Cape Roca in Portugal – what to see, photo, description, excursions
There are many amazing places on our planet, once you see them, it is already impossible to forget. These include the westernmost point of Europe – Cape Roca in Portugal. Beyond the ocean separating Europe, America is already located, 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.
Story
A small triangle of the earth's firmament, protruding 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 in Portuguese means Cape Rocks. 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, in 1772 a lighthouse was set up on it, 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 triangle of land is included in the territory of the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Several of its sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The geographical coordinates of the cape are indicated on a stone stele.
Description
The top of the cape, covered with small hills, 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 stuff of hardened magma, make the rocks look striated. This makes them very picturesque. The wind almost always blows here, sometimes very strong.
The mighty waves of the surf, beating at them for millennia, destroy the granite. Involuntarily, 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 unpretentious succulents with greasy leaves and bright yellow and red flowers. Introduced 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 other interesting protected objects.
What to see
The main advantage of the space surrounding the cape is the alien beauty of landscapes, for which it is worth coming here. Especially stunning are the yellow-red rocks in the rays of a crimson sunset, washed by the foamy lace of powerful ocean waves. Usually, tourists immediately go to the legendary lighthouse, the lighthouse tower and the building of the tourist center. The stele crowned with a cross also attracts attention. On it, in addition to geographical coordinates, the saying of the poet Camões is carved: “Here the earth ends, and the sea begins.”
The descent down to the beaches, along the collapsing rocks, requires caution. Small sandy beaches are adjacent to rocky areas. A light, purely symbolic fence was installed along the coast. Tourists who want to spend a few days here stop at a local hotel. You can visit the restaurant, which offers delicious national seafood dishes. In the post office, tourists buy a certificate of stay at Cape Roca.
Excursions
Given the increasing tourist interest in this exotic place, the tourism industry offers various excursion routes to Cape Roca through the National Reserve of Sintra-Cascais. 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, the famous palaces and castles, the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera, 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 sights of Sintra, to feel the real Portuguese flavor, to enjoy the magnificent picture of the sunset at Cape Roca will allow you a 5-hour excursion trip “Sunset at Cape Roca”.
Becoming a member of the 5-hour tour along the Atlantic coast, you can hear the powerful roar of the waves in the cave “Devil's Mouth”, walk along the sand dunes of Guincho and the cliffs of 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 westernmost 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, there is a cape that attracts with its uniqueness. There are 2 ways to get from Lisbon to the cape. By public transport, get to the city of Sintra, and from there continue the trip to the cape. Or from Lisbon to come 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, which are worth seeing. There are regular trains from Lisbon to Sintra from the Rossio railway station (the historic center of the city). Tickets for 3 € are sold at the box office and in vending machines. Leaving the station, you need to go to the right to the bus stop, take N 434 (circular) and get to the stop. Ticket offices of the Pena Palace.
Having bought a ticket (5 €), get into the minibus – and in a few minutes you will be at the bright castle building, 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 work was invested in the fortress.
Below, not far from the Moorish Castle, is the estate of Quinta da Rigailera with a palace of elegant architecture and a picturesque park. Sculptures, unusual towers, underground grottoes – everything is very interesting! On the same 435th bus, you should get to Montserrat Palace, built in the Indian style. An exotic spectacle will pay for the time spent. Then, returning to the railway station, take the bus 403 – and after 30-35 minutes you find yourself on the cape.
Through Cascais
The route from Cascais to Cape Roca is shorter than from Sintra. There is a train from Lisbon to Cascais that leaves daily from the Cais do Sodre station. The first one leaves at 5.30 am, the last one at 1.30 am, the traffic interval is 20 minutes. Former fishing village in the 19th century. became a 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 Boca do Inferno rock cave, formed by the force of the waves. 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, which delights with its amazing landscape compositions, will be a pleasant one.
The oldest church of the Assumption of the Virgin, miraculously preserved during the earthquake of 1755, is interesting for its appearance and internal content. Within its walls are many valuable religious artifacts, as well as a collection of paintings by 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, the gusts of wind become piercingly cold. If you plan to linger on the cape until dark, be sure to take a warm sweater and jacket on your trip so as not to shiver from the cold. Even in the hottest summer months, when Portugal is suffocating from the heat, it is always cool here (+ 20-23 °).
The water in the ocean does not heat up above +20°C. While in other places 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-visit point, then it is better to appear there in the pre-sunset hours. All the tourists who visited 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
Planning to spend a few days at the edge of Europe? Then there are many hotel establishments at your disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay in this unique place. When choosing hotels in Sintra, get a lot of the most positive emotions from living in a truly fabulous town. One cannot but admire the brand new modern Sintra Bonanza VH's complex.
Surrounded by the greenery of the garden, a cozy area, beautiful buildings, maximum comfort will not disappoint. The Sarrazola Garden guest house is not inferior in service to it, as evidenced by guest reviews. A homely atmosphere, welcoming warmth, well-thought-out furnishings await you in the family-run O meu canto. Near the beach of Praia Grande is the hotel Oceano, from the panoramic windows of which you can admire the sunrises and sunsets over the ocean.
A relaxing family holiday will be provided by the Navegantes apartments, with beautiful interiors, a swimming pool, and a maximum of services. Equipped in a building of the 60s, the Nice Way Hostel will provide heavenly conditions for budget money: garden, 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. “Amazing!” – this is how tourists evaluate accommodation at the Casa Bolacha guest house, which is located near the popular beaches of Macansh and Praia Grande.
The Hospedaria guesthouse is highly rated in the center of Sintra. Guests are delighted with the local cuisine, from its good location. The Casas da Biquinha apartment complex is rated 9.4 out of 10 as the best option for a stay. Located on the beach of Praia Grande, the Arridas Sintra hotel, which has been awarded the Green Key environmental certificate, is also highly rated by tourists.