VILA DO BISPO, lies a few kilometres inland and derives its importance from the fertile land around it rather than the sea. Its most outstanding landmark is its water-tower. This takes care of local home and garden supplies, but the grain fields all around have to rely on the low rainfall. It is lighter here than in hillier areas further inland.

A little larger than nearby Salema, BURGAU is another picturesque old fishing village where the pace of life has changed little over the years. Fishermen still mend their nets and paint their boats on the slipway leading down to Burgau's beautiful sandy cove, and there are many fine restaurants and taverns. White-washed cottages, cobbled smugglers alleyways, brightly-painted fishing boats and fresh fish grilled on street barbeques are all features of this charming Algarve fishing village. Burgau also has a sports centre with swimming pool.

Just as everyone who comes to Sagres visits the fortress, they also make the 6 km trip along the road to the CAPE ST VINCENT lighthouse. It is one of the most famous lights in the world because of its position on the extreme south-west tip of Europe. It guards one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. All shipping between North America / northern Europe and the Mediterranean / Suez Canal passes here.

There is a loose arrangement whereby lighthouse keepers will take small parties of visitors up to the 1,000-watt bulbs and prisms at the top of the tower. The steps are steep, there are no set times and no charge. A small tip is in order.

There are four excellent beaches in the Sagres - Cape St Vincent area: Martinhal, Mareta, Tonel and Beliche. Your choice may depend on which way the wind is blowing. Martinhal and Mareta are open to south-easterly winds. Tonel and Beliche are more exposed to south-westerlies.

The EN268 road from Vila do Bispo to Aljezur runs through pleasant countryside, some of it farmed, some of it wooded. Tracks on the seaward side of the main road will lead the more adventurous of visitors to obscure beaches. Two particularly spectacular beaches and a stretch of breathtaking cliff scenery are easily accessible from the village of CARRAPATEIRA.

Visit: Câmara Municipal de Vila do Bispo