Portugal Postcard's - Cabo da Roca & Praia da Ursa

If you go to Sintra, don’t miss the chance to visit the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca.

Located at latitude 38º 47´north and longitude 9º 30´west, Cabo da Roca is an important coordinate for those sailing along the coast, as it is the most westerly point of mainland Europe.
Around 150 meters above the sea, here you can have a panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra and the coast, which makes it worth the visit.

Historical records indicate that there was a fort on Cabo da Roca in the 17th century that played an important part in guarding the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, forming a defensive line along the coast, especially during the Peninsular Wars. Today there are only traces, as well as the lighthouse which is still an important point for navigation.

It lies within the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and is one of the points of interest on the walking trails that can be followed here, along the coast.

Just north of Cabo da Roca is a little gem of a beach - Praia da Ursa. Unspoiled and wild, this little beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the area. The name of the beach comes from the "Rocha da Ursa" (bear rock) one of two huge sea stacks at the northern end of the beach. It is said that the rock resembles a bear with its cub, although I can't quite see this myself!

This beach is a little off the beaten track and access is difficult to say the least. It involves a bit of a scrabble down a steep sided valley with plenty of loose rocks under foot. Maybe this is why Praia da Ursa is one of the area's unofficial naturist beaches.