What would you expect to find at the End of the World? Certainly not a gift shop selling exceptional marine sculptures! But I was very taken with ‘Nemo’ and his friends, even though I’d come all this way to admire a lighthouse and gaze out in the direction of the Americas. Cabo de Sáo Vicente lies at the south westernmost tip of Portugal, and indeed of Europe, just 6 km around the coast from Sagres. It’s a spectacular location, the cliffs rising almost vertically from the Atlantic to a height of 75 metres.
Peer hard at the clifftops and you might observe some tiny humans, just to give you some idea of scale. Not being especially nimble of foot, I usually remain behind the camera on these occasions. Opening time is at 10.00 and fortunately this seems to coincide with the time at which the sea fog starts to roll back, revealing the stacks in all their beauty.
As you round the bay approaching the lighthouse, your eye is snagged by the Fortaleza de Beliche. I never can resist a good fortress, and as we were a little early for the lighthouse it made sense to go there first, though not quite sure what we’d find.
More enticing views, and a rugged path down the cliff, but my right flipflop chose this moment to part company with its sole. Obviously a warning! Running repairs meant that I could at least slow shuffle as far as the lighthouse. Still, a 16th century fortress, once under attack by Sir Francis Drake, no less, was a welcome addition to my walk. Access to the chapel is no longer possible as the site was closed due to erosion in the 1990s. Seabirds glide around the cliffs and dolphins frolic in the water below. Here, nature reigns supreme.
The promontory of Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de Sáo Vicente) was regarded as sacred ground as far back as neolithic times. The Ancient Greeks dedicated a temple here to Heracles, and of course, the Romans were here too. Naval battles aplenty were fought offshore, but it’s easy to imagine this tranquil place as having magical qualities. The setting sun hissing into the ocean was once thought to mark the edge of the known world.
The present lighthouse is 24 metres high and was built in 1846 over the ruins of a 16th century Franciscan convent. It guards one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and is among the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Much later we could see it from our hotel in Sagres, as dusk fell. But it’s time for a much needed coffee stop, a little more artwork and some great entertainment, watching people clamber onto the giant chair for a photo opportunity. And yes, the coffee and pastries were extortionate, but they were awfully nice.
When we left there was a whole array of takeaway coffee and burger vans setting up in the parking space outside. Understandable, but, as there was no admission charge on the lighthouse, I didn’t begrudge spending a little in the coffee shop. If they’d sold flipflops in the gift shop I’d have bought those too. My one disappointment was not to be able to ascend the lighthouse.
Sagres was an interesting experience and I loved the sea breezes, but I’m keeping posts minimal for now. Many thanks for your continued support. Life remains hot, and busy. Apologies if I’ve missed anybody from the following round up. Enjoy!
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Let Drake take you on a voyage of discovery :
Carol shares the beauty of her native Australia :
And Rupali always shares the gift of love :
Midsummer seems so long ago, but you’ll enjoy this offering from Ulli :
Prehistoric Midsummer at Woodhenge
Who doesn’t love poppies? Margaret’s an early riser :
It’s Worth Going Walking Quite Early…
Janet’s away on holiday, but she left this treasure before departing :
And it’s a while since Sandra wrote this. The blackberries may be ripe now!
Eunice walks most weekends, in a lovely area, so if you visit her you’ll be spoiled for choice :
Heysham – a walk in three parts
Brinscall to White Coppice walk
I don’t know if you know Aiva, but she does some fabulous walks in Ireland :
A fantastic Walk of the Weekend : the Killaspugbrone Loop Walk in Sligo
And finally, out and about again, Cathy takes us on an irresistible tour of street art :
A mural walk in Washington on a hot July day
Wherever you are, I hope that life is treating you kindly. It certainly has its ups and downs.
restlessjo 
Hi Jo, what a lovely coast walk. I dream of retiring to the Oregon Coast some day. Love the water, the fog, the blue sky and always bring a kite to fly. Here’s my walk for today. https://libraryladytravels.com/2020/07/26/a-walk-in-the-woods-or-beating-those-stay-cation-blues/
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That coast looks fabulous, but I’m happy enough with my local choices. On my way to explore with you now 🙂 🙂
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A walk along cliffs is good for the circulation. 😉
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If not the flip-flops 🤣🤣
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Jo are you looking for walks for your entry this Monday? I have one written up but currently scheduled for Monday evening. I can bring it forward to tomorrow if you like. I ask as I read above you are keeping posts to a minimum so am wondering if you are ok or have I missed something during my longish break from blogging…. Certainly hope you are well.
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Hiya Albert 🙂 🙂 Good to have you back! I won’t be posting on Monday as I have family coming to stay next week. I’ve had a number of issues, some of them technology related, and I’ve had neither time nor inclination to sort them out. With luck there’ll be a Monday post the following week so if you link to this or leave your link on here I’ll pick it up for that. Take care! 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo – I have just not been in the mood for writing but hopefully that’s over now. I hope your issues will resolve themselves quickly and I that you have a great week with your family members. I will leave postings as currently scheduled and put in a link as requested. Stay safe. 🙂 🙂
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Edge of the World looks stunning Jo, such wonderful views and lovely blue skies. And to top off the walk with coffee and a bun is perfect.
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It wasn’t much of a walk, Jonno but I was happy just being surrounded by beauty. Did you and Jo ever complete your long distance ramble? I know it was just to give you an incentive. 🙂 🙂
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Yep we completed our 195 miles to Trafalgar Square in May and did around 700 miles in total in Devon. Our legs are completely worn out!
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What wonderful scenery and such blue sea & sky!
A couple of years ago I was walking along a beach when the sole decided to partially remove itself from the rest of my trainer… It was a long walk back to the hotel that evening with the sole flapping about! 😀
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I have a bit of a reputation for this kind of thing. Fortunately serious walking wasn’t the plan that day, but I would have liked to scramble down the cliff a bit. Not too much, you understand! 🤣💕
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Those blues; it’s so grey here I’ve almost forgotten how blue the sky can be. Thanks Jo; these images are a tonic!
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It’s wall to wall blue, Su, but those ocean breezes help so much 🤗🌊💕
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Sounds blissful. 🙂
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We loved Sagres! Thanks for the return trip, despite the flipflop fail! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Kelly 🙂 🙂 Great to have you along!
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RJo – wow – that drop to the sea is toe-curling, and the boat near the cliff is the perfect way to thrill. Such a lovely coastline. Lucky you! Health and happiness – Susan
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It was a wonderful contrast to the Eastern Algarve, Susan. I even felt cold some of the time 🤣🤣💕
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A fabulous place to enjoy the joys of nature. But very slowly considering your footwear…. Such intense blues.
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Just once in a while we come upon a grey day, Pauline. I think it’s today. Matches the mood 🙂 🙂
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Never did trust flip-flops. Now I know why. Then again, even in tennies I’ve managed to trip on a curb and fall flat on my face. Quite embarrassing at my age! 😀
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I sympathise entirely. I can fall over a ‘hole sticking up in the ground’, too 🙂 🙂
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Spectacular views is an understatement. Ahhhh … the beauty of rocky shorelines. 🙂
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Gotta love them, Frank 🙂 🙂
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Ah yes, it is such a gorgeous and dramatic location. I too stayed way way away from the paths that veered towards the end with their sheer drops. Definitely not my thing. Are those pasteis de nata I spy on your plate? Yum
Peta
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They are, Peta. That was, in fact, breakfast that morning. 🙂 🙂
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