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

in #travel6 years ago (edited)

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. 

 
Take care, Leo https://www.instagram.com/leodomingox/ 

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