The Little-Known Day Trip In Portugal Rick Steves Suggests For A Unique Sunset Experience

Before European explorers landed their ships in North America, the westernmost point in Europe — a place known as Cabo da Roca — was considered the end of the world. Today, this eerie and windswept locale is a fantastic place to watch the skies change colors as the sun drops into the ocean, says Rick Steves. In his blog, he writes, "Just beyond Sintra, the rugged and picturesque Cabo da Roca is a pleasant side trip to your side trip."  Given its location, he notes, "Here's your the chance to be the last person in Europe to see the sun set." Make sure to bring a jacket, as the winds are strong and chilly here. 

Cabo da Roca is conveniently located around 25 miles northwest of Lisbon and 11 miles west of Sintra. You won't find much at Cabo da Roca except "a little shop, a café, and an endless ocean vista," says Steves. At the store, it's possible to purchase a certificate that proves you were at the westernmost point in Europe. Besides admiring the ocean and sunset views, you can also check out the surreal lighthouse at the top of the headland. The striking red and white tower was erected in 1772, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal. 

Ambitious walkers can explore the coast around Cabo da Roca on foot. A few trails trace the cliffs and lead to some nearby beaches, including the pretty pebble beach of Praia do Louriçal and the sandy beach of Praia da Ursa, with its dramatic rock formations. The hike from Cabo da Roca down to Praia da Ursa is not overly difficult but can get slippery at the end, so it's recommended to hang onto the fixed rope. Please wear supportive shoes and stay behind the fence when walking near the cliffs, as the ground can be unstable here. 

Besides Cabo da Roca, there are many more gems to discover in this part of Portugal that are reachable by day trip from Lisbon, providing a break from the chaos of the crowded city. Spend a day wandering through the enchanting fairy-tale castles of Sintra and stroll the colorful streets of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera. Another destination that makes for a great day trip from Lisbon is Évora, which Rick Steves says reminds him of Tuscany, Italy. "With an untouched provincial atmosphere, a fascinating whitewashed old town, museums, a cathedral, a chapel of bones, and even a Roman temple, Évora stands proudly in a vast sea of cork and olive trees," he noted in a travel guide.