Praia do Martinhal is one of the biggest beaches in the Sagres region. It’s right to the east of the center of town and is known as a family destination. It stretches for about 650 meters (close to half a mile) and its waters are usually calmer than those at other beaches in the area. It’s located in a bay that’s relatively sheltered from the northeast winds, but can still be windy. For this reason, it’s a popular windsurfing spot and you can rent equipment at Wind4All. Sometimes you’ll also see surfers and bodyboarders, but there are better beaches for that around Sagres. Although the water can be quite cold, averaging just 22C (72F) in the summer, it’s shallow and deepens slowly. This makes it a good beach for swimming and safe for children.
The white sand is clean and it flies the blue and golden flags. The blue one is an international certification relating to beaches’ quality and safety, while the golden one is from a Portuguese environmental non-governmental organization that distinguishes beaches which have kept a water quality rating of “excellent” for a period of five consecutive years.
It’s backed by dunes, and right in front is a big islet surrounded by smaller ones. They’re known for their underwater caves, so many people snorkel and dive around them, when there are boats on the beach or in Sagres' port taking them there. Better yet is arranging a diving experience at the PuraVida Dive Center.
You can see the small port from the beach (to the west) as well as Sagres Fortress. To the east is a headland where archeologists found evidence, such as ovens, of a Roman site where pottery (mainly amphoras) was made. If you walk towards the headland from the beach, following a trail over the cliff for about 5 minutes, you’ll find a hidden cove known as Praia dos Rebolinhos. This small pebbly beach is usually deserted.
There are two restaurants facing the sea in Praia do Martinhal, mostly serving the catch of the day plus snacks and drinks. A short walk away is Algarve’s top family resort (see hotels below).
Surprisingly, this beach is never crowded, even on summer weekends. It’s possible to rent parasols and loungers in the bathing season (June to September), when there are also lifeguards on duty.
Location: Sagres
Beach for: Families, Windsurfers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia do Martinhal
If you choose to walk from the center of Sagres, you’ll be there in about 30 minutes or less. It’s less than 10 minutes by car, and there’s parking right behind it. If you’re driving from Vila do Bispo it’s about a 10-minute journey, and from Lagos it’s just over a half hour.
Beaches by Praia do Martinhal
About 10 minutes by car is Praia da Mareta, the beach of the center of Sagres, which also attracts families. If you prefer water sports, Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche are also about 10 minutes away, to the west. To the east is Praia do Barranco, a wild and naturist-friendly beach reached in about 25 minutes, partly via an unpaved road.
Hotels by Praia do Martinhal
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
Most people at Praia do Martinhal are brought by this hotel. It’s a luxury resort catering to families, and offers direct access to the beach. There are standard rooms, plus apartments and entire villas. All of them are spacious and many offer a sea view. The villas are fully equipped with everything you need to prepare meals and do laundry. To keep kids entertained, there’s a kids’ club. Facilities include three restaurants, five swimming pools (outdoors and indoors) and a spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
Memmo Baleeira
About 5 minutes by car from Praia do Martinhal, you find this design hotel, which is a good choice for couples. It overlooks the ocean and Sagres’ port from the outdoor swimming pool and from many of the rooms and suites. There’s also an indoor pool connected to the spa, a surf school, and a restaurant with more views.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Memmo Baleeira
Pousada de Sagres
Spectacularly sited on a cliff, facing Sagres Fortress, this historic hotel is about 10 minutes from Praia do Martinhal. Many of the rooms have a sea view and are perfect to watch one of Europe’s most beautiful sunsets. There are more views from the outdoor swimming pool and the restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pousada de Sagres
Sagres Time Apartamentos
These highly-rated apartments are about 5 minutes from Praia do Martinhal. They surround a heated outdoor pool and have one or two bedrooms. The smallest ones are for couples, while the biggest ones accommodate as many as six adults.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Sagres Time Apartamentos
PuraVida Divehouse
If you want to go to the Martinhal islet to dive, you might want to stay at this guesthouse. It offers diving courses and guided tours, and has a dorm with shared facilities and studios with private bathrooms and equipped kitchenettes. After a day of diving, it’s possible to join a yoga session to relax, and share experiences with other guests in the living room.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: PuraVida Divehouse