Between enchanting, culturally rich Sintra and the beach resort of Cascais you'll discover a totally different face of Lisbon's environs in this protected natural park. The windswept Cabo da Roca and its lighthouse mark continental Europe's westernmost point and are the main reason that most people make the journey. As with many such places, stalls purvey shell souvenirs and other gimmicks; an information desk and gift shop sells a certificate that verifies your visit. Even without the certificate, though, the memory of this desolate granite cape will linger. The cliffs tumble to a frothing sea below, and on the cape a simple cross bears an inscription by Portuguese national poet Luís de Camões. You can reach the cape from Cascais (30 minutes) or Sintra (40 minutes) by local bus, with regular departures from outside either town's train station.
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