Destinations · South Coastal Stretch
Martinhal
Shallow, family-friendly beach east of Sagres.
Praia do Martinhal lies just east of Sagres, a broad sweep of sand facing a cluster of small rocky islets. Shallow, sheltered and wide at low tide, it is the family beach of the Sagres peninsula — and, when the wind picks up, a well-known spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Lagos is the ideal base for exploring the entire coastline.
Highlights
- Wide, shallow sand — good for young children
- Rocky islets offshore and clear water for snorkelling
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing when the wind is up
- Easy flat access from the car park
Best for
- Families
- Snorkelling
- Kitesurfing
- Long beach walks
How to get there
By car: from Lagos, the N125 and IC4/EN268 to Sagres take about 45 minutes; follow signs to Martinhal for the beachside car park. By local bus: Vamus services from Lagos reach Sagres in around an hour, and Martinhal is a 20-minute walk east from the village. By bicycle: about 34 km from Lagos, with a gentle final approach along the bay. On foot: from Sagres village a flat coastal walk along the harbour brings you to the beach in roughly 20 minutes.
The bay
Martinhal is protected from the worst of the Atlantic swell by the headland at Sagres, so the water is usually calm near the shore. At low tide the sand extends a long way out, which makes it one of the safest beaches in the area for small children.
Practical notes
There is a car park close to the sand and flat access, unusual for this coast. Facilities include a beach restaurant in season. Afternoon wind is common, which is exactly why watersports operators favour it.
Good to know
- Is Martinhal the best beach near Sagres for families?
Generally yes — it is shallow, sheltered, flat to access from the car park, and the sand widens considerably at low tide.
- Can I do watersports at Martinhal?
Yes. The bay is a well-established kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, with operators running lessons and rentals through the season.
- How far is Martinhal from Lagos?
About 45 minutes by car, or roughly an hour by bus to Sagres followed by a 20-minute walk.
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