We took a trip to the end of the world. Well, the end of the world as the Europeans thought it before the 15th Century. Sagres the end of the world location is filled with mystery and intrigue and centuries of history. It’s the perfect trip to visit. The spot in Portugal that was seen as being the end of the world.
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About a trip to the end of the World – Sagres, Portugal
Sagres sits at the very South-Western tip of Portugal and on the very edge of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic sea is Cape St Vincent.
This is a landmark point for ships passing and one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The sea is beautiful and blue but wild and unforgiving and the cliffs drop dramatically with sea birds nestled in crags and sheltered corners.
This place feels different and special…and it is.
A history of the end of the world – Sagres
For thousands of years it was believed that this was the end of the world. That as the water stretched away the sea monsters lived out of sight, just beyond the horizon before the earth dropped off into a terrible black hole.
The Romans called Cape St Vincent Promontorium Sacrum (or Holy Promontory) and believed the sun sank here. They would come to listen to it hissing into the ocean as it was extinguished and watch it bleeding into the water.
They considered it a magical place where the sunset was much larger than anywhere else.
Today in Sagres
Today there’s not a huge amount to see in Sagres. It’s a sleepy town and beside the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent with its scattering of souvenir stalls and a small cafe, there really isn’t much to draw tourists and travellers.
But don’t let that put you off – there are cliffside walks and a beautiful, dramatic coastline.
And best of all, to stand and look out to the sea, to imagine the terrifying world that Europeans believed lay beyond is perfect for young (and old) imaginations.
Read more of our posts on the Algarve with kids here.
Our guide to the Algarve with kids
That looks beautiful and so tranquil. I would love to visit Portugal one day.
We’ve been to Sagres!
Beautiful place, lovely people (good beer too!)
It can be pretty windy at certain times of the year, but we loved it there. We went on a dolphin boat trip, it was wonderful.
Thanks for bringing back some happy memories 🙂
It looks so beautiful and relaxing. I’d love to visit Portugal – perhaps an inspiration for next year!
It does look amazing. We went to Lisbon many years ago (pre family), but I’d love to take my son back there and explore a little further afield.
Your photos are stunning. I can imagine why the ancient Romans thought it was the end of the world, it looks like a truly magical place x
We have never visited Portugal, not sure why we have never considered it as it looks utterly beautiful!
Wow it looks so beautiful and relaxing! What a perfect place for a holiday 🙂
I do love a place with a bit of history. Imagine looking out for sea monsters in the middle of a stormy night!
looks so beautiful and the kind of place I would love to visit. I need some sunshine lol x
what a beautiful view.
Oh wow! Love your first picture… I could stare at it for hours… so relaxing…
Wow it looks amazingly beautiful!! xxx
I’d love to visit Portugal, this sounds like a peaceful place to stop off if you want a quiet holiday
I’ve never been to Portugal but we have been talking of going there this year … perfect timing as they say.
What beautiful pictures. It looks so peaceful
Wow it looks beautiful, anywhere where it looks like the sea meets the sky gets my vote x
I could sit and look out on the view from your first photo forever… beautiful
I am firstly very jealous because it looks amazing and secondly your photos are stunning!
What a fascinating history lesson, I’m captivated by your photography as always x
Your blog post and photography is amazing
I have been following your Portugal post with interest and we may be going in October half term if we can find some cheap flights as a colleague has a villa there
Now you know why we made the move from Australia to Portugal. Glad you had a great time. Next time you are welcome to come and visit us in Castelo de Vide 🙂
We would love to!! Such a beautiful country, I can definitely see why you made the move.