The Cabo de São Vicente (southwesternmost point of the European mainland) was known as the end of the inhabited world for a long time. This promontory was also meant to be a holy place in the prehistory.
Coordinates: 37°01’23.9″N 8°59’45.0″W
The seaway past the cape is one of the busiest shipping lanes worldwide.
The beacon is said to be the most luminous in Europe. Here the cliffs are about 70 m high and the light beam can be seen about 60 km far.
Many parking places are at disposal on the cape (in part unpaved). There are diverse stalls with regional handicraft and some food vans.
The cape is named after the Saint Vincent of Saragossa. In the 4th century he was terribly tortured to death in Valencia (Spain), his corpse was then sewed into the skin of an ox and thrown into the sea. Centuries later his corpse is, according to a legend, said to have been washed up in a boat.
However, there are further stories that in part differ very much.
Even if it is generally very warm in the Algarve, from autumn to springtime a windbreaker is necessary here.
Tip: Please hold distance to the edges of the cliffs (especially with strong wind).
Cliffs, breakers and a broad view toward America. A sight that today gives us itchy feet, formerly represented the fear of the unknown.
View northwards, the rocks are very steep, one feels the changing wind. The different currents of the sea can often be spotted with the naked eye.
The access to the small museum is located inside the facility.
Topics are:
- Technology and history of the beacon
- The history of the saint
- Portuguese discoveries
Opening hours:
April to September 10 – 18 h
October to March 10 – 17 h
The entrance fee is 1 Euro.