Cape Roca in Portugal

There are many amazing places on our planet, having seen them once, it is already impossible to forget. These include the westernmost point of Europe - Cape Roca in Portugal. America is already located across the ocean that separates Europe, although when the cape is shrouded in fog, it seems that this is generally the end of the earth. Those who have planned a trip to this unique place will have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable sunset on one of the excursions.

History

A small triangle of the earth's solid, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is formed by the granite rocks of the Sierra da Sintra mountains. In the era of the development of navigation, when great geographical discoveries were made, this extreme western point of Europe was called the Cape of Lisbon. Later it was renamed Cabo da Roca, which means Cape of the Rock in Portuguese. Indeed, it consists of a rock composed of granite interspersed with other crystalline rocks.

Taking into account the liveliness of the sea route past the cape, a lighthouse was erected on it in 1772, the light of which is visible for several tens of kilometers. He warns the sailors that there is a rocky coast ahead, dangerous for the ship. This land triangle is included in the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Several of its sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The geographic coordinates of the cape are indicated on a stone stele.

Description

Covered with small hills, the top of the cape is located above the ocean at an altitude of 150 meters. On its western coast, small sandy beaches are formed, alternating with ledges of low dilapidated rocks. Cracks in the pink granite filled with the dark matter of solidified magma make the rocks appear striped. This makes them very picturesque. The wind almost always blows here, sometimes very strong.

The mighty waves of the surf, beating in them for millennia, destroy the granite. Inevitably, you will remember the saying "A drop wears away a stone", even granite is powerless in front of water. The surrounding area is rich in diverse flora. The cape itself is covered with an unpretentious succulent plant with fat leaves and bright yellow and red flowers. Brought here from South Africa, this creeping plant - the edible carpobrotus - has become a scourge for local farmers and their fields.

The plant looks like a purslane, actively growing like a weed in our gardens. On the way to Roca lies the historic city of Sintra - the former residence of the Portuguese kings, now a climatic resort. It has preserved architectural monuments reflecting the history of Portugal. There are also other interesting protected objects.

What to watch

The main advantage of the space surrounding the cape is the alien beauty of the landscapes, for the sake of which it is worth coming here. The yellow-red rocks in the rays of the crimson sunset, washed by the foamy lace of powerful waves of the ocean, look especially stunning. Usually tourists go straight to the legendary lighthouse, the lighthouse tower and the building of the tourist center. Attention is also drawn to the stele topped with a cross. On it, in addition to geographical coordinates, the saying of the poet Camões is carved: "Here the land ends, and the sea begins."

Descent down to the beaches, along crumbling rocks, requires caution. Small sandy beaches coexist with rocky areas. A light, purely symbolic fence has been erected along the coast. Tourists who want to spend a few days here stay at the local hotel. You can visit a restaurant serving delicious national seafood dishes. At the post office, tourists buy a certificate of stay at Cape Roca.

Tours

Given the increasing tourist interest in this exotic place, the tourism industry offers various excursion routes to Cape Roca in the Sintra-Cascais National Reserve. During the excursions, there is an opportunity to see historical, architectural and natural sights. Group and individual tours introduce tourists to the favorite places of the Portuguese kings, famous palaces and castles, the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera, with the surrounding flora and fauna.

In a few hours (2-8) you will walk along the ancient streets of Sintra, admire the irresistible view of its palaces, find yourself in the elite resort of Cascais and Cape Roca (Greater Lisbon in 1 day). To see all the main attractions of Sintra, to feel the real Portuguese flavor, to enjoy the magnificent picture of the sunset at Cape Roca, a 5-hour excursion trip "Sunset at Cape Roca" will allow you.

Becoming a member of a 5-hour tour along the Atlantic coast, you can hear the powerful roar of the waves in the Devil's Mouth cave, walk along the sand dunes of Guinshu and the cliffs of the Medveditsa beach. You will get an unforgettable experience from all the excursions offered in Lisbon to the legendary cape.

Where is it located and how to get there

Cape Roca is the western end point of Europe and the Sintra-Cascais National Park. The territory of the park is crossed by a chain of mountain peaks of the Serra de Sintra, stretching up to Cabo do Roca (Cape Roca). On the granite rocks of these mountains lies a promising cape with its uniqueness. You can get from Lisbon to the cape in 2 ways. By public transport get to Sintra, and from there continue the trip to the cape. Or come from Lisbon to Cascais, and from there by bus - to Cape Roca.

Through Sintra

The advantages of a trip through Sintra are obvious: this ancient city is famous for its royal palaces that are worth seeing. From Lisbon to Sintra, trains run regularly from the Rossio railway station (the historic city center). Tickets for € 3 are sold at the box office and in the vending machines. Leaving the station, you need to go to the right to the bus stop, take the N 434 (roundabout) and get to the stop. Pena Palace ticket offices.

Having bought a ticket (5 €), get into the minibus - and in a few minutes you will be at the bright castle structure, similar to a multi-colored toy, the Pena Palace. After admiring the exotic architecture, you can go down through the adjacent park and go to the Castle of the Moors. Looking at the remains of the walls of the monumental structure, one can understand how much gigantic labor was put into the fortress.

Downstairs, not far from the Moorish Castle, is the Quinta da Rigaillera estate with a palace of exquisite architecture and a picturesque park. Sculptures, extraordinary towers, underground grottoes - everything is very interesting! On the same bus 435 it is worth getting to the Montserrat Palace, built in the Indian style. An exotic sight will pay off the time spent. Then, returning to the railway station, take bus 403 - and in 30-35 minutes you will be on the cape.

Via Cascais

The path from Cascais to Cape Roca is shorter than from Sintra. There is a train from Lisbon to Cascais, leaving daily from Cais do Sodre station. The first leaves at 5.30, the last leaves at 1.30 at night, the interval of movement is 20 minutes. Former fishing village in the 19th century became the favorite royal resort, where the first railway and electricity appeared. Today the city is in demand by tourists as a beautiful seaside resort with magnificent beaches, hotels and restaurants.

The famous Guinho Beach is visited by hundreds of surfers from all over the world. Many are interested in the rocky cave of Boca do Inferno, formed by the force of the waves. The luxurious royal palaces deserve attention. Of these, the Palacio de Conde is especially beautiful, which now houses a museum with an extensive collection of archaeological and book rarities. A visit to the cozy Palmela Park, delighting with its amazing landscape compositions, will be pleasant.

The oldest church of the Assumption of the Virgin, miraculously preserved during the earthquake of 1755, is interesting for its appearance and internal content. It houses many valuable religious artifacts, as well as a collection of paintings by the local artist Obidos.Satisfied with positive emotions, return to the railway station, cross the road to the bus station (it is opposite). There, take bus 403, buy a ticket from the driver - and in 20 minutes - Cape Roca.

Best time to travel

The peculiarity of the weather in the westernmost patch of Europe is that the wind is constantly blowing here. He is very strong, impetuous, then moderate. After sunset, gusts of wind become piercingly cold. If you plan to stay on the cape until dark, be sure to bring a warm sweater and jacket on your trip so as not to shiver from the cold. Even in the hottest summer months, when Portugal suffocates from the heat, it is always cool here (+ 20-23 °).

The water in the ocean does not heat up above + 20 °. While in other parts of the coast, 40-50 km away, the water temperature is + 27-28 °, it is quite comfortable to swim. If on your trip to Portugal the cape is a must-see point, then it is better to appear there before sunset. All tourists who have been here during sunset leave rave reviews. A picture of fantastic beauty opens before your eyes, when it seems that there are unearthly landscapes around.

Where to stay

Are you planning to spend a few days at the edge of Europe? Then there are a variety of hotel facilities at your service to ensure a comfortable stay in this unique location. When choosing hotels in Sintra, you will enjoy the positive experience of your stay in a truly fabulous town. The brand new modern complex Sintra Bonanza VH’s cannot but amaze.

Cozy territory immersed in the greenery of the garden, beautiful buildings, maximum comfort will not disappoint. Guest house Sarrazola Garden is not inferior in service to it, as evidenced by the reviews of guests. A homely atmosphere, hospitable warmth, well-thought-out furnishings await you in the O meu canto family complex. Near Praia Grande Beach is the Oceano Hotel, from which you can admire the sunrises and sunsets over the ocean from its panoramic windows.

A quiet family vacation will be provided by the Navegantes apartments, with beautiful interiors, a swimming pool, with a maximum of services. The Nice Way hostel, located in a 60s building, will provide paradise conditions for budget money: a garden, a barbecue, comfort, cleanliness, tranquility, stunning views. Fantastic days full of romance can be spent at the amazing Casal Santa Virgina, located on a cliff near the ocean. "Awesome!" - this is how tourists rate accommodation at Casa Bolacha, which is located close to the popular Masansh and Praia Grande beaches.

The Hospedaria guest house, which is located in the center of Sintra, was highly appreciated. Guests are delighted with the local cuisine and its location. Casas da Biquinha is rated 9.4 out of 10 as the best accommodation option. Located on Praia Grande Beach, Hotel Arridas Sintra is awarded the Green Key by tourists as well.

Cape Roca on the map