Lagos to Sagres by Bus: Everything You Need to Know

Your guide to travel from Lagos to Sagres by bus . Keep reading to know how to take a day-trip to Sagres, from Lagos, without a car. How to get there, what to visit, and some key historical facts to know before you go.

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Nestled at the Western Tip of Europe, Sagres stands out as one of the most distinctive destinations to explore in the Algarve. Whether you have a day or a week to spare in the region, Sagres is an absolute must on your itinerary. This is especially true if you have made Lagos the base your your exploration.

Keep Reading //  9 Best Things to do in Lagos

Located 40 minutes from Lagos, the town of Sagres is easily accessible by car or by bus. But when I was planning my own visit, I realized that the information on how to make it to Sagres by bus wasn’t always clear. With this blog post, I hope to change this and help you make the best of your day-trip.

So here’s how to visit Sagres without a car!

How to make the best of your day-trip from Lagos to Sagres by bus!

How to get from Lagos to Sagres by bus ?

From Lagos, the easiest way to get to Sagres is by car. However, if like me you don’t have access to a car, it is also possible to take the bus. Of course, if you decide to take the bus, expect the drive to be quite longer than if you were driving yourself. The bus ride between Lagos and Sagres takes anywhere between 50 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

So here’s what to know to take the bus to Sagres :

• Buy your ticket in at the Terminal Rodoviário in the center of Lagos. The bus service from Lagos to Sagres is operated by Vamus Transportes.
• The bus that brings you to Sagres is bus #47. You can also buy your ticket on the bus if you are joining from a different stop.
• The tickets cost about €8. In Sagres, there are not bus station so you will need to buy your ticket from the bus driver.
• Don’t forget to take a photo of the time table to known when to take the bus back to Lagos.
• In Sagres, the main bus stop is near the tourist office. The bus to Lagos departs from the opposite side of the tourist office.

Travel Tip //  If you feel a bit nervous about the journey, I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance at Terminal Rodoviário. There is a ticket booth there where you can directly speak with a person and ask your questions.

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Can I visit both Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vincent on the same day?

The answer is technically yes, but it’s going to be difficult if you are taking the bus. As you can see from the timetable above, there are a few buses a day that go all the way to Cabo de Sao Vincente. However, as much as I tried to make it work, it seems almost impossible to have time to fully visit both places based on the hours available.

Join a Tour //  If it is not possible for you to make two day-trips from Lagos and if you absolutely want to visit both places, I recommend joining a tour. There are a few options available! You can join this half-day tour that includes a visit to the Sagres Forteresse. If you want something a bit more private you can also book this private tour. And if you are a sunset lover like me, you might be interested in this sunset tour which brings your to all the best spots in Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vincente.

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What to do during your visit to Sagres?

Step back in time at the Sagres Forteresse

Perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres) offers visitors a stunning blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. This historic site, once a vital hub for Portugal’s Age of Discovery, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who appreciates sweeping ocean views.

For the history buffs like me, you’ll be interested to know that Sagres Fortress stands as a testament to the visionary Prince Henry the Navigator, who transformed this rugged peninsula into a center for maritime innovation. From this point, countless explorers set sail, mapping uncharted territories and forging new trade routes. The strategic location of the fortress also highlights its military significance, safeguarding the coastline from invaders and pirates during turbulent times. Its historic charm, combined with its awe-inspiring natural surroundings, captures the spirit of exploration and resilience.

During your visit you’ll be able to walk the fortresse walls , admire the mysterious 43-meter-diameter Compass Rose (Rosa dos ventos) which is thought to have been used for navigation or ceremonial purposes and the Chapl of Our Lady of Grace, a small yet charming 16th-century chapel within the fortress walls.

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Touch the “End of the World”

While visiting the fortress, walk along the coast line that was once considered to be the end of the world…

Before the Age of Discovery, Europeans believed the world was flat, and Sagres’ towering cliffs marked the boundary between the known and the unknown. The Atlantic Ocean stretched into the horizon, its vastness cloaked in mystery and fear. To those who stood on the cliffs, the crashing waves below and the horizon beyond symbolized the edge of civilization itself. And while standing there myself I could understand why!

With no land visible across the ocean, Sagres seemed to be a place where the earth ended and the heavens began. It’s easy to imagine how this remote spot inspired both awe and trepidation for early sailors and explorers.

In the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator shattered this myth by transforming Sagres into a hub for maritime exploration. He established a school for navigation and a base for his pioneering expeditions. From this very spot, explorers charted the seas, venturing into uncharted waters and proving that the “end of the world” was, in fact, just the beginning of new opportunities.

Sagres became synonymous with discovery and courage, challenging age-old beliefs and ushering in an era of global exploration.

Standing at Sagres Fortress today, it’s easy to understand why ancient civilizations thought this was the edge of the earth. The sweeping ocean views, the unrelenting wind, and the sheer cliffs create an atmosphere that feels otherworldly.

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Explore the beaches

Sagres boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Algarve. Known for their wild beauty, dramatic cliffs, and pristine sands, these beaches offer something for everyone—from tranquil coves perfect for relaxation to windswept shores ideal for adventure seekers.

Here are some of the beaches you might want to check out during your visit:

Praia da Mareta

Nestled just a stone’s throw from the heart of Sagres, Praia da Mareta is a serene and family-friendly beach, offering calm waters and golden sands. Its southern-facing position protects it from the fierce Atlantic winds, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing with a view of the cliffs that frame its shoreline. With its convenient location near town, Mareta is perfect for a hassle-free beach day, complete with nearby restaurants and cafés to round out the experience.

Praia do Tonel

Located just west of the iconic Sagres Fortress, Praia do Tonel is a dramatic and wild beach that embodies the rugged beauty of the Algarve. Its vast stretch of sand is bordered by towering cliffs, creating a striking backdrop for sunset views or long, contemplative walks. If you’re looking for the ultimate surfing experience in Sagres, Praia do Tonel is the top choice.

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Where to eat in Sagres?

Arte Bianca | It might sound strange to eat at an Italian restaurant in Portugal, but trust me on this one!

Three Little Bird | A super trendy restaurant perfect for brunch or lunch.

Laundry Lounge  | This place is a bit of everything, a laundromat, a coffee shop, a sushi place, a bar… you can’t go wrong!

A Tasca | Fo amazing seafood with a gorgeous view, this is the place for you.

READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING LAGOS!

LAGOS GUIDES | 9 Best Things to do in Lagos; A short guide to Ponta de Piedade; Where to stay in Lagos?

LISBON GUIDES | 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon; How to make the best of your visit to Belém; 1 day, 3 castles: How to make the best of your day in Sintra; 5 tips for riding Tram 28 in Lisbon; Where to Stay in Lisbon?

THE REST OF PORTUGAL | 11 amazing things to do in Porto

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