Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) is a cape that forms the westernmost point of mainland Portugal, and hence the westernmost point of the European mainland. It was known to the Romans as 'Promontorium Magnum'.

Related Topics:
Cape - Westernmost point - Portugal - Westernmost point - Europe - Romans

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It is located in Lisbon district, 40 kilometres west of Lisbon and 18 kilometres west of Sintra in the Serra de Sintra nature park. Its coordinates, {{coor dm|38|47|N|9|30|W|}}, are inscribed on a stone plaque on the monument at the site. The cliff rises out of the Atlantic Ocean to approximately 140 metres above sea level. On top of it sit a lighthouse and a tourist desk. The cape is a popular tourist attraction. Every Sunday morning is common to see many bikers gathered to share their thoughts and experiences about motorcycles.

Related Topics:
Lisbon - Lisbon - Sintra - Serra de Sintra - Atlantic Ocean - Lighthouse

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The poet Luís de Camões defined Cabo da Roca as the place "where the land ends and the sea begins" (Portuguese: "Onde a terra acaba e o mar começa"). Compare Cape Finisterre (literally End of land) in Spain and Land's End in the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Luís de Camões - Portuguese - Cape Finisterre - Spain - Land's End - United Kingdom

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