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CABO DA ROCA AT A GLANCE
Elevation 140 m
Coordinates 38° 46' 51" N
Coordinates 9° 30' 2" W
Coordinates 38° 46' 51" N
Coordinates 9° 30' 2" W
Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins
This rugged Atlantic headland rises 140 meters above sea level and is easily accessible from Lisbon, located just 40 km away. It lies within the municipality of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its palaces and rich cultural history.The famous Portuguese poet Luís de Camões once described Cabo da Roca as “the place where the land ends and the sea begins.” From this point, the vast Atlantic stretches westward for hundreds of kilometers until the Azores archipelago appears over 1,300 km away. Interestingly, the Ponta dos Capelinhos on Faial Island in the Azores marks the true westernmost point of Europe (if island territories are included), although geologically it belongs to the North American tectonic plate.
Nature, History and Harsh Weather
A historic lighthouse, built in the 18th century, still stands near the cliffs and once served as a crucial beacon for Atlantic navigation. The area belongs to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is often swept by strong Atlantic winds and dense coastal fog, especially in spring and summer. Weather conditions here can change dramatically in just a few minutes, making it both thrilling and unpredictable for visitors.The cliffs of Cabo da Roca, shaped by marine erosion, consist of granite and metamorphic rocks dating back to the Paleozoic era. These tall, jagged formations bear the constant brunt of wind and waves, creating dramatic coastal scenery.
Vegetation is sparse, adapted to the harsh, windy environment, and mostly consists of hardy coastal shrubs. The cliffs provide nesting grounds for seabirds such as yellow-legged gulls and kestrels, which take shelter from land-based predators.