Sagres

Sagres is a small town in the Algarve region of Portugal, in the far south-west. Although not quite a 'hidden gem', the town has largely escaped the over-development along much of the coast further east. It is also the gateway to the Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, an area of low scrub, birdwatching opportunities and quiet beaches. Visitors wanting to escape the general mania of towns like Lagos could do a lot worse; though be warned, during the main holiday weeks in late July and August, the town can be overrun with surfers and accommodation can be hard to find. What To Do in Sagres In a word: relax. If you're looking for all-night parties, beautiful buildings, quiet cobbled streets or a range of activities to keep yourself busy, this probably won't be the place for you. However, there are many opportunities to enjoy surfing and diving, particularly along the coast to the north of the town. Sagres Accommodation For now, Sagres remains blessedly free of the high-rise concrete monstrosities found elsewhere on the Iberian coast. At the time of writing, a new development is underway on Martinhal beach, however, so this fate may not be too far away. For the moment, hotel options are limited to the Pousada, an expensive place perched on a headland overlooking Mareta beach; the Navigator, immediately opposite; and the Hotel de Baleeira, a friendly and welcoming place with views over the port and Sagres Bay. A smattering of private houses also offer rooms and studio apartments centred along Rua Comandante Matoso and the A22. The nearest campsite lies a few kilometres to the north of town; follow signs for Beliche and look for a well-marked right turn. Sagres Restaurants Happily, you're unlikely to go hungry in Sagres - especially if you're a seafood fan - and again all the restaurants lie very close to Rua Comandante Matoso.

Restaurants such as El Pescadore, Papa 2 and Restaurante Carlos offer virtually identical fare; good food at a low price. For traditional Portuguese food with daily specials, Rosalina at the A Roda - a fairly nondescript restaurant opposite the tourist information office - will bustle around in her tiny kitchen until you are thoroughly full. Rather than tell you the dish of the day, her husband Sergio will simply present one of the fish he has caught and ask if you would like to eat it. Priceless. Sourced with thanks from BBC.UK/SAGRES SAGRES LINKS: Discover Sagres. Sagres, Algarve, Portugal - Travel informations & photos Bem-vindo a Sagres [Algarve Portal] Sagres, Algarve - Restaurants Sagres Tourism and Things to Do, Sagres Restaurant and Hotel. Sagres Hotels: Cheap hotels in Sagres, Algarve.