Last Updated on March 28, 2024
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Most people who visit Lisbon in Portugal for a few days, set aside at least one day to venture out of the city. The most popular daytrip is without a doubt a charming town of Sintra, which can be reached from Lisbon’s Rossio station in just under one hour. While you are already in Sintra, you can combine it with a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Getting from Sintra to Cabo da Roca is very easy using public transportation.
Cabo da Roca is a 150 m cliff and the westernmost point of mainland Europe. When you arrive, you see that there isn’t much there. The monument, the lighthouse and a gift shop is all you will find. However, you don’t really need anything else, because you go to Cabo da Roca for the views. The main draw is the stunning and dramatic view of the coastline you get, when you stand near the cliffs. It was my first introduction to the Portuguese coastline, and I can’t wait to see more.
” Where the land ends, and the sea begins”
You can find these exact words of a Portuguese poet Luis Camoes on the plaque of the monument at Cabo da Roca. As you stand near the cliffs and look around, you see that they perfectly describe this beautiful spot.
How to get from Sintra to Cabo da Roca
Getting from Sintra to Cabo da Roca is very easy, even if you do not have a rental car. A local bus 1253 runs very frequently from Sintra’s train station making a stop at Cabo da Roca. For years that route was operated by 403 bus, but since a new bus company took over in January 2023, the bus 1253 is the one you want to take. It’s simply replacement for the 403.
The 1253 bus runs every 20-30 minutes, depending on time of day and takes about 40 minutes to get to Cabo da Roca. You really can’t miss your stop, as the bus stops right in front of it.
One way ticket costs €2.60 paid directly to the driver. Viva Viagem card is not accepted, as it’s a different bus company. So be sure to have some change to pay on the bus.
There is another bus 1624, which runs from Sintra to Cacais, with a stop in Cabo da Roca. However, this bus leaves from near the Portela de Sintra train station, not the main one. Portela de Sintra is the second to last stop on the Lisbon – Sintra train route, so if you are already in the historic center of Sintra and plan on going to Cabo da Roca from there, it’s not a convenient option.
Even though there are many people visiting, there was still plenty of room to walk around. It seemed like most of them gathered near the monument. All it took, was to head towards the cliffs, and take a walk along the trails to admire the amazing coastline with significantly less people around.
This little side trip is something not to be missed. Other than the cost of the bus, it’s completely free. There is no entry fee and if you arrive by car, parking is free as well. Lately there have been reports of someone trying to charge for parking, so beware! It’s a scam. Parking at Cabo da Roca is FREE!
If you don’t think the pictures you take are enough evidence you’ve been to the westernmost point of continental Europe, you can get a certificate at the gift shop, confirming your visit. I opted out, but it can make for a nice souvenir.
How to get from Cabo da Roca to Lisbon
Other than taking a taxi, there is no direct way to get to Lisbon from Cabo da Roca. When you are ready to head back to Lisbon, all you need to do is hop on the next 1624 bus and go all the way to Cascais. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes.
Unlike the old bus 403, the new 1253 bus does not go to Cascais, but does circular route through Sintra. So the only bus option from Cabo da Roca to Cascais is now 1624.
Once in Cascais, you need to take a train to Lisbon. The train station is right in the center of town, across the street from the last bus stop. The urban railway Linha de Cascais runs frequently and the journey takes about 40 minutes. One way ticket costs €2.25 and you can use your Viva Viagem card. Once in Lisbon, the train arrives at Cais do Sodre station ( not Rossio station ).
Cabo da Roca tours
While I encourage you to visit Cabo da Roca on your own, as it’s very easy and cheap, there are other ways to get there. Many tour operators offer day trips out of Lisbon, combining Sintra with a visit to to the point, and often nearby Cascais. The tours are a great option for those, who decide that after all, they don’t want to deal with bus and train schedule and transfers.
READ MORE:
- One day in Sintra – a perfect day trip from Lisbon
- 10 days in Portugal – the perfect itinerary by train
- 3 days in Lisbon – best things to do on your first visit
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