Cabo da Roca

The rocky headland of Cabo da Roca , 40 kilometres southwest of Lisbon, has the distinction of being the most westerly point of mainland Europe and the Eurasian landmass and there is a monument here to tell you just that. To make sure you are still in no doubt, certificates to prove you have been here can be bought from the souvenir shop.

The stunning view from the 144 metre-high (500ft) granite cliffs takes in the Serra de Sintra, the big open sky and the crashing waves of the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean.  No wonder it was once thought that this place was at the edge of the world. The overall effect is one of windswept isolation, and for bird spotters there are a wide variety of migratory and sea birds to be seen, roosting amongst the cliffs and rocks just offshore. Some areas are sectioned off for the safety of visitors.

There is a working lighthouse here and a coffee and souvenir shop.  If you are here in the evening it might be worth waiting around for the sunset.