Cabo da Roca Lighthouse

#7 among destinations in Portugal

Top attraction, Lighthouse

Gallery (11)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 2.0 / Bert Kaufmann / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively CEphoto, Uwe / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tm / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively CEphoto, Uwe / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Berthold Werner / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Tm / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ray Swi-hymn / URL

Facts and practical information

The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the westernmost point of mainland Europe, in Portugal. This emblematic structure, perched on rugged cliffs that drop sharply into the Atlantic Ocean, has been guiding sailors since its construction in 1772. The lighthouse is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and it marks a significant geographical landmark, with a latitude and longitude of 38° 47′ north and 9° 30′ west, respectively.

Visitors to the Cabo da Roca Lighthouse are met with breathtaking views of the vast ocean and the dramatic coastline. The lighthouse itself, while not the tallest or grandest, is steeped in history and stands as a symbol of human resilience against the natural elements. Its white and red tower reaches a modest height of 22 meters, but its light can be seen from as far as 48 kilometers out at sea.

The site is open to the public, and tourists can explore the surrounding area, which includes a monument bearing the inscription by the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões stating, "Here... where the land ends and the sea begins." The lighthouse also features a visitor center where one can learn about its history and the role it continues to play in maritime navigation.

Local name: Farol do Cabo da Roca Coordinates: 38°46'55"N, 9°29'50"W

Location

LisbonPortugal

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Day trips

Cabo da Roca Lighthouse – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Monserrate Palace, Peninha, Fort of Cresmina, Convento dos Capuchos.

4.2 miE
Grand 19th-century mansion and gardens
Monserrate Palace, Sintra
109 min walk • Nestled in the verdant hills of Sintra, Portugal, Monserrate Palace is a gem of architectural eclecticism that has captivated visitors with its unique blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Indian influences. This 19th-century palace is a museum that showcases the pinnacle of...
2.2 miSE
Church, Baroque architecture
Peninha, Sintra
57 min walk • Nestled in the lush landscapes of Sintra, Portugal, the Sanctuary of Peninha stands as a serene testament to spiritual devotion and architectural wonder. Perched atop one of the highest peaks in the Sintra mountain range, this historic site offers breathtaking views of...
4.2 miS
Forts and castles
Fort of Cresmina, Cascais
108 min walk • Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cascais, Portugal, the Fort of Cresmina stands as a historical sentinel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal fortification, part of a network of defenses built in the 17th century, was designed to protect the Portuguese...
3.2 miE
Compact convent built into nature
Convento dos Capuchos, Sintra
82 min walk • Nestled in the verdant hills of Sintra, Portugal, the Convento dos Capuchos stands as a testament to the region's rich monastic history. This austere Franciscan monastery, often referred to as the "Cork Convent," was founded in 1560 and is renowned for its harmonious...
3.3 miNE
Watersports, Swimming pool
Praia das Maçãs Prehistoric Monument, Sintra
85 min walk • The Praia das Maçãs Prehistoric Monument, also known as the Tholos of Outeiro das Mós, consists of an artificial Neolithic cave and a Chalcolithic domed or beehive tomb. It is situated close to the Praia das Maçãs beach, near the town of Colares in Sintra municipality, in the Lisbon District of Portugal. The area was discovered in 1927.
5 miS
Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse, View point
Cabo Raso Lighthouse, Cascais
129 min walk • Perched on the edge of the rugged Portuguese coastline, the Cabo Raso Lighthouse stands as a sentinel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Cascais, Portugal. This historic beacon has been guiding mariners since its inauguration in the 19th century, offering a...
3.3 miNE
Beach, Outdoor activities
Praia das Maçãs, Sintra
85 min walk • Praia das Maçãs is a seaside resort consisting of beach and eponymous attached village, located on the coast of the parish of Colares, in the municipality of Sintra, Portugal.
3.2 miSE
Forts and castles
Fort of Guincho, Cascais
81 min walk • The Fort of Guincho, also known as the Fort of Velas, is located at the edge of the Praia do Abano, along the southern edge of the coast of the civil parish of Alcabideche, in Cascais Municipality, Lisbon District, Portugal..
3.8 miNE
Park
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Sintra
98 min walk • The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a park on the Portuguese Riviera, one of the 13 Natural Parks of Portugal. While only established in 1994 as a Natural Park by the Portuguese Government, it has been protected since 1981.
3.2 miNE
Archaeological site
Archaeological Site of Alto da Vigia, Sintra
82 min walk • The Archaeological Site of Alto da Vigia is an archaeological site associated with Roman interventions in the Portugal, situated along the Praia das Maçãs in the civil parish of São João das Lampas e Terrugem, in municipality of Sintra.
5.9 miNE
Beach
Praia do Magoito
151 min walk • Magoito Beach, also known as Pedregal, is a coastal bathing water belonging to the Sintra coast, in the district of Lisbon, Portugal. It is inserted in the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, having several natural points of interest.