Cabo da Roca

Sintra, Portugal

Cabo da Roca monument and overlook

ABOVE: The monument and scenic overlook at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the European continent.

Cabo da Roca (in English, Cape Roca) is a rugged outcropping on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, to the west and slightly north of Lisbon. Its location is dramatic, with high cliffs overlooking the ocean, but the cape's real claim to fame is its longitude of 9° 30' W: Cabo da Roca is at the far western edge of Continental Europe, where--in the words of Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões--it is "the point where the earth ends and the sea begins."

The windswept site has a lighthouse that was completed in 1772, along with a monument and a scenic overlook. It's a popular spot with tourists, who enjoy the view from the cliffs (which are 140 meters or 459 feet above sea level) and the chance to stand at what once was the edge of the world.

On the following two pages, you'll find directions to the cape by public or private transportation, visitor information, links to related Web sites (including a satellite image), and more photos.

The Cabo da Roca makes a pleasant stop on a circular tour from Lisbon to Sintra, and you can even reach the cape by bicycle from Cascais if you're willing to brave an uphill ride. To plan your excursion, continue to page 2 of this article.

Next page: Transport, visitor info, Web links

In this article:

Cabo da Roca, Sintra - introduction

Transportation, visitor information, Web links

More photos

Also see:

Pena National Palace, Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal - Travel guide

Lisbon Articles Index

Portugal Articles Index

"Best of the Web"
- Forbes and The Washington Post

Our most popular topics:

Need a car in Europe?

Auto Europe guarantees the lowest rental rates for standard cars, sports cars, SUVs, luxury cars, chauffered sedans, and RVs. Its Web site also has driving information for 38 countries.

If you live outside the EU, a tax-free Renault or Peugeot tourist lease can be cheaper than renting. Minimum driver age is 18, there' s no upper age limit, and rates include insurance. See: Short-term car leasing.

European train

Traveling by train?
Rail Europe has schedules, maps, and guides for 50+ European railroads. (Residents of North and Central America can buy tickets and rail passes online.)

From Europe for Cruisers:

Travel and cruise news:

Europe for Visitors Blog