Sagres

Sagres
The windswept headland falling steeply to the sea, a kind of world's end at the soutwest extremity of mainland Europe, has a stirring historical past. It was here, facing the Atlantic Ocean, the great unknown, that Prince Henry the Navigator retired in the 15C to found the famous Sagres School of Navigation which would prepare the way for the great discoveries. In 1415 Prince Henry the Navigator gathered around him the most famous Arabic astronomers, cartographers from Majorca and mariners of the day. Theories were tested and put to practical use in expeditions which set out on loger and longer voyages. Navigation instruments of those days,like the sextant, were improved and he introduced navigation by the stars. Cartography also improved what resulted in the Portuguese supremacy in the cartographic field.

Sights
Ponta de Sagres - 16C fort on the headland, at this time they are building a gigantic monument dedicated to Prince Henry the Navigator. Forte de Beliche - Small fortress with a beautiful chapel. (serves nowadays as a hotel/restaurant) Cabo de São Vicente - The most southwesterly point of continental Europe, towers above the ocean at a height of 75m. The Caves Monte Frances - 2 km to the north of Sagres

Golf Courses
Parque da Floresta (near Vila do Bispo, 13 kms north-east of Sagres) - 18 Holes - Clubhouse - À la carte Restaurant - Spike Bar/Terrace - Pro Shop - Academy - Driving Range - Putting Greens
Tel. ++351 282-690054 Fax. ++351 282-695157

Tourist Office
Rua Comandante Matoso Tel. ++351 282-624873

Hotel
Hotel Apartamento Navegantes (***) Sítio da Baleeira Av. Infante D. Henrique - Sagres 8650 Vila do Bispo
Tel. ++351 282-64354 Fax. ++351 282-64360


Camping Sagres ** Cerro das Moitas 8650 Sagres
Tel. ++351 282-624351/71/62445/7 Fax. ++351 282-624445
-Open 1/1 - 31/12
- Beach at 1km. restaurant, bar, pool(at 500m), playground, minimarket. Sagres has a youth hostel.