Burgau to Sagres Portugal
It’s late April and a national holiday in Portugal where we’re meandering the Algarve coast. Leaving our last stop at Silves we’re about to explore more coast from Burgau to Sagres, before reaching the west coast of Portugal.
We’ve been able to walk into Burgau, from our overnight stop at this pleasant, low key village. It’s only taken about 10 minutes before we reach the centre and a sweeping white sandy bay. It’s quiet and beautiful, just a few walkers and the sound of waves.
White wash buildings with brightly painted banding on their facades add a splash of colour, while cobble streets, a few cafes and shops add a quaint, laid back feel.
Burgau is quite delightful, but we’re moving on along the coast so must get going.
Praia da Figueira
Onwards we drive after collecting the camper from the stopover area. A spur of the moment turn down a narrow lane brings us to a dirt parking area where the wind blows large dust plumes around the camper.
Choosing the time carefully to open the side door, we quickly hop outside to escape a dust cloud.
There’s a little walking trail through pretty shrub lined paths, their spring blooms opening in the warm sunshine.
Just beyond at the end of the path lies the magnificent sight of Praia da Figueira. This incredible, isolated beach of white sands, turquoise ocean and rocks separating the waves from the cliffs is quite mesmerising.
We can’t help enjoy this stretch of beach for a little longer than usual. It’s certainly not yet sunbathing weather, but it’s a glorious mild spring day and everything here looks alive.
As the winds blow fine grains of sand into the air, we shield our faces and concentrate on the softness of the beach beneath our feet. It’s the kind of beach where shoes are optional, as feeling the sand between our toes seems a better deal.
Leaving the sounds of the crashing waves behind, it’s time for us to continue the drive.
A laundry stop
Before reaching Sagres, we notice there’s a laundry in the nearby village of Vila do Bispo, so make use of it while passing.
Unfortunately we’re not alone today, there’s several other motorhome folk here with the same idea, which means all the washing machines are in use and we have a bit of a wait.
Using our time wisely, we tuck into lunch and sit it out. Eventually, the laundry is fresh and clean, ready for the beginning of the west coast exploration.
Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vincent
Reaching Sagres brings back memories of a couple of visits here decades ago.
On the other hand, parking is easy, settling in with many other vans, motorhomes and cars at a large parking area. Beyond is an historic military fort looking out across the Atlantic and dominating the cliff.
We don’t leave the camper for a while, as the weather is just too grim, so leave exploring until the morning.
Rainy day – Burgau to Sagres Portugal
As the rain briefly stops, we make our move. Walking into the centre of the town and small port area beyond brings opportunity for fresh air.
The Atlantic crashes onto the beaches, cliffs above providing little shelter and by now we’re pretty wet after a return of the rain.
We try and see as much as we can, but it’s not the same experience as a warm, sunny day.
Sagres is a nice town nonetheless, with several eateries and shops and a definite surfing vibe.
Europe’s southwestern most point
Returning to the camper we drive to the popular site of Cape St.Vincent, otherwise known as Europe’s southwestern most point. Unsurprisingly, it’s really busy with tourists along its long approach road leading to a relatively small car park.
Luckily, we manage to get a parking space and hop out to take a peek.
There’s walking trails along the cliffs here, a lighthouse and little more other than the powerful sound of the Atlantic as it crashes against the shore.
On this bleak weather day, there’s no desire to explore the desolate landscape beyond the parking. It’s been good to see this location though and admire the lighthouse from behind its locked gates.
This area around Sagres has historic links to exploration and discovery. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Prince Henry the Navigator established a school of navigation here.
For us it’s time to go explore a little more, as the Algarve ends and Portugal’s wild and dramatic west coast awaits.
