Hotels in Sagres, Portugal

The western Algarve is often overlooked by European sun-seekers, and no place in the region is located farther west than Sagres. Occupying the most southwestern corner of Europe, Sagres is a sleepy, laid-back town that is more popular with surfers than package tourists. The result is a place where visitors might enjoy the beaches and seafood of the Algarve, yet also avoid the over-developed tourist traps like Albufeira.

Pousada do Infante
The Pousada do Infante was labeled "the best choice in town" by "The Rough Guide to Portugal" and "the best address in Sagres" by Frommer's, making it the area's stand-out hotel. Set in a Moorish-style mansion and perched on the cliffs above Praia da Mareta, the pousada comes with 51 rooms furnished in a mid-range, Euro-modern fashion. Although all the rooms have modern amenities such as cable TV, only the 12 rooms in the pousada's new wing have Wi-Fi internet. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court, and the restaurant specializes in authentic, Algarve-style seafood.

Residencial Dom Henrique
This pension is a sound choice for budget-minded visitors to Sagres, as it offers reasonably priced accommodations right on the main square. That location places the Residencial Dom Henrique not just within a few minutes' walk of the beach, but also with a few minutes of half of the cafes and restaurants in town. The guestrooms are simply, but pleasantly furnished, and for an extra fee rooms with sea-view balconies are available.

Romantik Villa
The Romantik Villa is located about a 15-minute drive down the coast and east of Sagres. The villa is essentially a converted, seaside mansion, and offers a mere four rooms set in an out of the way location, making it a quiet retreat for beating the Algarve's crowds. The rooms are appointed in a fashion that would not be amiss in a fashionable country home, with iron bed frames and wicker chairs. The grounds include a garden and outdoor swimming pool, both commanding a view of the sea.

Beach Guide
Sagres is set on a horseshoe-shaped harbor, with the Ponte de Sagres (Europe's most southwestern point) capping the west side of the horseshoe. Beaches such as Praia da Mereta inside the harbor, or Praia da Baleeira to the east of town, have placid waters suitable for swimmers. However, the beaches to the west of Sagres bear the full brunt of the North Atlantic. The seas are both rougher and colder there, and therefore tend to attract surfers instead of swimmers and sunbathers.