Cabo da Roca Lighthouse
Guardian of the Atlantic Ocean.
The most westerly point of mainland Europe.
Standing at the most westerly point on mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca provides an unrivalled panoramic view out over the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. The imposing lighthouse, with its tower finished in white tiles and with a red walkway, stands out as one of the oldest in Portugal.
In the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse, there is the emblematic cross with its homage to Luís de Camões: “Right here, almost at the head’s summit, Of all Europe, the Lusitano Kingdom, Where the earth ends and the sea begins, And where Apollo settles into the Ocean” (The Lusíadas, Canto III, Luís de Camões). It was this position, at the end of the known earth, that turned Cabo da Roca into a sacred and legendary place which continues to amaze those who visit.
The Cabo da Roca lighthouse is one of the oldest in the Portuguese coast, included in the list of six lighthouses ordered to be built by the charter of February 1, 1758, by the Marquis of Pombal. Its operation started in 1772 and is currently the second oldest in the coast of Portugal. See more information in the National Maritime Authority website (in Portuguese only).
How to Get There
Lisbon > Sintra: Train (CP) – Sintra Line
(Departure stations: Oriente Station, Rossio, Entrecampos)
Sintra (train station) > Cabo da Roca:
Bus n.º 1253 (Carris Metropolitano)
CASCAIS (terminal) > PORTELA DE SINTRA (via Azóia and Almoçageme):
Bus nº 1624 (Carris Metropolitano)
We emphasize that Parques de Sintra's responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management, and is not responsible for any circumstances occurring outside the heritage sites, namely, access and transport to reach said sites.
If you’re departing from Cascais or Colares, you can reach Cabo da Roca using the EN-247 road.
We emphasize that Parques de Sintra's responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management, and is not responsible for any circumstances occurring outside the heritage sites, namely, access and transport to reach said sites.
There are several marked pedestrian trails from Cascais, Colares and the Sintra Hills.