Follow us:
Best Beaches in Sagres &
the Western Algarve
The beaches of Sagres are nothing like the rest of the Algarve. No sunlounger rows, no resort frontage, no crowds. Instead: towering cliffs, wild Atlantic waves, hidden coves, and some of the best surf in Europe. All protected within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This guide covers 18 beaches with practical tips to help you choose.
Sagres beaches
The headland faces three directions, so there is almost always a sheltered beach somewhere, whatever the wind is doing.
Praia do Beliche
Beliche Beach
Hidden between 40-metre cliffs. World-class left for bodyboarders. Steep staircase access.
Praia do Tonel
Tonel Beach
Sagres' signature surf beach, directly below the fortress. Powerful, consistent waves over rock bottom.
Praia da Mareta
Mareta Beach
The town beach. Sheltered, calm water, three restaurants above. Where the Fishermen's Trail begins.
Praia do Martinhal
Martinhal Beach
Calm, shallow water. Limestone islets and rock pools. The best family beach near Sagres.
West coast
Wild, exposed, powerful. The surf coast. East or south winds create offshore conditions here.
Praia da Cordoama
Cordoama Beach
Vast beach below black cliffs. Powerful surf, iconic viewpoint above.
.jpg)
Praia do Castelejo
Castelejo Beach
Dark cliffs, Pedra da Laje sea stack, beach restaurant. Slightly more sheltered.
Praia da Ponta Ruiva
Ponta Ruiva
Red sandstone cliffs. National Longboard Championship venue. Dirt track access.
South coast: Raposeira
Sheltered coves, calmer water, works with south and southeast swells.
Praia do Zavial
Zavial Beach
Versatile: surf on the left, swimming on the right. Legendary right-hander for locals.
Praia da Ingrina
Ingrina Beach
Tiny sheltered cove. Calm, clear water. Restaurant with terrace. Divers' base.
Praia das furnas
Furnas Beach
Natural caves, clothing optional. Qualidade de Ouro water quality. Dirt road access.
South coast: Salema, Burgau & beyond
Village beaches, calm water, fishing boats and seafront restaurants.
Praia da Salema
Salema Beach
Rick Steves' favourite. Fishing boats, dinosaur footprints, Blue Flag.
Praia do Burgau
Burgau Beach
Compact fishing village. Calm water, seafront restaurants, Blue Flag.
Praia das Cabanas Velhas
Cabanas Velhas Beach
Sheltered cove, beach bar, calm water. Blue Flag. Never crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Sagres beach is best for families?
Praia do Martinhal is the top choice: shallow, calm, sheltered water. Praia da Mareta is the closest to town with lifeguards in summer. Praia da Ingrina, near Raposeira, is a small calm cove ideal for young children.
Which is the best beach for surfing in Sagres?
Praia do Tonel has the most consistent surf and is home to several surf schools. Praia do Beliche offers more powerful waves in a sheltered cliff setting. On the west coast, Cordoama and Castelejo are favourites for experienced surfers seeking bigger swells.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Sagres?
The Atlantic at Sagres is cooler than the eastern Algarve. Summer water temperatures range from 19 to 22 degrees, which is refreshing but swimmable. In winter, expect around 15 to 17 degrees. A wetsuit is recommended for extended water activities outside July and August.
Are Sagres beaches safe for swimming?
The south-facing beaches (Mareta, Martinhal) are generally calmer and safer for swimming. West-facing beaches (Tonel, Cordoama, Castelejo) have stronger waves and currents. Always check beach flags before entering the water. Lifeguards are present on the main beaches from June to September only.
Is there parking at the beaches?
Yes, most beaches have free parking. Remote beaches like Telheiro and Ponta Ruiva are accessed via dirt tracks. In peak summer, parking at Mareta, Cordoama, Castelejo, Salema and Burgau can fill up by late morning. Arrive early or walk.
Are there nudist beaches near Sagres?
Several beaches in the area are traditionally clothing-optional, including Praia das Furnas, parts of Praia do Martinhal, and Praia da Barriga. None are officially designated, but naturism is widely practised and accepted at more remote beaches.