Travel: 48 hours in... Sagres, Portugal

By SUZANNE BEARNE
Published on 23/03/2013 10:42

ARRIVE on Saturday, 10am at minimalistic hotel Memmo Baleeira (Sitio Da Baleeira, www.memmohotels.com), which attracts a well-turned out crowd for its top-dollar views of the ocean and its first-class spa.

En-suite doubles start from e70.

11am Sagres is renowned for its great waves so try and catch a few at one of its many beaches. For those feeling less than steady on a board, book in for a lesson at Freeride Surf Network (www.freeridesurfcamp.com).

1.30pm After burning all those calories, treat yourself to a hearty crepe or pizza at Dromedario Bar (Avenida Comandante Matoso, tel: [phone]).

3pm Take a stroll around the small fishing village of Sagres and walk to Mareta beach.

9pm Settle in for a cosy dinner at Mum’s (www.mums-sagres.com) – Sagres’ dining hotspot. Locally caught fish and vegetarian dishes (try the tofu steak) are popular.

Sunday, 9am Take a guided tour with Walkin’ Sagres (www.walkinsagres.com), with walks of varying difficulty across landscapes from pine forests to high cliffs and wild beaches.

1pm Create your own picnic from the produce at the supermarket or Memmo Baleeira will put one together for you – then find a secluded beach. Try Beliche, which as an enclosed beach, is just perfect for an intimate lunch.

6pm Drive or cycle (but beware of the gusty wind) to Sagres’ famous landmark – the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent. Watch the sunset at Europe’s most southern and westerly point.

9pm Dine at Vila Velha (www.vilavelha-sagres.com). Cheery service, a wide variety of dishes and the odd knick knacks on the walls help make Vila Velha a firm favourite for locals and tourists.

THE FACTS

Jet2.com flies from Glasgow to Faro from £112 return, (www.jet2.com). The drive from Faro airport to Sagres takes about 80 minutes.