Majestic Limestone Cliffs, Golden Beaches, Lasting Memories in Portugal: Family Adventures with Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort

On Portugal’s expansive Algarve coast lies a place where cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, and the horizon feels infinite. Sagres is not the Algarve of crowded beaches and sun loungers, it’s a wilder, quieter frontier, once believed to be the edge of the known world. Today, it’s a sanctuary for families who crave adventure, nature, and the kind of unspoiled beauty that sparks imagination in both children and parents alike:

Costa Vicentina Natural Park
Right on Martinhal’s doorstep lies the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, one of Europe’s last great coastal wildernesses. Families can set out on gentle trails that weave through dramatic cliffs, wildflower meadows, and hidden coves, spotting kestrels, storks, and even peregrine falcons along the way. The park’s unspoiled beaches, many just minutes from the resort, offer space for children to run free, discover flora and fauna, while parents soak in the raw beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic frontier. It’s nature at its most authentic, accessible, adventurous, and unforgettable.

Cabo de São Vicente
At Europe’s southwesternmost tip, Cabo de São Vicente delivers the thrill of standing at the edge of a continent. The iconic lighthouse guards this windswept headland, and as the sun dips into the Atlantic, families gather to watch one of the most spectacular sunsets in Portugal.

Ponta de Sagres

At the very edge of Portugal, Ponta de Sagres unfolds in a panorama of wind-sculpted cliffs and endless ocean. The vast headland carries an almost mystical atmosphere, a place where sailors once gazed out, convinced they were standing at the limits of the world. Families can wander its sweeping paths, watch the Atlantic crash far below, and let children’s imaginations run wild with tales of explorers who set sail from this rugged frontier.

Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres)

Jutting into the ocean, the fortress tells stories of explorers who once set sail into uncharted seas. With cliffs as natural walls on three sides, its vast plateau is perfect for curious children to roam. At its heart lies a mysterious compass rose, a striking 43-meter stone circle, long linked to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.

Praia do Martinhal
This broad, golden-sand beach is beloved by families. Its calmer waves make it ideal for paddling, sandcastles, and long, carefree beach days. From here or nearby Lagos, boat trips unveil the Algarve’s hidden limestone grottoes and playful dolphin pods, adding a dash of magic to the holiday.

Dolphin & Wildlife Watching
Sagres is a haven for marine life. Guided by local experts and marine biologists, families can head out on exhilarating boat tours to spot pods of dolphins gliding alongside the bow, soaring seabirds on migration routes, and, in lucky moments, even whales.

Surfing & Water Sports
Sagres is a mecca for surfers, but its range of beaches means there’s a wave for everyone. Beginners can join friendly surfing schools at Praia da Mareta or Praia do Tonel, while the adventurous can explore the dramatic coastline through kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. For those staying at Martinhal, the dedicated watersports centre adds another dimension of fun, offering windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle options in a safe, family-friendly environment. Few places combine adrenaline and safety so seamlessly for families.

Seafood & Local Tastes

Sagres is famous for percebes (goose barnacles), a delicacy harvested from the cliffs. While adventurous parents may try them, most local restaurants also serve grilled sardines, octopus salad, and hearty seafood stews - fresh, simple, and ideal for families after a day by the sea.

Where Families Reconnect Luxuriously

To anchor the experience, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is more than just a place to stay, it’s a haven designed entirely around families. From chic hotel rooms to spacious villas with private pools, the resort blends barefoot luxury with thoughtful, family-friendly details.

Five heated swimming pools, some with adjacent baby pools and even a heated indoor option, ensure year-round fun, while family-friendly restaurants feature monitored kids’ corners and outdoor playgrounds right in front, allowing parents to savor meals with peace of mind. The kids’ clubs are the crown jewel: starting with a dedicated crèche that welcomes little ones from as young as six months, to toddler play sessions, creative workshops, and kids’ sports academies in tennis, football, swimming, and even teen surf lessons. With such a breadth of activities, children of all ages are entertained, engaged, and enriched throughout their stay.

Meanwhile, parents can slip away to the spa, unwind at the fitness center, or sip coffee with sweeping ocean views. At Martinhal, every detail is regarded with utmost detail, making it the perfect base for families to explore Sagres’ rugged beauty without stress or compromise.