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Dunes and surf in the morning, the end of Europe at sunset.
A full day across the south-west tip, with the best kept for last. In the morning, the dunes and surfers of Bordeira; in the afternoon, the fortress at Sagres; at sunset, the lighthouse on Cape St Vincent. There is a fair amount of driving, but the scenery keeps you company throughout. For couples, and anyone travelling with a camera.
The day, stop by stop
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Praia da Bordeira / Carrapateira
Next to the village of Carrapateira, Bordeira is a huge stretch of sand between dunes and cliffs, crossed by a stream that forms shallow lagoons. A boardwalk over the dunes leads to the beach, and the Pontal road has several viewpoints over the sea, cliffs and surfers. It is wide, wild country with a real sense of space. When the wind picks up, sand flies, so bring a light jacket; the viewpoints look best in late afternoon.
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Fortaleza de Sagres
On a flat headland jutting into the Atlantic, Sagres fortress is tied to the memory of Prince Henry and the age of navigation. Inside you will find a large wind compass laid out in stone on the ground, a small church and a path along the cliff edge with the sea crashing below. Admission is paid separately. The wind rarely drops, so bring a jacket even in summer, and leave time for the walk out to the point.
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Cabo de São Vicente
At the south-western corner of Europe, the São Vicente lighthouse stands above high cliffs where the Atlantic arrives with nothing in its way. You see open sea to the horizon, fishing boats in the distance and, at the end of the day, the sun setting into the ocean, which draws quite a crowd. Stalls near the lighthouse sell warm jumpers and hot sausages. Bring something warm, as the wind is strong, and arrive early for sunset to find space.
The essentials
- Duration
- 7–8 h · Full day, ends at sunset
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Couples; photographers.