Cabo da Roca

A lighthouse overlooking the ocean and 100 meter-high cliffs where the waves crash. This is Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe as well as one of the most spectacular Portuguese headlands. Surrounded by wild nature, secluded from big cities – although it is easy to reach it – and luckily still far from mass tourism, Cabo da Roca is the place for whomever wants to feel at the edge of the world.

Up to the XIV century, Cabo da Roca was believed to be the edge of the world; although now we know that it is not, it is hard not to merge with the strength and energy of this dramatic landscape and be rocked by the sound of the waves. Do you suffer from vertigo? Don’t worry. A series of wooden parapets will allow you to enjoy the view in a totally safe environment. Those who are not scared can follow one of the several walking itinerary along the coast.

After your visit don’t forget to bring home with you an original souvenir; ask for the certificate confirming your have visited the westernmost point of Europe.

How to get to Cabo da Roca

Renting a car allows you to reach Cabo da Roca, driving along panoramic roads inside the Sintra-Cascais natural reserve or along the coast. Once you have reached your destination, you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot!

If you don’t have a car you can still join a Sintra tour; the promontory is included in almost all the one-day itineraries available in the area. It is also possible to reach it by taking a bus in the city of Sintra; in that case we recommend to double check the time table. On winter time public transports are not very frequent, therefor it would be better to plan ahead your round trip, in order not to wait too long to catch a bus, or even worse not to find a bus to get back home.

When to go

Cabo da Roca can be visited all year long. During the warm season, the sun will cheer your visit. Winter is a very special time to visit Cabo da Roca; winter melancholy suits perfectly with this isolated place, making it even more evocative. During winter time there are less tourists, and on specific days and times you may be the only visitor.

Whenever you decide to visit Cabo da Roca, always remember to bring a wind jacket; you will enjoy your visit much more.

Did you know…

• There are very few buildings in Cabo da Roca; the lighthouse, the ruins of a fortress from the 17th century, a coffee bar, and a souvenir shop
• Cabo da Roca lighthouse is the oldest of Portugal
• The light of the lighthouse can be seen from 46 km
• The quote written on the stone monument marking the westernmost point of Europe “Here, where the land ends and the sea begins” was written by the Portuguese poet Luis Camones
• The strong windy conditions challenge the vegetation; only low-lying, adapted to saltwater plants manage to grow in this area.