At the far southwestern tip of the Algarve is the town of Sagres. This is where the western Algarve is at its wildest. For lovers of traditional towns and winding streets, Sagres might not be for you. Compared to other towns and villages in the region, Sagres is almost unremarkable. However, what it lacks in its town it more than makes up for in dramatic scenery, stunning beaches, and history.
The most imposing is the striking Fortress of Sagres – Fortaleza de Sagres. It’s a 15th century fort with immaculately preserved walls, you can see these walls rising on the cliffs from multiple directions in the town.
The Sagres Fortress was built in the 15th century by Infante Dom Henrique, known as the Henry the Navigator. The main purpose of the fortress was to serve as a study and preparation center for Portuguese maritime expeditions. It is believed that the fortress housed a navigation school, where navigators, cartographers and scientists met to study and plan great journeys into the unknown.
During the Discoveries period, Sagres became a meeting point for famous explorers and navigators, such as Vasco da Gama and Fernão de Magalhães. The fortress witnessed the preparation of expeditions that opened new paths across the oceans, taking Portugal’s name overseas and opening new trade routes.
In addition to the architecture, the fortress also houses a museum, where you can see historical artefacts, old maps and navigation instruments used by Portuguese navigators. These treasures from the past help tell the story of the great discoveries and courageous expeditions that set out from Sagres.
Outside of town is Farol do Cabo de São Vicente. The Lighthouse of São Vicente. The area was first occupied by Franciscan monks, and this is where the lighthouse and fortress take their name from – Cabo de São Vicente. It was rumoured to be the place where Saint Vincent of Saragossa remains were found and protected.
We were officially at 0 – the most southern point in all of Europe
Next up a ride to San Du Bispo and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
Our guide was an amazing story teller and historian. He told us more than we can retain but we enjoyed every tale and the history lessons. He detailed the various regions and what grows and is produced in the Algarve, as well as all of Portugal. You can hear it in their talks, its hard and so different post Covid for the Portuguese people because they have seen an explosion of growth and tourism in a country that loved their peace and quiet for so long.
He told us of an amazing flower.
The Organic rock rose is the gum rock rose, endemic to the Mediterranean basin and it is abundant in the Alentejo and Algarve mountains. In Spring, its flowers add a beautiful splash of white to the landscape. However, it is in the hot Summer days that they are manually collected. No less than 1500 kg (yes, kilograms) of flowers are necessary to produce just one litre of essential oil! A few drops in a water diffuser have a relaxing effect. This essential oil regulates the nervous system and helps reduce depression, distress, anxiety, stress, nervous shock and nervousness. Since ancient times this plant has been considered the plant of meditation and spirituality.
I’m putting in an order!!!
Today was our last full day in Lagos. Tomorrow we are back on the Flix bus to Lisbon. We will have an afternoon there to explore the city. The next morning Sally leaves for Italy and we fly to Madeira which has been in our sights for awhile.
More Portugal coming soon…
Saúde
