Description
The picturesque fishing village of Sagres is home to this beautiful cliff-top Pousada. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by spectacular deserted beaches, it offers peace and tranquillity far removed from the more crowded Algarve resorts to the east.
A village steeped in history, Sagres looks over the fortress where Prince Henry the Navigator’s caravels left on their voyages of discovery some 500 years ago, and the Pousada itself opened in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henrique’s death. As such, much of the Pousada’s décor is reflective of its maritime heritage.
The lounge area of the Pousada is dedicated to exhibiting this connection with the sea, with maps and sea murals adorning the walls and surroundings.
All of the Pousada’s 52 bedrooms have recently been totally renovated, each decorated with earthy colours reflecting the beachside theme.
The Moorish-style of the Pousada de Sagres creates a bright and airy interior, with typical Moorish archways framing the large terrace overlooking the Pousada’s relaxing garden pool, the perfect spot to enjoy some of the restaurant’s delicious seafood against a stunning Atlantic Ocean backdrop.
The town of Sagres has an intricate history with the sea. In yesteryears a starting point for the ‘Discoveries’, today its fishing industry and coast remain essential resources. As a result of this fishing industry, Sagres is home to some of Portugal’s finest seafood dishes, many of which are served at the Pousada’s restaurant.
One of Portugal’s most beautiful nature spots, the combination of sea, mountains, and looming cliffs creates a mystical atmosphere, largely untouched by man. The deserted sandy beaches have not yet been discovered by many tourists, and are perfect for quiet strolls.
Portugal was one of the key players in the ‘Age of Discoveries’, and Sagres is the birthplace of the period’s most important innovation, the caravel. The Fortress of Sagres, base for Prince Henry the Navigator, housed a school for sailors teaching sailing and navigational techniques and it was here that the caravels were first envisioned, they would soon go on be crucial to the Discoveries in exploring West Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
The history of Sagres is intertwined with that of nearby Cape of St. Vincent which, with its tall cliffs towering over the open sea, was for a long time believed to be the world’s end.
Those travelling to the region between May and October should keep their eyes peeled for Fiesa, the International Sand Sculptures festival, the only one of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. With different themes each year, and covering an area of 15,000 square metres, artists from all over the world come to showcase their skillful designs, working with over 35,000 tonnes of sand per month!