Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse is a majestic clifftop complex comprising several historic buildings. The lighthouse is built into a 16th-century Franciscan convent overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Embark on a guided tour of the lighthouse for an overview of its rich history and current functions.
The lighthouse has long served as a beacon of light for sailors at one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world. It is on the south-westernmost point of continental Europe, serving as a link to the Americas and Africa. See the lighthouse at night and admire its extremely powerful light, which flashes briefly every 5 seconds and can be seen as far away as 37 miles (60 kilometers).
Gaze up at the tip of the lighthouse, which is 92 feet (28 meters) tall and is shaped like a cylindrical tower. Notice its whitewashed stone façade and unpainted tower summit. The lantern at the peak of the tower is painted red and contains a powerful fog horn.
Take a look around the visitor center and the museum for the various exhibits shedding light on the structure’s history. Snap photos of the views of the jagged, rocky coastline that extends from the lighthouse. Stay for the sunset, when the darkening hues of the sky generate a moody and romantic effect on the convent complex.
Enjoy lunch or drinks at one of the cafés and restaurants near the lighthouse. Purchase souvenirs and refreshments from the stalls set up beside the structure. The museum is free to enter, but there is a small fee to use the bathroom facilities.
Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse is on the extended Cape St. Vincent that marks the southwestern tip of Portugal. Drive west from the heart of the town of Sagres for 4 miles (6 kilometers) to arrive at the lighthouse in about 10 minutes. Make sure to visit some of the nearby landmarks, including Beliche Beach, Beliche Fort and Sagres Fort.
