I have mentioned this place before. But it is almost mandatory to go there every few years and take tons of photos. The place itself doesn't change much. It's all hard rocks and a lighthouse. But what changes is the weather. And it changes fast! Not only was the aura different every time I was there (from calm and sunny to very cold and windy), but this time I saw it changing minute after minute.
Just around 20 km away, the day was pretty hot and very sunny, but as we were getting closer, the temperature dropped to around 22 degrees (which I find perfect) with thick, grey clouds above.
It is the westernmost part of continental Europe and one of the most visited places in Portugal as well. Especially since it is very close to Lisbon and there are tours organized just to get there.
Tons of tourists nonstop!
The cliffs are around 160 meters above the ocean, and they are very steep with lots of sharp rocks on the bottom and strong waves at the bottom. The fence is to protect people, and crossing it is a pretty dumb idea. Yet some still do and once in a while there is news that someone fell to the ocean and died.
Some Azulejos (the tiles) on one of buildings there show the lighthouse as well.
And a typical Portuguese windmill. They can still be found around the countryside. Some are in a terrible state; some have been bought, renovated, and changed to living homes or summer houses.
The last one, in typical white and blue colours, shows Pena National Palace, located in Sintra. Another place worth visiting and very close by
I couldn't get enough of the ocean view with so many shades of blue. It seemed like the clouds were touching it (and soon after did).
There is a path that leads to this other part (you can see it in the photo below) though signs do not advise to go there.
The clouds were slowly reaching the little town between the hills.
At this time of the year (middle of the summer) most plants were dry and just a few very hardy flowers and bushes were still green or blooming. In spring, all the area is covered in blooming bushes - mostly Rockrose and Carpobrotus in yellow, or pink. It looks pretty amazing then.
After a quick walk around, coffee and dozens of photos taken we left as we had another spot to visit...
... hidden between all the pretty rocks.
But that part I will leave for another time :)
And as we followed a narrow path that led us there, the clouds were getting lower... and lower.
This was maybe 15 min walk and the tip of the lighthouse was already hiding in the clouds.
On the way back the whole Cabo da Roca was covered in thick clouds. I can imagine the people that went there on a planned visit and tight schedule were pretty pissed. It was impossible to see the ocean or the cliffs around anymore.
Bonus shot:
I still don't get why people put the tiny stickers around. Mostly on road signs or some boards dedicated for local news.
But I do know that some ether people like to spot those :)
Shot with OnePlus 7 Pro
All photos and text are my own.