Cabo da Roca

The westernmost point of mainland Europe, a 140-metre sea cliff where a stone marker reading "Here the land ends, and the sea begins" and a lighthouse face the Atlantic. Visitors can get a certificate of arrival here.

Cabo da Roca lies 18 km west of Sintra and is the westernmost point of mainland Europe (38°47′ N, 9°30′ W). A 140-metre granite sea cliff plunges straight into the Atlantic. On the clifftop stands a cross-shaped stone marker inscribed with a line from the Portuguese poet Camões: "Onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa" ("Here the land ends and the sea begins"). It is where every visitor takes a photo. In the Age of Discovery this place was known as the "Rock of Lisbon," and it was the last piece of land sailors saw before leaving Europe. The red-roofed lighthouse, completed in 1772, is one of Portugal's earliest lighthouses (not open to the public). The visitor centre sells a certificate for about €11 bearing your name, the "Certificate of Arrival at Europe's Westernmost Point," and the post office there will stamp it with a commemorative postmark. Paths along the clifftop run north and south, offering views of waves pounding the rocks and of the pink ice plant growing on the cliff face. About 30–40 minutes' walk south leads to Praia da Ursa (Bear Beach), one of the wildest beaches near Lisbon. The descent is steep and suits only those in good shape. Note: the wind here blows constantly. Do not approach the cliff edge where there is no railing; there have been repeated falls, so never climb over railings for a photo. Bring a windproof jacket, as it is cool even in summer. Getting there: take bus 1624 (formerly bus 403) from Sintra station or Cascais station, about 40 minutes, roughly one bus per hour. The last bus leaves early, so check the timetable. Most people combine it with Sintra as a day trip: Pena Palace in the morning, sunset at Cabo da Roca in the afternoon, then return to Lisbon by train via Cascais. Admission to the site is free and parking is free, but spaces are scarce in peak season.

Cabo da Roca

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