Sagres Fortress
Sagres Fortress
4
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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- GlobetrottingVikingThatcham, United Kingdom3,510 contributionsFantastic ViewsThis site at the most south-westerly edge of Europe is amazing. The fort itself is fortified with a wall only on one side, with the steep cliffs providing the protection on the other three sides. Inside the courtyard is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça (Church of our Lady of Grace) from 1570, which was closed when we were there. Also on the courtyard is a Marker Stone Monument to Prince Henry the Navigator. More impressive is the walk out to the tip of the promontory with stunning views of the steep seaside cliffs and across to the lighthouse on the nearby Cabo de São Vicente. Several features are located within the area, including the "Voice of the Sea" a circular concrete structure which amplifies the sound of the sea waves in the grottos below ground. There are rare birds and flora here, although not much could be seen in November during our visit.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 21, 2023
- TAO37Wales, United Kingdom26 contributionsGreat viewsWe wanted to see the wind compass and so parked up by fort for free. Plenty of parking in early Feb. Entry was 3E and 1.50E for an over 65 year old. It was stunning weather to visit - T-shirt time! Saw lots of little birds and beautiful flowers. We walked round the cliff footpath. Stunning views everway. Well worth entry price. We spent an hour and half or so there and finished off by visiting the little shop - which had tasteful gifts and books. A great and unexpected afternoon. Can imagine it can get very windy there but we were blessed with fab weather. Would visit again and glad to see the wind compass.Visited February 2024Written February 4, 2024
- Karen PLondon, Canada5 contributionsThe views were amazing!We took pictures to show us at the most Southwestern point of Europe. The cliffs and the views were amazing! We just took a city bus from Lagos to Sagres and back again and spent the day there. You have to take in the wind tunnel while walking the cliff over Cabo de Sao Vincent.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 6, 2024
- Sue B9 contributionsGreat place to visit.Lovely visit. Cheap entry fee and plenty of free parking.Lovely walk around the coast with great views and lots of wildlife. Saw a Dolphin from the cliff. Make sure you do the wind tunnel. Facilities could be better-none of the toilets had working locks and there is no cafe . We’ll worth a visit.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- jtfstewartSouthampton, United Kingdom29 contributionsWorth a visitLovely views. Worth a visit if staying around Lagos. Free car park. Probably only need 1 hour to walk around. Lots of people going over fences for better picturesVisited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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2,392 reviews
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382
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115
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MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,818 contributions
Nov 2021
We weren't intending to stop here but we saw the outer walls when we were driving to nearby Cape St Vincent so we just had to visit on the way back. There is plenty of parking and the huge walls block off the entire peninsula. There is an entrance with a walk under the battlements where you pay your €3 entry before getting inside the fort itself.
This is where it becomes a bit anticlimatic. There are almost no more walls and the battery positions around the fort edges are just stone footings and possibly a very low wall. I realise it makes sense as the cliffs were the main defence but it does mean there isn't much to see!
There is a walk the whole way around the peninsula which was pleasant and had lots of information boards on the wildlife and plants in the area. There were obviously amazing views too.
There is a small chapel inside and a couple of modern buildings as well as some of the original medieval walls before the sixteenth century outer ones were built. After earthquake damage in 1755 the walls were heavily restored last century. The place has an association with Prince Henry the Navigator too but I couldn't see a museum although the information boards were helpful.
This is where it becomes a bit anticlimatic. There are almost no more walls and the battery positions around the fort edges are just stone footings and possibly a very low wall. I realise it makes sense as the cliffs were the main defence but it does mean there isn't much to see!
There is a walk the whole way around the peninsula which was pleasant and had lots of information boards on the wildlife and plants in the area. There were obviously amazing views too.
There is a small chapel inside and a couple of modern buildings as well as some of the original medieval walls before the sixteenth century outer ones were built. After earthquake damage in 1755 the walls were heavily restored last century. The place has an association with Prince Henry the Navigator too but I couldn't see a museum although the information boards were helpful.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon
Montreal, Canada68 contributions
Feb 2020
A must see, this fort is so big and built in and on a fantastic setting, a kind of moon scape, with it’s granite eroded stones and harsh and hardy brush and plant cover... Wear god shoes and be prepared to walk some distance, if you want to cover the footprint of the sight.
We moved at a good pace, took it all in and it took us about 2.5 hours.
Great views, solid history and interesting moments. Some good info on the plaques that dot the walk.
Only downside, the public washrooms, at the outside rear of the Gift Shop were quite unattended. My wife said three of the toilets were not working, hand dryer was broken, no toilet paper and pee all over. Mens was a bit better, but still needed a clean.
We moved at a good pace, took it all in and it took us about 2.5 hours.
Great views, solid history and interesting moments. Some good info on the plaques that dot the walk.
Only downside, the public washrooms, at the outside rear of the Gift Shop were quite unattended. My wife said three of the toilets were not working, hand dryer was broken, no toilet paper and pee all over. Mens was a bit better, but still needed a clean.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pix15
Shefford, UK52 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We went on a weekday late morning. There were a lot of people there but abiding by safety guidelines. The entrance fee is minimal and once you are outside you can roam wherever you want. The area is vast. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The views are totally stunning and it is very peaceful. There are a few notice boards scattered around telling you about the bird life and the flora and some about the various batteries. There is a deep cave which you can look down from a raised platform. There is a shop near the entrance which sells good quality products. Please note there is a lot of walking to do when you are here.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma Fullalove
Norwich, UK107 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
A spectacular fortress with impressive views over the Atlantic Ocean.
The headland has a well constructed pathway winding around it. Along the way you will find a circular art installation, Voz Do Mar, venture inside and you can hear the sea below.
The small white Chapel built in 1570 is beautiful and well worth a look.
This place is worth a visit for an hour or two with a picnic lunch.
The headland has a well constructed pathway winding around it. Along the way you will find a circular art installation, Voz Do Mar, venture inside and you can hear the sea below.
The small white Chapel built in 1570 is beautiful and well worth a look.
This place is worth a visit for an hour or two with a picnic lunch.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen T
Yorkshire, UK14 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
First off the positives... Museum is very interesting, great, great views of the surrounding coastline and wonderful to hear alternative perspectives on the Pirate Francis Drake. The cannons are not just some historical adornments but a sobering reminder of a time of genuine conflict. There are already a lot of the positives in other reviews.
Now the not so good bits.... Very stony underfoot (it should not be so pointy and uneven surely). The gift shop sells ice cream and water and there are a couple of vending machines. And that is it. No shade, nowhere to sit and catch your breath. When the temperature is in the mid thirties and you are expecting to be there for an hour, more human friendly environment would help. It is not supposed to be an ordeal.
Personally I experienced the utter indignity of tripping up on the wholly unnecessary triangular stone lumps along the avenue to entrance to the fortress and falling flat on my face, bruised and grazed to boot. I had been walking along the only paved area in the whole place. The beautiful cobbled central pathway was uneven and uncomfortable. The paving was made evidently unnavigable by the addition of the triangular stones - purpose unknown. The very generous tour guide (and lovely members of her tour group who helped me to my feet) explained that that this happens three/four times a day.
This could have been a more pleasant (and less crucifyingly embarrassing) experience if the venue made some concession to the humans who visit it.
Now the not so good bits.... Very stony underfoot (it should not be so pointy and uneven surely). The gift shop sells ice cream and water and there are a couple of vending machines. And that is it. No shade, nowhere to sit and catch your breath. When the temperature is in the mid thirties and you are expecting to be there for an hour, more human friendly environment would help. It is not supposed to be an ordeal.
Personally I experienced the utter indignity of tripping up on the wholly unnecessary triangular stone lumps along the avenue to entrance to the fortress and falling flat on my face, bruised and grazed to boot. I had been walking along the only paved area in the whole place. The beautiful cobbled central pathway was uneven and uncomfortable. The paving was made evidently unnavigable by the addition of the triangular stones - purpose unknown. The very generous tour guide (and lovely members of her tour group who helped me to my feet) explained that that this happens three/four times a day.
This could have been a more pleasant (and less crucifyingly embarrassing) experience if the venue made some concession to the humans who visit it.
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hobby560
Ardea, Italy983 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Superb walk with breathtaking views. The views from inside the Fortress are worth the €3, don't listen to the writer who says it's not worth visiting the inside.
The modern structures to support tourist activities significantly ruin the context, as does a pseudo-artistic structure in the shape of a circular labyrinth which was not felt necessary.
The modern structures to support tourist activities significantly ruin the context, as does a pseudo-artistic structure in the shape of a circular labyrinth which was not felt necessary.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Houailou
Toulouse, France348 contributions
Aug 2023
On the road which leads to Cap Saint Vincent, the guide of our small group suggested that we visit the fort. Full price entry is 3 euros and we were lucky that there was no queue at the ticket office when we arrived. It must be said that there is not much captivating to see. We had about half an hour to visit and we focused on the exhibition which didn't tell us much. I therefore recommend that you focus instead on the landscape.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baldomero80
Birmingham, UK25 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We were fortunate to visit this sight on a beautiful blue sky day on in April. This is a stunning headland on the south western tip of Portugal and European continent with an excellent ambience of crashing waves and gentle sea breezes. The fort itself is quite a modest structure, but its the views of the sea from the peninsula that are the biggest attraction. On very hot days be mindful that is an exposed landscape with little shade. The Sagres area generally is quite remote, quieter and less touristy and than the rest of the Algarve, but we felt it was a rewarding trip into this area. There are also some splendid beaches nearby, possibly some of the best in the Algarve.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabrice K
Metz, France271 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
You will go to the most western place in Europe. Huge site bordered by cliffs. The visit to this fortress is interesting, too bad the audio guide system of the museum which explains the important history of this place is not proposed, because we remain on our end
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clintvbaker
Auckland, New Zealand12 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Allow a good couple of hours to walk the perimeter of the plateau and visit the museum.
The view from the fortress wall back towards the beaches on either side is outstanding and to see the provision for the artillery pieces to be placed to cover these beaches. The 'Chamber of Sound' is worth the few minutes walk to hear the waves breathing through the rocks. The museum is a great way to get an idea of Portugal's place in the explosion of world commodity trading in the 15th and 16th centuries,
The view from the fortress wall back towards the beaches on either side is outstanding and to see the provision for the artillery pieces to be placed to cover these beaches. The 'Chamber of Sound' is worth the few minutes walk to hear the waves breathing through the rocks. The museum is a great way to get an idea of Portugal's place in the explosion of world commodity trading in the 15th and 16th centuries,
Written October 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. There is toilet but as far as I remember it is located inside the fortress, (it means that you must pay an entrance fee to enter it). Wish you all the best for your trip.
Written August 23, 2022
hola, alguien me puede informar si el camino de las pasarelas es apto para un carrito de bebe? Mil gracias
Written August 8, 2019
BrianPacNW
Seattle, Washington
My wife & I are planning our first trip to Portugal in December-January. We are interested in staying in Sagres, most likely Dec 28-31, but cannot yet view the holiday bus & train schedules. Can anyone please tell me if we would be able to take a bus (Sagres to Lagos) on New Year’s Eve Dec 31? And would we be able to take trains (Lagos to Faro + Lisbon) on New Year’s Day Jan 1?
Written August 22, 2018
We had no idea when we landed in Faro that our resort was 2 Hrs away in Sagres so we rented a car which was easy and cheap. When we returned to Faro we took train to Lisbon. I think trying to get to Lagos or Sagres via public transport is either impossible or not worth the effort. Our car for 4-5 days was about $150
Written August 24, 2018
Ciao! pensavo di passare la mattinata in una spiaggia di Sagres e, di pomeriggio, visitare la Fortaleza ma sarò a piedi. Sapete se esistono bus tra spiaggia e forte? o mi consigliate il percorso inverso? grazie
Written April 4, 2017
Ciao dalla spiaggia alla Fortezza non c'è tanto cammino se ti piace passeggiare......Ricordo comunque di aver visto un piccolo bus che faceva scendere dei turisti davanti alla fortezza senz'altro lungo la spiaggia ci saranno delle fermate bus..... Cerca di visitare la Fortezza quando il sole è meno alto... Ciao buona vacanza...
Written April 5, 2017
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