Visualize Europe as a whole. Now, take that thought to the end of this vast continent, to its most western point, where the mainland ends and the Atlantic begins. Here you’ll find Cape Roca.
It was a feeling of immensity the one I felt when I first came to this place and looked at the sea. After all, the land only reappears under the US flag. Well, with the Azores islands still on the way.
This is a beautiful walk, framed by the lighthouse, one of the oldest of the Portuguese coast, and by the stone bearing the words of Luiz de Camões:
“Here, were the land ends and the sea begins”
What to do in Cape Roca
If you visit Cape Roca, walk the trails that extend along the edge of the hillside and don’t forget to discover the Bear Stone legend and the rock that gives it life. 😉
And, since you are here, how about a trip to Quinta da Regaleira?
Have you been to Cape Roca? What was your thought when you first visited it? I want to read all about it in the comment box below!
14 COMMENTS
danik
6 years agoThis has been on my bucket list for a long time and you making me wanna go even more. Great post 🙂
Fiona Maclean
6 years agoI haven’t been to cape roca, though I do love portugal, so I will make some effort to visit. I don’t think I’ve actually been that far south – just to the Alentejo
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORHi, Fiona. Cape Roca is near Sintra, right next to Lisbon. 😉
Tami
6 years agoWow–that view! To stand on the edge of a bluff like that and see only ocean for miles and miles…pretty amazing to imagine it. Your photos are beautiful and your description makes me want to go!
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Tami! 🙂
sherianne
6 years agoI have not been but it looks beautiful and will mark for a future trip for sure!
Tammy on the Move
6 years agoOh how I love that view of the ocean. What a nice relaxing place to spend the weekend.
Indrani
6 years agoNever been there. That walking tour is definitely in my list of things to do. I hope to do some good bird photography too.
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORHi, Indrani. It’s also a great place to birdwatching. 😉
Rachael
6 years agoI have not been to Cape Roca but it looks stunning! The one think I love about lighthouses is they often have fantastic views of the see! Great pictures
Jenn and Ed Coleman
6 years agoI love the stories of walking west in Europe until you reach the sea. Then, you can cast all your worries (and clothes too) into the sea and return cleansed. Is this the point you walk to?
Marlene Marques
6 years ago AUTHORWell, here we can’t bathe into the sea because it sits atop a ravine. But the symbolism of the place is all there 😉
Vicky and Buddy
6 years agoI had never stopped to think about where the western most point of Europe would be! Cape Roca looks really pretty though an dit looks like it’d be a lot of fun to walk the trails. It kind of reminds me of the Cape of Good Hope.
Carol Colborn
6 years agoWe will be in Portugal next year and I will be sure to visit this westernmost part!