Places to visit before you die -- Cabo da Roca(Cape Roca), Portugal

 

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal became one of major nations in Europe. Portugal eventually wielded its power to the new worlds and established its colonies in Africa, America and Far East. Since 19th century, Portugal lost most of its colonies and its power dramatically became weaker.

Since I admire the spirit of adventure and of ‘the Age of Exploration,’ visiting Portugal had been one of my bucket lists. When I planned a trip to Spain, I included Seville so that I could visit Portugal. There are two ways to go to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, from Spain. Either you fly from Madrid to Lisbon by plane or travel by night bus from Seville to Lisbon.   

If you visit Lisbon, you cannot afford to miss paying a visit to 'Cabo da Roca(Cape Roca).' It is a cape where many ships departed toward new worlds during 'the Age of Discovery.' You can make a day trip to ‘Cabo da Roca’ by public transportation, tour bus or rental car from Lisbon to Sintra to Cabo da Roca.

 

 

As you arrived in Cabo da Roca, the dramatic scenery unfolded before your eyes would take your breath away. Cabo da Roca is one of the most scenic cliff walks places in Europe. ‘Guincho’, a small village next to Cabo da Roca, -- the village’s name means “shriek” or “scream.” If you visit Cabo da Roca in winter, it is not difficult to find why. Cold wind blows so strong on the cliff that it is hard to walk straight. But it won’t bother you enjoying breathtaking landscape.   

 

A monument on the cape and words declaring Cabo da Roca as the end of European continent are engraved on it. "Here, where the land ends and the sea begins..." (from Portuguese poet Camoes).

References:

• Frank Riley, Portuguese Cliff Walks Around Cabo da Roca, Los Angeles Times, June 04,1989, http://articles.latimes.com/1989-06-04/travel/tr-2656_1_da-cliffs-16th-century