Europe is not as hot as other destinations, you can still get sunburnt. You should consider this and bring appropriate provisions on your Sagres day trip, such as a sunhat and sunscreen.
- The town is known for its warm waters and ideal surfing conditions. Bring your swimming costume to take a dip or try a spot of surfing.