9 Best Beaches in Sagres for Surfing, Swimming and Relaxing
Sagres is a picturesque village known for its popular surfing spots, breathtaking cliffs, and rich history.
Every year, travelers come to this port village to soak in its charming atmosphere and explore the many attractions.
As the westernmost point of both the Algarve and Europe, Sagres offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with incredible viewpoints massive waves for anyone daring enough to surf!
This article is a comprehensive guide to Sagres’ beaches so you don’t miss out on any of its highlights.
We will walk you through the best beaches in Sagres for surfing, swimming and relaxing so you can choose the best beach for your day!
Lets ~dive~ right in!
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Best Beaches to Surf in Sagres
1. Praia do Zavial
Praia do Zavial is well-known to be one of the best surfing beaches for beginners in Sagres.
The Atlantic swell consistently delivers ideal conditions for all surfers.
Beginners can practice on gentle waves while more experienced surfers can challenge themselves with a variety of breaks suitable for their skill level.
The beach’s relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make it the perfect spot to catch some waves or simply enjoy the scenery.
2. Praia do Arrifana
Located within the Costa Vicentina region, Arrifana Beach is a popular spot for surfers around the world.
This beach offers amazing and dynamic waves and tides that attract surfers of all skill levels. Its main attraction is a long and powerful right-hand point break.
While beginners can take advantage of the easier waves closer to shore, experienced surfers can challenge themselves with the bigger waves further out.
Surrounded by breathtaking cliffs, Arrifana Beach not only provides excellent surfing conditions but also offers amazing views to all visitors.
Out of all the surf lessons I took in Sagres, the one at this beach was my favourite!
📍Recommended Tour: Surf lessons in Sagres, Algarve , Portugal
3. Praia do Beliche
Beliche Beach is a highly sought-after destination for surfers.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, this beach caters to all levels of expertise.
If it’s your first time, don’t worry – the beach has very gentle waves and it’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to learn.
Take your time and practice until you feel confident enough to venture out to the more challenging breaks further offshore.
With its rugged cliffs and stunning coastal views, Beliche Beach not only offers great surfing conditions but also provides a visually pleasing atmosphere.
I had my first surfing lesson here and loved it! Make sure to check out the surf schools for an unforgettable surfing adventure.
(Just remember: Many surf schools will choose the best beach depending on the day and the weather, so the beach they choose for a certain day can differ).
Best Beaches for Swimming in Sagres
4. Praia do Martinhal
This beach is the epitome of a perfect place to spend a relaxing day by the water.
The serene waves and gradual slope of the shore make it ideal for swimming without any rough currents.
The atmosphere is perfect for families and children or anyone wanting a relaxing day by the beach.
It’s only a short 25-minute walk from Sagres town, where visitors can also soak up the charming coastal vibe before taking a dip in the sea again.
5. Praia da Mareta
Located near the center of Sagres, Praia de Mareta is a popular beach for many reasons.
The cove’s natural shape provides a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming among the rock formations.
If you’re feeling brave, you can also try diving with Pura Vida Dive House. This dive shop will take you to the best beach for diving, and is a perfect way for beginners to learn to dive!
6. Praia do Telheiro
Escape the busy crowds of the popular beaches in Sagres and discover a hidden gem – Praia do Telheiro.
With easy access by car or bicycle from the town center, this beach is perfect for those seeking a secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Surrounded by rugged cliffs and golden sands, Praia do Telheiro offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation in a tranquil environment.
Its remote location adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate untouched landscapes and a peaceful seaside retreat in the stunning region of Sagres.
And with its breathtaking sunsets, it’s easily one of my favorite spots in all of Sagres.
Best Beaches in Sagres for Relaxing
7. Praia da Cordoama
Praia da Cordoama is close to the city center and it’s the perfect spot for the sunset. You can sit on top of the cliffs and get a beautiful unobstructed view.
This secluded beach is perfect for those seeking for a peaceful atmosphere.
During low tide, the beach has large stretches of sand, providing plenty of room for beachgoers to find their own private corner.
However, be aware that during high tide, the landscape changes and the waves can get quite rough against the cliffs.
8. Praia do Tonel
Located next to Sagres Fortress, this beach offers convenient amenities such as restrooms, bars, and restaurants.
My favourite restaurant here was Tonel Beach Bar. It is run by a family who had to start from scratch after a hurricane devastated the previous restaurant. Their natural juices and cocktails were exceptional and so affordable.
It’s the perfect spot for quiet contemplation, reading, or observing surfers from a distance without straying too far from the city center.
Praia do Tonel is a popular choice among those looking for a peaceful and secluded beach experience that is still within close proximity to the lively historic area.
9. Prainha das Pocas
On the opposite side of Praia do Tonel you will find Prainha das Pocas which is a small but beautiful beach to unwind and relax without big crowds.
In Portuguese, the word “Prainha” means small beach, meaning often a more secluded beach.
This is perfect if you’re not planning to rent a car as you can reach it within walking distance from Sagres center.
The beach has a sensational view from its cliffs of the vibrant blue water and can also be great for a picnic spot if you’re looking to save some money on eating out.
Other Things to do in Sagres
If you have extra time in Sagres after enjoying the beaches, there are plenty of wonderful activities in Sagres that I recommend spending at least 1 day exploring!
Begin by learning about the town’s rich history at Sagres Fortress, a famous landmark. Take in stunning views of the rugged coastline from its ancient walls.
Visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça, an impressive church on top of the cliffs that provides out of this world views of the Atlantic.
Then, experience the natural beauty of Cabo de São Vicente, where majestic cliffs and a historic lighthouse provide an idyllic backdrop.
For a quiet break, take a boat tour and relax on the peaceful waters surrounding Sagres!
Sagres Beaches Highlights
Now that you have the full picture of the beaches in Sagres, we wanted to give you the final “TL;DR” for which beach to pick for each category as mentioned above!
- Best beach for surfing in Sagres– The overall pick for the best beach in Sagres for surfing is Praia do Beliche. This beach offers a mix of mellow and challenging waves, and is great for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Best beach for swimming in Sagres– The overall pick for the best beach in Sagres for swimming is Praia do Martinhal. This beach is the perfect place to relax and just a 25-minute walk from Sagres town!
- Best beach in Sagres for Relaxing– The overall pick for the best beach in Sagres for relaxing is Praia do Tonel, which has all amenities and is perfect for relaxation and watching surfers.
Have you been to a beach in Sagres? Which one was your favorite? Let me know below in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Sagres?
Sagres has a range of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers. For a luxury hotel, I recommend Mareta Beach House. Or, I recommend Pontalaia Apartamentos Turísticos for a stunning luxury vacation rental
For mid-budget accommodations, you can check out Mareta View for a Boutique Bed & Breakfast, or Local Guesthouse for a comfortable and cute guest house.
For a more affordable place to stay, check out Casa Luana or Sagres Sun Stay – Surf Camp & Hostel.
Do I need a car in Sagres?
Although you don’t need a car to explore the city centre, it’s worth getting one if you’d like to explore further out.
Sagres has public transport but it’s not always reliable.
If you want access some of the best beaches this coast has to offer, you’ll have to do it by car or taxi.
Ultimately, the need for a car depends on your travel preferences and the extent of exploration you plan to undertake.
How many days should I spend in Sagres?
The ideal stay in Sagres can vary depending on your interests, but typically 3 to 5 days is recommended.
This allows visitors to explore historical sites, try local food, and relax on the beaches.
Is Sagres worth visiting?
If you love nature, tranquility, and outdoor activities, then Sagres is a great destination.
Its serene beaches, friendly locals, and authentic Portuguese atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a different type of coastal vacation.
Compared to other bustling cities, Sagres is simple and laid-back. The locals are warm and welcoming, and the beachfront restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood.
Ultimately, whether or not Sagres is worth visiting depends on your preferences but I loved my time there!
