Beliche cove marks the meeting point between southern and western Portugal, a setting where the sea and cliffs seem to clash. High above stands the Fort of Santo António de Belixe, a guardian of centuries and storms. Built before the 16th century, it survived attacks, reconstructions, and the 1755 earthquake, later being reborn as an inn.

Nearby, the chapel of Santa Catarina, commissioned by Prince Henry the Navigator, serenely watches over the abyss. The views? Breathtaking: the Atlantic and the cliffs merge in a spectacle of pure grandeur.

Translated by Google •

Dirk V 🚲 🚶📷

May 31, 2023

The economic importance of the fishermen's frame, in Beliche Bay, led to the construction of a fortress with the main purpose of protecting the fishermen from attacks by pirates and corsairs. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but the fortress of Santo António do Beliche was already in use in the 16th century. It features a polygonal plan wall with a turret and within several structures, including a chapel dedicated to Santa Catarina, cubic in shape and topped by a dome, following the typology of the morabitos. This fort was seriously damaged by the attack of privateer Francis Drake in 1587 and by the earthquake of 1755, after being deactivated in the 19th century and restored for tourist purposes in the 20th century.

Translated by Google •

Niek 🇳🇱

July 15, 2025

Also known as the Fortaleza de Beliche, this historic fortress is located on the high cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, near Sagres, in the Algarve, Portugal. It stands approximately 86 meters above sea level and was built to protect the bay of Beliche from pirates and corsairs.

Translated by Google •

Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Cabo de São Vicente

Praia do Telheiro

View of Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse

Caves and Hidden Beaches of Costa Vicentina

Cliffs of Sagres

Fortaleza de Sagres

View of Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse

Ponta da Gaivota

Cliffs and Sea Caves of Costa Vicentina

Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse and Cliffs

Vistas Rochosas

View of Sagres Bay

Fort of Santo António de Belixe

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️