Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente

Sagres sits on the south-western tip of mainland Europe, about 115 km west of Faro in the Algarve region of Portugal, and is the longest regular day trip from Faro without crossing the border. Public transport takes about 2 hours 45 minutes each way: a CP regional train from Faro to Lagos, then a Vamus or Eva Transportes bus from Lagos to Sagres, at a combined cost of roughly EUR 10 to 12 one way. A hire car on the A22 and N125 takes around 1 hour 30 minutes and gives much more flexibility, since the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse lies about 6 km west of Sagres and bus links to it are limited. The Fortaleza de Sagres occupies the promontory above the village and has a paid entry. It contains a large stone wind-rose, a chapel, ramparts and cliff-edge walks with views over the Atlantic. The Cabo de Sao Vicente has a lighthouse on cliffs about 75 metres high, known to the Romans and medieval Europeans as the end of the known world, and it is a popular place for sunset. A suggested day begins with the early transfer to Sagres, a walk around the fortress in the morning, a lunch of grilled fish or percebes at one of the village restaurants, and an afternoon at the cape with the late light. Surf beaches such as Praia do Tonel and Praia da Mareta lie close to the village and are used by surf schools. The return journey in the evening requires checking the last bus to Lagos and the last onward train, which is the main risk of a public transport day, so a car or guided tour from Faro may be better. Winds on the promontory can be strong in any season. April to October gives the best conditions, with long daylight, though July and August are busy. Visit Algarve listings at visitalgarve.pt include guided tours. The fortress and cape involve a lot of open, windy, shade-free walking.