The most beautiful place, at the end of the world

In search of a new holiday destination for the autumn, Portugal was recommended to us by friends. Portugal? We know it from surf videos, from the Portuguese pub on the corner, from the delicious Pasteis de Nata, which you can get frozen at the wholesale distributor. But otherwise. Portugal?

It takes about 3 hours to fly from Memmingen to Faro, from there it's another 90 minutes by shuttle/rental car to Sagres. Sagres is a Portuguese municipality in the west of the Algarve, near the Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwestern point of the European mainland. And let me tell you: the trip is worth it. Although this spot is a bit remote, it offers an incredibly wild and opulent natural beauty that we did not expect to find in Europe.

In the Martinhal, the family resort directly on the beach, we immediately felt at home. In one of the Bay-Houses we were able to settle in really comfortably and relax thanks to the full service. As we had only booked breakfast, we could decide spontaneously every day and according to our mood, whether we wanted to eat in one of the three restaurants of the resort or rather get pizza or cook ourselves. For families with small children, there is a children's play corner in every restaurant, where the little ones are kept busy before and after the meal. Wonderful!

Of course our boys couldn't wait to plunge into the floods of the Atlantic, even if the water temperature was only about 20 degrees. The waves were the most important thing and they are quite something. A paradise for body boarders, wave riders and surfers. The equipment and also courses can be booked / rented directly at the beach - also on a daily basis.

For excursions, the surrounding area offers a wealth of sights:

The Cabo de São Vicente is the most southwestern tip of the European mainland and a windy promontory with huge cliffs that face the raging sea. On top of the 75m high cliffs stands one of Portugal's most impressive lighthouses, which can still be seen 50km away in the sea.

Sagres itself can be reached on foot from the Martinhal in a good 45 minutes, but there is also a shuttle service several times a day. Sagres has an original charm, hippies and surfers cavort here and this multicultural atmosphere probably contributes to the special charm of the area. In the city you will find relaxed cafes and traditional Portuguese restaurants.

The fishing port of Sagres is located on the protected eastern side of the headland and during the day you can watch the fishing boats return and unload freshly caught fish. From here we also started our little adventure - we wanted to see dolphins. And indeed, during the tour in the small motorboat led by a marine biologist that lasted approximately 2 hours, about a dozen dolphins jumped around us and played in the wake of our boat. What an unforgettable experience! But if you get seasick like us, you should take a preventive travel tablet.

But also those who don't want to take big trips to the notorious surfing beaches in the surrounding area will get their money's worth in the Martinhal: tennis courts, pools, playgrounds, bike rental, water sports, SPA and miles and miles of hiking trails through the breathtaking nature reserve in which the Martinhal is located.

The seven days passed far too quickly. And we returned home with our heads filled with beautiful memories of the hospitality and honest kindness of the people, the unspoilt wild beauty of nature and a new favourite country in our hearts - Portugal.