Sagres History

Sagres stands at the extreme south-west of Europe, a town forever faithful to its origins. Within the south-western Alentejo Nature Park, Sagres is a traditional fishing town built on magnificent cliffs that have been sculpted by Nature and time. Sagres is steeped in history; it was from here that, in the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator planned and organised Portugal's journey of discovery to the new world. With a visionary spirit, the Prince's achievements were unique.

The discovery of the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores was followed by the passage around Cape Bojador by Portuguese navigator Gil Eanes in 1434, opening up the coast of Africa. This led Portugal to acquire the knowledge and talent that would bring Europe to the unknown world, to Brazil, the sea passage to India and to the Far East. The legendry charisma of this age and its navigators still lives in the spirit of Sagres and its people.