Cabo da Roca

The Basics

In the 16th-century glory days of worldwide maritime exploration, Portugal was one of the most important countries in the world, with interests in Brazil, India, China, and Africa. With riches arriving from far and wide, the country built a series of defensive outposts to guard Lisbon, the capital city, including at Cabo da Roca. Today you can walk around (but not inside) the current lighthouse, which was built in the 18th century; see the nearby church with its blue and white azuelo tiles; and stand on the windswept headland and imagine mariners heading out to the New World, more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) away.

Cabo da Roca is a popular stop on guided tours of the region, which also take in the nearby hilltop town of Sintra and typically provide round-trip transportation from Lisbon.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There’s no entrance fee to access Cabo da Roca.

• Visit at sunset for great photo opportunities.

• You’ll find a small souvenir store and café on site.

• The area around the lighthouse and church is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Cabo da Roca is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Lisbon, between the towns of Cascais and Sintra. It’s accessible by car, guided tour, or public bus—403 runs from Cascais to Sintra and stops at Cabo da Roca.

When to Get There

Cabo da Roca is open year-round. It is usually windy at the cape and can be cooler than in the surrounding areas, even in mid-summer. Take extra care on the paths if you’re visiting in rainy or very windy conditions.

Visit the Palaces of Sintra

Twelve miles (20 kilometers) inland of Cabo da Roca is the enchanting town of Sintra, where colorful palaces and fairy-tale castles perch on tree-covered hills. Used by the Portuguese Royal Family as their summer residence, the red and yellow Pena Palace is straight out of a storybook. The other grand buildings, built by members of the aristocracy and other dignitaries, recall the days when the town was a magnet for Lisbon’s wealthiest residents.

Ways to explore

In the 17th century, Portugal constructed a series of defensive outposts to protect Lisbon, one of which was Cabo da Roca. Today, you can stand on the windswept headland and imagine mariners heading out to the New World, more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) away.

Cabo da Roca is a popular stop on day trips from Lisbon, which typically visit en route to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sintra, home to forest-clad hills and fairy tale-style palaces. It’s also a point of interest along the hiking trails of Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, which you can explore with a guide on an excursion from Lisbon or nearby Cascais.

Accessibility

Concrete paths and compacted earth paths ensure most of Cabo da Roca is accessible, although some areas may pose challenges.

Age limits

None, but keep a close eye on kids due to sheer drops.

What to pack

This headland experiences strong winds, so ensure hats and loose items are secure to avoid them blowing away.

What to wear

The cliffs at Cabo da Roca have their own microclimate, which makes it cooler than Lisbon and Sintra—wrap up warm.

Not allowed

Climbing over the barriers, littering

Amenities

Restroom, restaurant, visitor center

Address

While there are some public transportation options to Cabo da Roca, it’s best visited on tours to Sintra that handle travel logistics. You don’t need to spend long here to appreciate the dramatic coastal surroundings.

Driving

From Lisbon, head west on Avenida da Liberdade toward Praça Marquês de Pombal, then follow signs for the A5 highway, which will lead you toward Cascais. Take the exit toward N247 (signs for Cabo da Roca), and park in the free parking lot when you arrive.

Public transportation

Take the train to Cascais from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon, which takes around 40 minutes. From Cascais, take bus 403 to Cabo da Roca.

Best times to visit

The headland is most magical at sunset, when you can watch the sun sink into the uninterrupted ocean horizon.

Best days to visit

Weekdays see fewer tour groups and, therefore, crowds; however, most day trips only spend around 15 minutes at Cado da Roca due to the strong winds.

Best months to visit

To see the mightiest waves crashing against the headland, visit in winter (November through January).

Special events

The Festival de Sintra takes place near Cabo da Roca in June, with live performances and special palace openings.