Cape St. Vincent, Rocky headland in Algarve, Portugal
Cabo de São Vicente is a rocky headland in southwestern Portugal where steep limestone cliffs rise about 75 meters above the Atlantic. The lighthouse stands near the edge and overlooks the ocean, which here is often rough and windy.
The current lighthouse was built in 1846 and replaced a small structure from 1520. Larger renovations followed in 1897 to increase the reach of its light.
Ancient Greeks named this place Ophiussa, meaning Land of Serpents, while Romans designated it as Promontorium Sacrum, considering it the edge of their known world.
The lighthouse houses a small maritime museum and remains under the management of the Portuguese Navy. Parking is available nearby and free to access.
Several naval battles took place near here, including an engagement in 1797 when Admiral John Jervis led his English fleet to defeat Spanish ships. Today the waters are calmer, yet seabirds still circle above the cliffs.
Location: Sagres
Address: Cabo de São Vicente, 8650 Sagres, Portugal
GPS coordinates: 37.02500,-8.99444
Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:16
Inland Algarve holds nature reserves, medieval castles, and Roman ruins that together form a wide picture of Portuguese history and nature. Monchique has thermal springs, Silves shows a castle built of red sandstone, and Faro contains a chapel lined with human bones. Natural parks like Ria Formosa...
The Algarve offers some of Portugal's most scenic landscapes, with a coastline alternating between golden beaches, ochre limestone cliffs, and rock formations shaped by marine erosion. This collection features the area's most notable sites, from the sea caves of Benagil to the natural arches of...
Fortaleza de Sagres
4.9 km
Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse
290 m
Praia do Beliche
2.7 km
Praia do Tonel
4.7 km
Fort of Santo António de Belixe
1.1 km
Fortaleza de São Vicente
262 m
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça (Sagres)
4.9 km
Praia do Tonel
4.7 km
Praia do Telheiro
2.7 km
Praia do Tonel (lapyahan sa Distrito de Faro)
4.6 km
Praia das Eiras
4.2 kmEstação Loran de Sagres
4.2 kmSan Vicente, mártir de la Iglesia Cristiana
240 mScenic viewpoint
756 mSun Set Point
4.8 kmScenic viewpoint
197 mScenic viewpoint
321 mScenic viewpoint
4.4 kmScenic viewpoint
1.3 kmDiscordância Angular da Praia do Telheiro
3 kmScenic viewpoint
1.7 kmBirding viewpoint
3.8 kmScenic viewpoint
4.6 kmScenic viewpoint
4.8 kmScenic viewpoint
1.7 kmScenic viewpoint
2.8 kmScenic viewpoint
346 mScenic viewpoint
262 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes