Sagres

The Costa Vicentina ends in the small town of Sagres, where, under the guidance of Prince Henry, the epic Portuguese maritime discoveries had begun 500 years earlier..

The view from the headland is excellent, but it is still more powerful when seen from a boat. Points of interest in the Prince's fortress are still the Wind-Rose or Compass (43 m in diameter and said to have been used by the prince himself) and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça. The small town cannot rival those of the southern coast, it is, however, well-known for its historic interest, and is a good departure point to explore the superb surrounding beaches.

Sagres dates back to before the Roman conquest. The frequent presence of Prince Henry the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast as far as the Gulf of Guinea has forever linked this picturesque fishing port with the Discoveries.

Vila do Infante and its fortress were founded by Prince Henry and sacked and destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587, after his attack on Cadiz, as part of a harrying coastal campaign that also wreaked havoc on Faro. On Ponta de Sagres, a giant finger of rock pointing to the ocean, stand buildings which evoke the past of a place that is part of the history of the world.

Fortress - Dating back to the 15th century, and successively rebuilt and repaired in the 16th. 17th and 18th centuries. Adjoined by former batteries that defended the beaches of Tonel and Mareta.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Graca (Our Lady of Grace) - Tradition has it that this church was founded by Prince Henry the Navigator. Built in the 16th century, with a renaissance doorway. On the altar there is an interesting depiction of Sao Vicente (St. Vincent) holding a ship (17th century). Headstones from the 16th and 17th centuries. Liturgical artefacts (17th century).

Wind Rose - A vast circle with radiating points. 143 feet (43 metres) in diameter, marked out in stone on the ground. Possibly dating , back to the 15th century.

Cistern-tower - An interesting vestige of a group of old buildings. Now incorporated in a modem complex.

Panoramic circuit - One of the charms of Ponta de Sagres are the broad horizons and varied views of the coast provided by the paths cut along the cliffs, from which the sea has gouged huge caverns and hollows.