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Sagres and Ponta de Sagres, on the southwestern tip of Portugal in the Algarve region, is where a great defense fortification was built by the Infant Enrique the Navegator. He gathered together the most famous map makers, astronomers and sailors of that time and he founded the nautical school in the 15th c. which contributed to some of the decisive discoveries in the development of high navegation and to the trips made by transatlantic vessels. The fortress was destroyed in 1587 by the pirate Sir Francis Drake when fighting against Spanish positions, at a time when Portugal was under the reign of Philip II of Spain. After it had been reconstructed, it was hit by the earthquake in 1755, which was in the immediate area of the epicentre. Although little remains of what used to be there, the Rosa dos Ventos or Rose of the Wind is still there. It is an enormous compass shaped like a rose, measuring 39 meters in diameter, fastened to a very strong rock. Nowadays, Sagres is a small fishing village which uses the Bay of Baleeira as its port. But before we go on to visit other places in the Algarve area like Albufeira or Villamoura, it would be a good idea to go and see the Tower Aspa. The Tower Aspa is a natural rock formation which towers150 meters over sea level and is the highest point in the zone.
From Sagres to The Cabe of Saint Vincent
The Cape of Saint Vincent which was named Promontorium Sacrum by the Romans, has a mysterious, mystical air about it. It was thought to have been a nocturnal resting and meeting place for the ancient gods; logical because it was safeguarded at the extreme point of an unknown part of the world. Even on calm days, the waves break against the cliff violently which produces a lot of foam. In spring, the white-leaved rockrose fills the air, having thought to be the body perfume of the goddesses.
Elegant towns in the Algarve
Alte can be located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal to the northeast of Albufeira. Resting at the skirt of the hills, all huddled and hugging its parish church, The Lady of the Assumption which dates back to the 16th century. Either on the exterior or on the interior of the chapel, the tiles, which are considered the best in all Algarve, are from Sevillian origen from the 16th c. Many of the towns in the province have characteristic simple looking chimneys, painted in white, and hidden houses in coves or canyons and its eternal serenity.
As usual in coastal town areas, one of the principal attractions is long soft sandy beaches, but a little sport activity could do us some too. When leaving Albufeira, on the rolling hillsides to the west, you will come across beautifully prepared golf courses grouped together making them seem as though new towns have arisen. One of these is called Villamoura carefully covered by pine forests and near the beach. As golf players enjoy practising their swing, the others can choose any of the many other sports activities, be it on land or in the water so popular in Sagres and its zone.
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