What to do · Sintra
Cabo da Roca and its lighthouse
Information
- From
- €5 the essential lighthouse visit
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- All year; best at sunset
- Who it's for
- Everyone; keep an eye on children at the edge
What it is
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of continental Europe: a tip of the Sintra mountains that drops into the Atlantic in cliffs of about 140 metres. It is about 18 km from the centre of Sintra by road, within the Sintra-Cascais natural park. At the top there is an esplanade with a stone monument that marks the spot, a viewpoint with a railing and the lighthouse.
What you see is open sea, with nothing in front of you until America, and the line of cliffs to the north and to the south.
The lighthouse
The Cabo da Roca lighthouse is one of the six that the Marquis of Pombal ordered built by a letter of 1758, and has operated since 1772: today it is the second oldest on the Portuguese coast. It is run by Parques de Sintra, which opened it to the public in July 2026.
There are two visits. The essential one covers the courtyard and the interpretation space on the history of the lighthouse and of navigation on this coast. The panoramic one adds the climb to the top, with a broad view over the Atlantic. The courtyard and interpretation space are open from 9:30 to 17:30.
Tickets and prices
- Essential visit: €5 adults, over-65s and young people aged 6 to 17; €15 for the family ticket of two adults and two young people.
- Panoramic visit: €10 adults, €7.50 over-65s, €5 young people; €20 for the family one.
- Children under 6 do not pay.
The viewpoint and the esplanade of the cape are free and open at any hour.
How to get there
From Lisbon, take the Sintra line train (Rossio, Oriente or Entrecampos) to Sintra and, at the station, the Carris Metropolitana bus 1253 to the cape. From Cascais, the 1624 leaves from the terminal and passes the cape on its way to Portela de Sintra, via Azóia and Almoçageme. That way you can do a circuit: Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo da Roca – Cascais – Lisbon, returning on the Cascais train.
By car you get there on the EN 247 from Cascais or from Colares. There are also waymarked trails from Cascais, Colares and the Sintra mountains.
When to go
All year. Sunset is the prettiest time, with the sun dropping into the sea in front of you, and also the busiest. In winter and in fog, which is frequent here, the cape turns grey and the wind can be very strong: check the forecast before coming.
Bring a coat even if it is hot in Lisbon. There is no shade on the esplanade.
With children
It works well if you go with a coat and a firm hand near the edge. The essential visit to the lighthouse, at €5, is short and they like it. For under-6s it is free.
Combine it
From Sintra, the cape makes a good afternoon after Monserrate, which is on the way along the Colares road, or after a day of palaces high in the mountains such as Pena Palace.
Tips
- Come at the end of the afternoon The sunset light falls head-on on the cliffs. If you want to visit the lighthouse, arrive before 17:30.
- Do the circuit by public transport Go up from Sintra on the 1253 and come down to Cascais on the 1624; from Cascais you return by train to Lisbon.
- Choose the panoramic visit when the sky is clear In fog the climb up the lighthouse is not worth it: stick with the €5 essential one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Cabo da Roca lighthouse cost?
The essential visit, €5; the panoramic, €10 for adults and €5 for young people aged 6 to 17. Under-6s do not pay. The viewpoint is free.
How do you get there without a car?
On Carris Metropolitana bus 1253 from Sintra station, or the 1624 from Cascais.
Is it really the westernmost point of Europe?
Of continental Europe, yes. The Atlantic islands, such as the Azores, lie further west.
As a family
