The cliff, the trail, and the sapphire sea.
Cruise 45 minutes west of Lisbon by car, you’ll reach European continent’s westernmost point: Cabo da Roca. For travel enthusiasts aiming to reach all corners of the world, literally, Cabo da Roca is a must-stop solely for the purpose of geography.
Needless to say, the view is spectacular. This breathtaking experience is extended along a walking trail by the sapphire coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, marked by a lighthouse and a monument plaque where you can stand then snap to post: I’ve been here!
FYI…
1. Bring a jacket, even during summertime the wind can be brutal.
2. There WILL BE tourists. And tons of them. So expect tour buses, folks all around. But you can still enjoy the experience without feeling suffocated in the open air. (I get it, no worries!)
Getting there:
Rent a car or hire a private driver is your best bet. If you’re running low on cash, then take Bus 403 that runs between Sintra and Cascais with a stop at Cabo da Roca.
From Lisbon, you can take the train from Rossio station heading toward Sintra, then take Bus 403 from Sintra station heading toward Cascais while stopping at Cabo da Roca.
What to see:
You’ll see a lighthouse dating from 1772, though it’s not open to the public. Even if there isn’t much to do at Cabo da Roca, the sight along the coastline is truly spectacular. Around 150 meters above the sea, the panoramic view makes a day trip over to the cliff side worthy of a few hours. You’ll see a huge crowd of people surrounding a plaque that marks this area as the most westernmost point of Europe.
Where to eat:
If you have a car, you’re in luck! Drive up north 15 minutes, and you’ll reach a fantastic restaurant Nortada. Traditional Portuguese restaurant serves up delicious octopus salad, Arroz de Marisco (basically a Portuguese paella) which is highlighted by tons of local seafood: lobster, clams, and shrimp.
Cabo da Roca is so pretty, it’s touristy for a reason.
