Sagres is adventurous, desolated and the perfect playground for surf, yoga and hiking lovers. The small village is situated at the most western tip of the Algarve and has an end-of-the-world feel to it. The region has a dramatic natural scenery; towering cliffs with lonely light houses on top of them, impressive consistent waves, wild landscapes and pristine hidden bays in which you might just spot a group of dolphins.
The edge of Europe
The city has the perfect laid back low season vibe, and although the parking lots are still full of free camping surf vans, most hotels and hostels are quiet. For three nights I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in Memmo Baleeira. The 4-star hotel is characterized by its design and beautiful location overlooking the Baleeira harbor. Mornings at dawn I take a refreshing dive into the pool before heading for a delicious (pastéis de natas included) breakfast. My suite is spacious and has a balcony with stunning sunrise view. Twice a day there are yoga lessons to attend and the hotel has great spa facilities for those sour muscles after a day of surfing. It is the best place to escape your busy life and recharge.
For a more budget friendly option, stay with the two super friendly Spanish friends in Funky Monkey Hostel. Choose either for a dorm or a private room with TV. There is a communal kitchen and living room, a spacious garden of 3000m2 with funky bar, a fireplace, hammocks and a sweet rooftop with sweeping sunset views over town.
Local food
Although Sagres is small it truly has some great places to eat and drink. For the best coffees and lunch in town bring a visit to The Hangout . The cafe has a chilled vibe to relax in between your surf sessions. Definitely try out a sweet homemade cake or one of the delicious smoothies. Not unimportant they have a good Wi-Fi connection for us digital nomads.
Just opened but already the hit in town is Three Little Birds. The three German friends who run the hip bar and restaurant have set up a cozy atmosphere that keeps you coming back. The menu offers a wide range of delicious burgers (also vegetarian), salads and sweet desserts. In the weekends they often have live music nights. Three Little Birds is definitely the place to be in town to meet fellow surfers, travellers and like minded gypsies.
Up for a more romantic night? We found our favorite place in the Italian slow cooking restaurant Mum’s. The restaurant has a creative interior, mouth-watering vegetarian and fresh fish dishes and the finest local and organic produced wines to pair the sophisticated courses.
Aljezur
Aljezur is located in the Western Algarve of Southern Portugal. I spend five days in Tipi Valley a unique sustainable yoga and surf retreat. The temperature of the Atlantic may be on the chilly side but that won’t matter at all once you’re cruising some of Europe’s best waves. Arrifana is one of these sweet spots to do so. It’s a sleepy little town on the edge of a cliff where you’ll find world-class waves for either beginner or advanced surfers. Just 300m. away from the beach is Arrifana Destination Hostel located in the wild Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The hostel is equipped with all modern facilities, has dorms (also girls only) and private rooms. Breakfast is included which you can enjoy on the sunny terrace checking out the waves. Go hiking in the surrounding area with beautiful vistas over Portugal’s coastal cliffs. Are you visiting during the summer season? Make sure to check out if the pizza party is up for a cool night out!
