# Cabo de São Vicente

> Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent) is the south-westernmost point of Portugal and of mainland Europe.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/cabo-de-sao-vicente/

A windswept headland with a lighthouse on cliffs high above the Atlantic, at the south-western tip of mainland Europe. Come for sunset, bring a windproof jacket and expect other visitors to do the same.

Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent) is the south-westernmost point of Portugal and of mainland Europe. The cliffs drop almost vertically some 75 metres to the Atlantic. The 24-metre lighthouse was built in 1846 on the remains of a Franciscan convent, and its light can be seen up to 60 kilometres away. The cape was regarded as sacred as far back as antiquity: the Greeks called it Ophiussa, the Romans Promontorium Sacrum.

It is named after the martyr Vincent of Saragossa, whose remains were, according to tradition, taken to Lisbon in 1173. Between 1337 and 1833 several naval battles were fought here, including the British victories over Spanish fleets in 1780 and 1797. Birds such as Bonelli's eagle and the peregrine falcon nest on the cliffs. The exposed headland can be windy, so a windproof jacket is sensible. Many visitors come for sunset; allow some extra time and arrive early.

- **Nearest town:** Sagres, Portugal
- **Category:** Scenic viewpoints
- **GPS:** 37.0231, -8.9966

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate.** Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

## Sources

- [Cape St. Vincent (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_St._Vincent)

## Nearby

- [Ponta da Piedade](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ponta-piedade/) – 30 km
- [Fóia](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b3-foia/) – 48 km
- [Algar de Benagil](https://camping-spirit.com/places/benagil/) – 51 km
- [Praia da Marinha](https://camping-spirit.com/places/praia-da-marinha/) – 52 km

## FAQs

### Where is Cabo de São Vicente?

Cabo de São Vicente is in Sagres, Portugal, at GPS 37.0231, -8.9966. It is about 30 km from Lagos.

### Can you camp near Cabo de São Vicente?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo de Sagres, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Cabo de São Vicente?

Places worth a stop nearby: Ponta da Piedade (30 km), Fóia (48 km), Algar de Benagil (51 km) and Praia da Marinha (52 km).

### When is the best time to visit Cabo de São Vicente?

The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)