|
| |
Cabo da Roca
Sintra, Portugal
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
|
Search for more information
on our site: |
|
|
| |
|
Top European Travel
Topics:
Our most popular subtopics
Destinations
Accommodations
Transportation
Money
Packing, security
|
|
|
Durant
& Cheryl Imboden's
