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Portugal- 4/13- 4/20/2016
Cabo da Roca-4/15/2016
Cabo da Roca is one of the most spectacular locations in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Its vertical cliffs rise up around 100 m above sea level, offering spectacular landscapes.
Cabo da Roca is the most westerly point of
mainland Portugal and continental Europe. The wind-beaten cliffs of Cabo de
Roca were believed to be the edge of the world up until the late
14th century.
Historical records point to the existence in the 16th century of a fort at
Cabo da Roca which played an important role in guarding the approach to
Lisbon, forming a defensive line along the coast. Cabo da Roca is
18km west from Sintra, 15km north from Cascais and 40km west of Lisbon.
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There is very limited development at Cabo da Roca. There is a lighthouse, a coffee shop and gift shop and nothing much else.
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This wind blasted and dramatic landscape is the attraction at Cabo da Roca. Get out of your car, walk for 10 to 20 minutes, takes a few pictures as proof that you have been to most western point of Europe and you're done.
Beautiful scenery.
The constant strong winds means that all plant life is low-lying and able to grow under the high saline conditions.
The most prominent plant of the headland is the Ice Plant (Sour Fig), which is a non-native plant to Portugal but became an invasive species, smothering out local plants, after escaping from a local garden 3 decades ago.
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Roughly 150 meters from the sea, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline, all of which makes your trip here well worth the visit.
On the left is the lighthouse which was completed in 1772 but its present form originates from 1842
The lighthouse stands 150m above the ocean and the 1,000 watt light can be seen 28 miles (46km) away.
Massive cliffs -very impressive
It is not very cold here but it is extremely windy.
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A tall stone monument with a cross atop and a large plaque with an inscription of a quote from the famous Portuguese poet Luis Camoes (1524–1580) who described the area as "Where the land ends and the sea begins".
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Aqui, onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa...(Here, where the land ends and the sea begins).
The headland is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is one of the main features of interest for those enjoying a walk along the coastline.
Next... Lunch at Mar Do Inferno in Cascai
