Cabo da Roca is located at 38°47′ north latitude and 9°30′ west longitude and is the westernmost point of the European continent.
Cabo da Roca is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is about 18 km from the town of Sintra, while from Lisbon the distance is about 40 km.
Until the 1300s, it was believed that this was the end of the world with its towering cliffs on the Atlantic Ocean.
Historical records indicate the existence of a fortress on the Cabo da Roca as early as the 17th century and it played a key role in maritime defence.
The quote on the stone monument is from the Portuguese poet Luis Camoes and reads: “Where the earth ends and the sea begins”.
Built in 1772, the Cabo da Roca lighthouse is the oldest in Portugal and its light can be seen up to 46 km away.
The strong wind makes it difficult for the vegetation to survive: only very low plants resistant to salinity can grow in this area such as the sea pear.
In Cabo da Roca you will find a few buildings such as the lighthouse, a café, a souvenir shop and the tourist office.
In the latter, you can buy a certificate attesting to your presence at the westernmost point of Europe.
