Living in Portugal has given me and my crew incredible opportunities to explore many places. One spot that had been on my bucket list for a while was Cabo da Roca, a top-rated family destination in Portugal. The Western-most point in Europe is just minutes from our home, and yet it took us a few years to get there!

Once we finally made our way there (we went while kids were in school for a day date), the amazing views, the powerful cliffside landscape, and stunning natural beauty totally took my breath away. Needless to say, we later made the trip as a family, and — it didn’t disappoint. And hey, who else gets to say they stood at the edge of the world?

Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, is located on the coast of Portugal. It’s known for its dramatic cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s also part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Whether you’re planning a full-day or half-day trip, here you’ll be able to hike, take a tour at the lighthouse, explore nearby beaches, and enjoy a few other activities that your kids will absolutely love (because trust me, mine sure did!). So here’s everything you need to know for a perfect day at Cabo da Roca.

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First Things First: How To Get to Cabo de Roca?

Cabo de Roca is located about 25 miles (or 40 km) from Lisbon — roughly 30 minutes by car from Cascais and 20 minutes tops from Sintra, since it’s within that municipality. The truth is, the best way to get to Cabo de Roca from Lisbon is by car. But don’t worry — no matter your budget (or how big, or small, your family is), there are options for everyone!

Get to Cabo da Roca From Lisbon

When it comes to traveling from Lisbon, you’ve got many options! So here’s a quick breakdown of how you can do it:

• Tour: Many people choose tours that include multiple stops in a single day, like Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. It’s a super comfy option, since transportation will be provided. Plus, having a guide is great when you’ve got curious kids (or tired ones!). And let’s be honest: stress-free travel is gold when you’re with the family.

• Train: A good option to get to Cabo de Roca is by taking a train to either Sintra or to Cascais. In the case of Sintra, you can take the train from the Rossio station (the most popular, since it departs from the historic center of Lisbon) or the Oriente station. In the case of Cascais, the train runs from Cais do Sodré station (main station in Lisbon for the coastal train). Once you arrive, you can grab an Uber, rent a car (if you are going to explore several areas), or hop on a local bus to reach Cabo da Roca.

Tip: The train line 19001 gets you from Lisbon to Cascais in about 40 minutes and costs between €2 and €14.

• Bus: You’ll find several bus companies that operate routes between Lisbon and Sintra or Cascais. Buses depart from different locations in Lisbon, and can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

• Car: This is one of the most straightforward ways to get around. If you prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a car and getting to Cabo da Roca is the way to go. This journey takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic, and gives you the freedom to explore other nearby attractions at your own pace.

From Sintra or Cascais to Cabo da Roca

Let’s say you decide to take the bus. Don’t worry — it’s easy! Whether you go from Sintra or Cascais, there are many bus routes that stop by Cabo da Roca. 

If you have the extra time, take at least an hour or two to go around and explore both towns. If you don’t know what to do at Sintra, here’s a quick guide on what our family did while staying there. And we also have a post on our trip to Cascais and the best things to do with kids there!

Driving from Sintra to Cabo da Roca takes about 40 minutes and, once you get there, parking is free. However, if you opt for the bus, all the buses are run by Carris Metropolitana. In both places, buses depart every 30 minutes, so no matter what time you arrive, you won’t miss your bus!

The route 1624 works for both locations, and it will cost you, for a single ride ticket, €2.60. But if you want to purchase your return ticket, it will cost you €5.20 in total, and it will take you approximately 35 minutes to get there.

6 Things You Can Do at Cabo Da Roca With Kids

When we arrived at Cabo da Roca, we were totally speechless. You can see the lighthouse from a distance, and its stunning coastal views were something that took a moment to grasp. After visiting Cabo da Roca myself, I’ve got plenty to share about what to do once you’re there — and you won’t want to miss it.

Before I tell you all about the tours and activities you can do at Cabo da Roca, I have to let you know that, since this is a pretty remote place, you will probably walk the whole place and do all there is to do in an hour or less. And, if you or your kids get hungry (mine sometimes do), there is only a small restaurant on site you can try – but you can also bring your own food. 

Also, if your crew needs to take a trip to the restroom, keep in mind that you will only be able to find one near the tourist information center, and it costs €0.50. 

Now let’s get down to all the things there are to do:

1. Do Some Hiking: This is one of the most popular activities when visiting Cabo da Roca because of its location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. This is a great place to start a hike or even end one and enjoy its stunning sunset! We chose the northern trails — they’re quieter and safer for kids. 

2. Go to the Beach: Here you have many beach options! If you decide to go on the southern hike, you will find Praia da Assentiz on a 800 meters distance and Praia do Louriçal that is 1 km away (both less than 20 minutes). But heads up — these trails aren’t super kid-friendly, so I highly recommend doing what we did and head north!
   
   The other two beaches that you will find on the northern side are Praia da Ursa and Praia da Adraga. The first one is only 1km or a 20 min hike. I highly recommend this beach as here you’ll be able to see the sea pillars better. The second one is 2 km or a 40 minute hike.

3. Visit the Lighthouse: Did you know this is one of the oldest, and still operating, lighthouses in Europe? This makes the Cabo da Roca lighthouse a must-see landmark during your family trip to Sintra or Lisbon! It was built in 1772 and it stands 165m from sea level. While you can’t go inside, it’s still worth it to get close and enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffside scenery.
   
   If you’d like to learn more about Cabo da Roca’s Lighthouse history and significance, I’d highly suggest you visit the tourist information center for any additional information.

4. Go to the Cabo da Roca’s Poem Monument: To get to the monument, you can go directly from the parking lot as you will find a trail that leads you there. This is a great spot for pictures with your family and friends! This monument features a quote by Luís Vaz de Camões, who described Cabo da Roca as “where the land ends and the sea begins”. And from here you can see many paths that take you to the lighthouse.

5. Take in the ocean views: This is something that will not be hard to do. Everywhere you turn you’ll see breathtaking views, no matter where you’re standing! So, be sure to take a moment to soak in all you can: watch the waves as they crash against the stone cliffs, the deep blue color of the ocean and also, if you are a bit late, enjoy the sunset. Be sure to follow as many trails as you can to get all the different points of view.

6. Visit the Tourism Office: Whether you have a question about Cabo da Roca or you’re just wandering around, the tourism office is a great place to get a one of a kind souvenir: a certificate in a handwritten-style that states you were, indeed, in the most western point of Europe! This certificate costs €11, and you can get it also in a Braille version.

Tips for Visiting Cabo Da Roca With Kids

• Where to Stay: Cabo da Roca is not a place where you can find hotels on site, so be mindful when doing a trip here; you should book a nearby hotel or Airbnb like the Arribas Sintra Hotel. This hotel has really great views, is family friendly, and it’s only a 20 minute drive to Cabo da Roca.

• Parking: If you rent or own a car, you will notice that parking is free. You won’t have to worry about where to park or paying too much, and you will be able to spend as much time as you please at Cabo da Roca. However, during some seasons, parking can be full, so you must arrive early to find a good spot!

• Opening Hours: Cabo da Roca is open 24 hours everyday, so it can be visited all year long! Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip during summer or winter break, this is a destination you can enjoy year-round.

• Weather: I highly advise you bring lightweight jackets for you, your partner, and all your crew, as weather can be a bit chillier than Sintra and Cascais. In our case, the day was a bit cloudy. Being so close to the Atlantic Ocean has its wonders, but it can bring really strong winds. So carry a jacket for everyone, no matter if you visit during summer!

• Safety: Keep a close eye on your kids. There are cliffs, and it can be very windy! Some areas do not have barriers on the trails, so you will have to be very careful when exploring with your family.

• Best season to visit: Every season has its ups and downs. Summer has the longest and warmest days, but it also has the most crowded ones. Winter has less tourists, but it’s colder. Consider which time of the year is best for you and your kids.

• Time of day: Because of Cabo da Roca breathtaking views, sunset is one of the most popular times of the day! It’s romantic, it looks great in photos, and there’s just something so magical about sunsets, right? However, you can also get up early and enjoy sunrises, although you’d have to consider if your kids are early birds or not!

• Accessibility: As I have mentioned before, some of the trails are not safe for kids (or at least use extreme caution). Also, some areas are not stroller or wheelchair accessible. So, if you have to bring one, be aware of this. Carriers might be better options for visiting with really young kids.

• Photos: You’ll see that pretty much every corner over Cabo da Roca is insta-perfect! You’ll find really cool spots where you can take gorgeous family photos. There are many options: you can hire a local photographer, or pack up lots of batteries, bring a camera, and take them on your own!

What To Bring When Visiting Cabo Da Roca

I’ve already touched on bringing jackets for you and all your kids. Comfy shoes are a must for pretty much all trips! Here are some of my recommendations for a day trip to Cabo da Roca with your kids:

1. Hiking or walking shoes: Hiking on Cabo da Roca can be a bit tricky, so wearing sandals is going to be hard! Be sure to wear some sneakers or, at least, comfortable walking shoes for you, your partner, and your kids, because you’ll probably walk a lot that day!

2. Towels: If you plan to spend time on the beach, and the weather is sunny, bring a set of towels! Whether you go on your own or you have to use a bus, it’s better to get dry before hopping on a 20 minute drive wet! So be sure to pack your towels for all your family.

3. Bag: It’s always a good idea to have a bag when traveling! Make sure to bring a small backpack or a comfortable bag for your shoulders. You won’t want to carry anything too heavy that you won’t be needing. Also, be sure to pack useful things like sunblock, a small first aid kit, and some snacks… trust me your kids (and husband) will appreciate it!

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After spending a full day at Cabo da Roca, we felt incredibly grateful. Not everyone has the chance to set foot on what is, literally, the westernmost point of Europe, the end of the world, and the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Before our eyes, a sea that has witnessed ships sailing those blue waters for thousands of years! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a memorable day trip with your family, visiting Cabo da Roca is a fantastic option! It offers stunning views, fun hiking trails, and relaxing beaches—the perfect place for adventure and nature for your whole family. Don’t forget to get your souvenir certificate!

Additional Readings

23 Hidden Gems Of Portugal For Families + Bonus Spots

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary With Kids In São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

Eating Your Way Through Portugal – Traditional Food You Can’t Miss!