Although Sagres, the westernmost town in the Algarve, has become something like the capital of surfing, you can also experience something here apart from surfing. Especially when none of the mighty winter swells squeeze into the beautiful beaches of this small town.
That was the case yesterday, after quite some heavy swell days and some rain afterwards, the sea is quite again. No waves, almost no wind, blue sky and mild temperatures make a good day to discover beaches and surroundings.
Read until the end to see where this was taken
Praia do Tonel
When the winter swells roll in, Sagres is one of the places to be. Beaches like Praia do Tonel, which face to the west, turn into a place where you don´t want to be if you´re not an experienced surfer. On a small day with almost no waves, like yesterday it looks absolutely harmless. Although it looks absolutely inviting, one should not forget that the watertemperature is down to 16 degree right now and it gets colder in the coming weeks.
This beach is facing to the west what means it gets much more swell than other beaches facing south.
Praia da Mareta
Praia da Mareta, that is facing to the south, on the other hand is almost always calm and the perfect spot for a swim if you´re brave enough for the cold water.
However, even here in winter a few decent surfable waves can roll in.
What would you prefer, south or west facing beach? :)
Praia do Beliche
If you think that´s the only two beaches this sleepy town offers, you´re absolutely wrong. The first time I visited I did not even make it to the other beaches that are just outside of the towncenter.
If you leave the city westwards, towards the Lighthouse, you cannot avoid a stop at Praia do Beliche. I haven't surfed here myself, but what I've seen so far is this beach more frequented by bodyboarders than surfers.
Older photo from a few weeks back
View to the other side of the Headland
I haven't got any further than Praia do Beliche to this day, which is why it was time to explore the nearby Fortaleza de Belixe, a centuries-old fortress and the Farol do Cabo de São Vicente a lighthouse at the most south-westerly point of mainland Portugal.
The views from the Fort were amazing at this day and the contrast between the old walls and the sky were picturesque.
From here it´s only a stone throw away from the Lighthouse. Normally there is also a hot dog stand, the last hot dog before America. I guess it´s closed due to the pandemic. So we had to be content with the great view of the lighthouse.
Praia do Telheiro
From the Lighthouse we went to the westcoast, which is not really a long drive, as I wanted to see Praia do Telheiro. This was the only beach next to Tonel that had a bit of swell that day. It also is a bit of a hidden gem, as there is only a rough unpaved road to there.
Seeing a beautiful beach like this with small but very nice and clean waves I only want to jump in and have fun.
I know what you thin, they all look the same. For me that doesn´t matter as it always puts a smile on my face. And when it comes to surfing, every beach is different and no two are alike.
Just on the way back to Sagres town I noticed a very picturesque old farm. It is made to take photos of it. Although we only had our phones and no camera I really like the outcome.
After lunch, which I didn't photograph this time, we were actually on our way out of town again when I saw a sign, Ponta da Atalaia and turned south.
Ponta da Atalaia is another small headland with wooden boardwalks and absolutely stunning views. That was once again the proof that you can always find the best things when you are not looking for them.
There isn´t much to say about this place, so just enjoy these beautiful photos. From here you also have a great view on Sagres, like you can see in the first shot. ;)
