Portugal's westernmost coastline offers one of Europe's most spectacular road trips. This region has witnessed:

• Prehistoric times (dinosaur footprints from 150 million years ago)
• Moorish rule (8th-12th century place names like "Sintra")
• Age of Discovery (16th century forts watching for pirates)
• Romantic era (19th century aristocratic retreats)

This self-drive tour covers 120km of dramatic coastline with stops at geological wonders, hidden beaches, and historic sites. All locations are accessible by car with short walks.

Driving Route & Key Stops

1. Campos de Lapiás

📍 GPS: 38.7256° N, 9.4725° W

• Geology: Karst limestone formations created by 90 million years of erosion
• What to do:
  • Walk carefully across the razor-sharp ridges (wear sturdy shoes)
  • Look for fossilized marine organisms in the rock
  • Photograph the surreal landscape (best morning light)
• Parking: Small gravel lot (free)
• Nearby: 5-minute drive to Boca do Inferno

2. Boca do Inferno (Devil's Mouth)

📍 Estrada do Guincho, Cascais

• Geology: Collapsed sea cave where waves create thunderous explosions
• Best time: Visit 1 hour before high tide for most dramatic waves
• What to do:
  • Walk the cliffside path to different viewpoints
  • Watch local fishermen casting lines from precarious perches
  • Visit the small interpretive center about coastal erosion
• Legend: Named for the roaring "devilish" sounds during storms
• Facilities: Café and restrooms available

3. Guia Lighthouse (Farol da Guia)

📍 Av. Nossa Sra. do Cabo, Cascais

• History: Built in 1761, Portugal's 3rd oldest lighthouse
• Technical: 28m tall with visibility up to 23 nautical miles
• What to do:
  • Walk the 500m cliff path for panoramic views
  • Visit the small maritime museum (weekends only)
  • Photograph the classic red-and-white striped tower
• Access: Exterior always open, interior by appointment

4. Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos

📍 EN247, km 7

• Military History:
  • Built 1642 during Portuguese Restoration War
  • Star-shaped design optimized for cannon defense
• **What to do:
  • Explore the vaulted casemates and ramparts
  • See original 17th century stonework and gun ports
  • Walk the perimeter trail with ocean views
• Hours: Saturday/Sunday 10AM-5PM (free entry)

5. Farol do Cabo Raso

📍 Cliffside near Guincho

• History: First lit in 1894, automated in 1980s
• Architecture: Unique square tower design
• **What to do:
  • Walk the 1km coastal trail to abandoned military bunkers
  • Birdwatch for peregrine falcons nesting in cliffs
  • Photography the lonely lighthouse against Atlantic waves
• Access: Exterior viewing only (lighthouse closed to public)

6. Praia da Arriba

📍 Near Azóia village

• Geology: Textbook example of sedimentary rock layers
• **What to do:
  • Fossil hunting (common finds: shells, coral imprints)
  • Rockpool exploring at low tide
  • Coastal meditation on the secluded pebble beach
• Safety: No lifeguards - dangerous swimming conditions
• Parking: Small dirt lot (5 minute walk to beach)

7. Forte da Crismina

📍 Off EN247

• Military History: WWII observation post (1941)
• Street Art: Rotating murals by Portuguese artists
• **What to do:
  • Explore the graffiti-covered bunker complex
  • Walk the clifftop path to hidden viewpoints
  • Photography urban art against ocean backdrop
• Access: Always open, uneven terrain

8. Praia do Guincho

📍 Europe's top windsurfing beach

• Conditions: Consistent Atlantic swells and winds
• **What to do:
  • Watch professional windsurfers (best afternoon winds)
  • Walk the extensive dune system (protected ecosystem)
  • Dine at Michelin-starred Restaurante Fortaleza do Guincho
• Facilities: Surf schools, equipment rentals, showers

9. Forte do Guincho

📍 Next to Praia do Guincho

• History: 1642 fortress converted to luxury pousada
• Architecture: Well-preserved bastion walls
• **What to do:
  • Tour the historic ramparts (free access)
  • Sunset drinks at the cliffside bar
  • Fine dining with ocean views
• Room rates: From €200/night (historic suites)

10. Cabo da Roca

📍 Europe's westernmost point

• Landmark: Stone monument marking continental edge
• **What to do:
  • Get official "westernmost point" certificate (€11)
  • Walk the cliffside trails to hidden viewpoints
  • Visit the small souvenir shop and café
• Hours: 9AM-7PM (longer in summer)
• Parking: Large paid lot (€2/hour)

11. Ursa Beach

📍 Steep trail from Cabo da Roca

• Geology: Dramatic sea stacks resembling bears
• **Hike details:
  • 30 minute descent (challenging return climb)
  • Wear proper hiking shoes
  • Not recommended after rain
• Safety: No lifeguards - dangerous swimming
• Photography: Best morning light on sea stacks

12. Praia da Adraga

📍 Almoçageme

• Features: Golden sand beach with sea caves
• **What to do:
  • Explore caves at low tide
  • Dine at famous seafood restaurant O Pescador
  • Walk the cliff path to Almoçageme village
• Facilities: Showers, lifeguards in summer
• Parking: Paid lot (€3/day)

13. Dinosaur Footprints

📍 North end of Praia Grande

• Paleontology: Over 100 theropod tracks
• Best viewing: 2 hours before/after low tide
• **What to do:
  • Follow the marked fossil trail
  • Visit interpretation panels (Portuguese/English)
  • See where "The Marsh" movie was filmed
• Guided tours: Available through Sintra Parks

14. Azenhas do Mar Viewpoint

📍 Cliffside village

• Architecture: Whitewashed houses cascading down cliffs
• **What to do:
  • Swim in the natural ocean pool (tide dependent)
  • Sunset photography from the miradouro
  • Try ginjinha at Bar do Fundo
• Parking: Free along village streets

15. Praia da Aguda

📍 Between Azenhas do Mar and Praia das Maçãs

• Geology & Landscape:
  • Sheltered cove with golden sand, backed by steep cliffs
  • Unique rock formations created by wave erosion
  • Part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park protected area
• **What to do:
  • Swim in calm waters (lifeguards in summer)
  • Explore tide pools at low tide (great for kids)
  • Walk the scenic cliff trail to Azenhas do Mar (20 mins)
  • Dine at Adega Praia da Aguda for fresh seafood
• Facilities:
  • Free parking (100m walk to beach)
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Morning for photography (east-facing)
  • Weekdays to avoid crowds

16. Praia do Magoito

📍 12km north of Praia Grande

• Geology & Landscape:
  • Dramatic black shale cliffs with visible sedimentary layers
  • Famous for its natural iodine-rich sands (believed therapeutic)
  • Strong waves attract surfers
• **What to do:
  • Surf lessons (rentals available on-site)
  • Walk the "Volta do Mar" trail along cliffs
  • Hunt for fossils in the shale formations
  • Visit the natural saltwater pool (carved into rocks)
• Unique Feature:
  • One of Portugal’s few north-facing beaches, offering stunning sunset reflections
• Facilities:
  • Year-round restaurant (O Pescador)
• Safety Note:
  • Strong currents – swimming only recommended for experienced bathers

Driving Tips

• Road conditions: EN247 highway is well-maintained but narrow
• Tolls: No toll roads on this route
• Fuel: Last gas station in Cascais before Guincho
• Best time: April-June or September-October
• Suggested duration: Full day (8-10 hours with stops)