Wild Beauty and Endless Play at the End of the Earth: A Family Stay at Martinhal Sagres
By Kate Van Dell for Sebastian Luxe Travel
Getting There
We flew into Lisbon on an overnight flight that was just long enough to almost sleep. Six hours, five of them blissfully unconscious, and then, because the universe likes to test parents, they woke us up an hour before landing. Too short to be refreshing, too long to be called a nap.
Originally, we had planned to stay in Lisbon for a couple of nights, which in hindsight might have been a good plan. But the heat was so relentless that sightseeing felt like it would be sweaty and miserable, so we skipped it and drove straight to Sagres. I had reserved a tiny Mini convertible (because why not?), but the universe upgraded us to a Mercedes convertible. I forgave everything immediately.
First Impressions of Sagres
Sagres feels like the edge of the earth. The town sits at the very tip of Portugal where cliffs drop into an untamed Atlantic. The wind is constant, the light sharper, the horizon endless. It has the kind of wild beauty that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Compared to Lisbon’s dry heat, Sagres was breezy and almost otherworldly. Even in the height of summer, it seems to remain untouched by the worst of the heat waves, which is one of the reasons it is such a dream for families.
Waking Up at Martinhal Sagres
Martinhal Sagres is built right into this backdrop, with villas and townhouses that wake up to wide Atlantic vistas. Bright blue water stretches past the cliffs, and in the mornings it feels like the ocean is putting on a show just for you.
The main pool is beautiful, large enough for families to spread out, and framed by views of the sea. Just steps away, the beach is long and golden, with calm, gentle waves that make it perfect for children. It feels safe for families but still has that untamed Atlantic backdrop of cliffs and endless horizon.
Pools, Lessons, and Endless Play
The resort itself is modern and thoughtfully designed. There are three pools in total (including one indoor and outdoor, a godsend if you want to take a baby swimming without full sun exposure). Sebbie had fantastic swim lessons for €35, and we also had excellent tennis lessons. My husband said he wished the pro were local because he learned a lot from him, and he did so well with our son.
And for kids? This is where Martinhal shines. Bouncy houses, trampolines, babysitters available at all times, and a kids club that Sebbie actually enjoyed (which says a lot). Even the watersports were tailored for children. Paddleboards and windsurfing lessons were offered for littles, with ropes attached so they could not drift too far.
If your child loves playgrounds, they will be in heaven here. The property is dotted with them, and they are actually fun, well-designed play areas, not an afterthought. I would say Martinhal is magical for babies through about age four, but there is plenty for big kids too. Unlike other “family-friendly” resorts that hand your child a crayon at dinner and call it a day, Martinhal really means it.
Food and Dining
The food, however, is not its strongest point. Breakfast was forgettable, more filler fuel than highlight, and for a resort at this level that is a let-down. Families who care about dining will definitely want to wander into town, and Sagres has some gems worth seeking out.
You must stop at 3 Little Birds, a super adorable surf café where everything is made from scratch and the playlists are just as good as the food. It works just as well for brunch as it does for dinner. For pizza, Arte Bianca is the spot — casual, delicious, and exactly what you want after a day at the beach. And for something a little quirkier, Laundry Loungedoubles as a café and live music venue, with good food and a relaxed vibe that feels very Sagres.
If I had booked earlier, I would have chosen one of the villas or townhouses with kitchens, well priced for villas at around €600–1,000 a night and many with private pools. Having our own kitchen for breakfast would have been a game changer.
Exploring Sagres
Sagres itself is an adorable surf town with just the right amount of grit and charm. One evening we drove off-property to watch the sunset. The famous spot is Cabo de São Vicente, the so-called end of the world. It is spectacular, but also packed in summer.
Here is my insider tip: skip the crowds and head instead to a dirt parking lot tucked between the old football stadium Campo de Futebol de Sagres and the Tonel Beach Bar. Same blazing orange Atlantic sunsets, none of the selfie sticks.
A Bonus Night in Faro
We ended our trip with a bonus night in Faro after realizing we did not want to wake up at the crack of dawn to make our flight home. We stayed at 3HB Faro, which I have to say was delightful. Sparkling clean, modern and luxe, with the kind of details I usually ignore but could not here, like Molton Brown soap that smelled so good I almost stole it. They also have a gorgeous rooftop pool, a restaurant that was excellent for both breakfast and dinner, and it is only 10 to 15 minutes to the airport. If you are flying out of Faro early, I cannot recommend it enough.
Final Thoughts
Was it worth the drive? Yes. Would I do it again? Also yes, though next time I might fly directly into Faro (there are nonstop flights from Newark) and start the trip with that rooftop pool. Unless, of course, another Mercedes convertible is waiting in Lisbon.