Europeans once referred to Sagres as the “End of the World” prior to the age of Discovery. Truly a world class vista! If you’re in the mood for a nice hike including a feast for the eyes you can’t go wrong with Fortaleza de Sagres. As its name implies it is indeed a Fort strategically placed on a Cape that probably stretches a kilometer south into the Atlantic with clear views from the east to the west panning through the south. One gets the feeling that enemy ships approaching the area would be sitting ducks. The views are humbling, rendering you speechless! After parking in the giant parking lot there’s a short hike to the entrance of the Fort where tickets are 3 euros. Proceeding, there is one of the nicest maritime museums I can remember ever visiting and nearby the Fort’s Chapel looking very much as it must have back in the day. Once we leave the confines of the built area we’re now out on the well paved path which I’m assuming must be 2 kilometers long (for those that are challenged you can simply double back when tired). Hopefully you’ll be able to continue as the sights of giant waves crashing into the cliff side rocks is magnificent. Oh, and what gigantic cliffs these are! The vistas offer views to the horizon off to the West (next stop the Americas), to the south (Africa’s down that way) and East along the Algarve Coast in the direction of the Mediterranean. The path has directories that speak to the history, flora and fauna of the Cape and occasionally there are stops at old Gun Batteries. One of the special features is an echo chamber. Maze like with no roof it leads to an inner chamber with a steel grate for a floor. This is positioned above a blow hole that extends from the cliff side at least 100 meters inland to the vertical shaft. If you happen to be there on a day when the swells are large (quite regularly), the force of the water pushing air through the shaft creates an amazing updraft. Your shirt will need to be pulled down from your chest as it can be that powerful. And the sound! Continuing around your eyes will be met with sights of some of the clearest waters imaginable on calmer days. Surfers flock to the beach just west of the Cape where you can spend hours watching, or grab your board and hit the waves. After a nice hike, a short drive away there are several great cafes and bars to refill your tanks. This one’s definitely high on my list of weekend hikes. Bring comfy shoes and lots of camera storage!