Things to see and do Sagres

From this Promotorium Sacrum where, according to the Romans, the setting sun made the waters of the ocean bubble, there remains only one red lighthouse that watches over the coast from the top of its cliff (80 m). Hot dog and souvenir stands are everywhere. Cabo São Vicente is a mental place, a way of being at the end of the world or, at least, at the end of the known world. In addition to the lighthouse museum, it is always interesting to observe local fishermen holding their fishing rods above 80 m of empty space. The place is simply wonderful.

Perched atop its cliff, it seems to mark the end of a world. By rushing into it, we have a vague impression of leaving the planet earth for an unknown universe. Initially built in the 15th century, redesigned according to Vauban's constructions in the 18th century, it was disfigured in the 20th century by a concrete block for trading. The mosaic compass rose is said to date from the time of Henry the Navigator and to have served as an instrument for the nautical school he founded in Sagres.

The beach of Sagres is the easiest to reach. Much less sheltered from the wind than the neighboring beach of Beliche, Tonel is a favorite spot for windsurfers. From the sand, you can see on the left the fortress of Henry the Navigator. The ochre-blond color of the cliffs and the clarity of the water contribute greatly to the beauty of the site. The access to the beach was dug naturally, thanks to water infiltrations. The regular fall of stones on the beach reminds us that erosion continues its work.

It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Built in 1904, it has a light that can be seen at a distance of 90 km. Inside, its small museum, which can be visited in a maximum of 30 minutes, recalls the importance of the place. The lighthouse is surrounded by a fortress built in the 16th century to protect itself from the Moors' offensives. Legend has it that the walls were built over an ancient medieval convent, where the remains of Saint Vincent are believed to be.