WHERE TO STAY ON SAGRES BEACHES
Surrounded by jaw-dropping rugged shores, the beaches in Sagres still remain a fairly undiscovered gem on the popular Algarve coastline.
With easy access by bus from Lisbon or Lagos, this charming seaside town attracts surf enthusiasts, beach lovers and nature fans, thanks to its dramatic scenery and good waves all-year-round.
If you landed on this page to know where to stay on Sagres beaches, you’re in luck, as we created this post with exactly that in mind.
This guide is divided in 4 sections: Mareta, Tonel, Martinhal, and Beliche – the four main beaches in Sagres. Under each area, we listed the best ranked properties and some of the top things to do.
For surf camps in Sagres, please have a look here.
Top 3 hotels to stay in Sagres:
Cercas Velhas: Cosy, stylish apartments minutes away from the beach
Pousada de Sagres: Comfortable cliffside property part of Pestana chain
Martinhal Sagres Beach: Boutique 5-star spa resort for families and couples
Top 3 things to do in Sagres:
Sagres and the West Coast: Off-road tour to visit Sagres and surroudings
Dolphin and Caves: Meet marine life and other natural wonders in the area
Coasteering: Explore the coast over the caves and the sea, hiking and cliff jumping
Mareta Beach, Sagres
Perfect for surf enthusiasts and beach bums alike
Distance to the town centre: 0.2 miles
The most central and longest beach in Sagres, Mareta is a sandy bay sheltered by large cliffs.
It attracts swimmers, beach goers and surfers of all levels, particularly popular among those learning how to surf because of its gentle, smaller waves.
There are a few restaurants available on Mareta Beach and, because of its convenient location, that’s where most travellers head during summer.
What to see and do
Surfing
Learning (or perfecting) your surfing skills in Sagres is a breeze. There are plenty of surf schools and camps around, so you couldn’t be at a better place for it.
Make sure to book a surf lesson here.
Cafés and Restaurants
Don’t fancy surfing or just need a break from the waves? Chill out and have a drink at a beach front(-ish) café while still enjoying the stunning scenery.
We recommend Pau de Pita for coffee, The Hangout for a more substantial meal and Three Little Birds for the vibe. To find out what we liked about each of those places, click here.
Ponta do Atalaia
A popular lookout platform that offers the most incredible views of the coast and the fortress. Keep your eyes peeled as you might be able to spot some wildlife like birds of prey and rabbits.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Minimalist in style, this spacious holiday home has a private pool, barbecue facilities, and free private parking. Ideal for family and groups.
MID-RANGE
Managed by the Portuguese chain Pestana, this cliffside hotel serves up classic vibes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Coast.
BUDGET
Just meters away from Mareta Beach, this charming guest house offers comfortable rooms and a sunny terrace, perfect for enjoying the Algarve sunshine.
Tonel Beach, Sagres
Distance to the town centre: 0.5 miles
Nestled by steep, rocky cliffs and surrounded by natural beauty, Tonel beach is the top choice for surfers and surf boarders looking to catch some waves in Sagres.
It’s the only beach in town where you can get consistent surfing conditions. If there’s no surfing in Tonel, go find other things to do, because it’ll be flat everywhere else.
Though waves can be smaller during summer months, Tonel beach isn’t recommended for families with small kids because of the strong currents and rocks hidden beneath the surface.
Standing opposite Mareta Beach, Tonel is easily accessible on foot or by car, with parking available at the entrance.
Distance to the town centre: 0.5 miles
What to see and do
Fortaleza de Sagres
Built in the 15th century by Prince Henry, the Navigator, Sagres Fortress served as a strategic stronghold for naval exploration and defense. Nowadays, it’s a museum open for visitors to explore its ancient walls and learn more about Portugal’s rich maritime history.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Set in a quiet neighbourhood near the beach, Cercas Velhas is a collection of stylish, cosy apartments housed in a revamped building.
MID-RANGE
Besides giving you the feels of a home away from home, LemonTree’s decór is the perfect Instagrammable backdrop for your travel shots.
BUDGET
Residência Júlio does what it says on the tin: a classic Portuguese-style residence with spacious rooms run by welcoming hosts who will make you feel at home.
Martinhal Beach, Sagres
Suitable for families and watersports enthusiasts
Distance to the Old Town: 1.2 miles
Sheltered by Baleeira Bay, Martinhal is a blue-flag beach with golden sand and relatively shallow, calm waters. That’s one of the reasons why families with young kids love it here.
In addition to the lack of waves, Martinhal beach makes it a great spot for snorkelling because of the crystal clear visibility.
Further out in the water, away from the protection of the cliffs, Martinhal offers the perfect conditions for kite and windsurfing. If you plan not to travel with your gear, don’t worry, you’ll be able to rent watersports equipment right on the beach.
Martinhal is located slightly further away from the town centre, so it tends to be less busy as well. There’s a small free gravel parking area on-site, if you don’t fancy the 30-minute walk there and back.
Depending on the tide, make sure to also visit Praia dos Rebolinhos, a small, secluded pebble beach north of Martinhal.
What to see and do
Watersports
As already mentioned, Martinhal Beach is the place to go for practicing all kinds of watersports: swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, windsurfing, kitesurfing and even scuba diving.
Martinhal Islets
Change the scenery and hop on one of the regular boat services to Ilhotes do Martinhal, the limestone islets located just off the coast.
There you can snorkel around the islets, explore various caves and check out the grottoes and local underwater wildlife.
Baleeira Harbour
Overlooking Baleeira Beach, the small fishing harbour of Sagres is definitely worth a visit.
It’s a lovely area to go for a stroll before having a meal at either of the two waterfront restaurants while you watch the boats come and go.
You can also walk up to the small lighthouse at the end of the pier to snap a panoramic shot of Baleeira Bay.
Book a coasteering tour with snorkelling here.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Just so you know, this luxurious villa is literally minutes away from two beaches, in case this bird view shot wasn’t enough to make you want to book it.
MID-RANGE
If you want to stay at one of those villas you see on shows like A Place in the Sun, this 3-bedroom property that accommodates up to 6 people is what you’re after.
BUDGET
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel is a child-oriented 5-star resort, equipped with a spa that parents can enjoy while their little ones are at the kids’ club.
Beliche Beach, Sagres
Ideal for staying away from the crowds
Distance to the Old Town: 2 miles
Surrounded by impressive 40-feet tall cliffs, Beliche Beach consists of two small bays formed by coves, creating a magnificent landscape.
But to enjoy this unspoilt stretch of sand, you’ll have to work a little bit harder: There’s a man-made stairway of approximately 100 steps down the beach.
Once you’ve braved the descend, you’ll be rewarded with soft sand under your feet and emerald waters in the horizon.
And because of its location further away from the main tourist hubs, Beliche Beach feels remote and deserted even during the summer months.
The tranquil settings also attracts naturists, who head to the nudist beach on the smaller bay furthest away from the entrance.
Cape St. Vincent
Once known as “The End of the World” due to its position as the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, Cape St. Vincent is characterised by towering cliffs of up to 75 meters (246 feet), that rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean.
Aside from its natural beauty, Cape St. Vincent holds significant historical importance, having served as a strategic maritime location, a landmark for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic.
The cape is also home to the historic Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Europe, which has guided ships since the 16th century. Please note that at the time of writing, the lighthouse is currently closed for visitors.
Because of its privileged location, the cape is the perfect spot for unforgettable sunsets. You’ll get unobstructed views of the sky slowly getting painted with vibrant colours as the sun dips down the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Besides being across the road from the beach, the sea view from the terrace of this tastefully designed apartment is certainly its winning feature.
MID-RANGE
With privileged ocean views and minutes away from the beach, this one-bedroom flat has white furniture and walls, making it feel even more spacious.
BUDGET
Recently renovated, this flat is fully equipped, and it should come as no surprise to you that the beach is just a few hundred metres away.
Ready to choose where to stay on Sagres beaches and get your accommodation booked? We hope so after reading this guide.
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In case you’re heading elsewhere in the country, check out our Portugal page for more inspiration!
Safe travels and enjoy Sagres!
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