Cape Roca - The westernmost point of Europe's mainland.
Quite close to Lisbon you will find some trails along the sea coast that will give you the sensation of “I’m at the end of Europe” and, in fact you are at the westernmost point of Europe mainland, the Cape Roca (38°46'49.59"N 9°29'56.19"W).
From the Cape Roca, or arriving, you will find many walking trails and each one with different kind of photo spots or interesting things to see.
Coming from south you can find a XVII century fortress named Forte do Guincho, one of several military buildings that were part of the coast defensive line built after the revolution of Dec’1640 called “Restauração da Independência” - restoration of independence.
An interesting flower to look for and to care for is the Armeria pseudarmeria (Murray) Mansfeld. This species is at risk of extinction both because tourists pick them up due to its beauty during blooming and also because it only grows along these cliffs, which is quite of a restricted area. Photo from PNSC (Parque Nacional Sintra-Cascais - Natural Park Sintra-Cascais).
The granite is the king of the area presenting us magnificent cliffs often with more than 150m/492ft (+/-) high and with standalone rocks that looks like guardians of the coast always searching for the enemy boats at the horizon.
The sun sets at the west so one can take amazing sunset photos from the Cape Roca or very impressive photographs of the waves hitting the rocks.
I usually come here with Portuguese guests that will participate in mountain hiking tours to get to know them better. Depending of what particular trail you will choose, you can have an easy or difficult trail.
Have fun,
David Monteiro
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