Day 2: Going West
60 km and 600 m height
Before heading south, i will first make a detour to the most western point of mainland Europe. To add the West Cape of Europe also to my cycle trophee list. Last summer i made it to to the North Cape. I am curious what this extreme of Europe would look like.
With my short trousers, t-shirt and travel bike i am a clear anomaly in the early morning streets of Lisbon. Most people are wearing winter jackets, winter scarfs and even winter hats. They look terrified to my clothes.
However, the morning sun in combination with 17 c feels like a relief for me after the cold winter days in the Netherlands.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Torre de Belém
The first stop of today is at the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos. How could I start a cycle adventure without bring a tribute to the great pioneers of the 15-16e century.
An advantage of visiting Lisbon in January is the absence of other tourists at all the (outside) highlights. Also Torre de Belem is quite place to enjoy the sun.
Lisbon to Cascais
It is rather challenging to find and keep track of the cycle path, when i move on in the direction of Cascais.
The small zone (relatively flat) near the beach is used to build a railway and a motorway. The cycle path is woven between those two and shared by the walkers. Most of them have gray hairs already for many years. Cycling becomes a slalom exercise in the category ‘ elephant in a porcelain cabinet’.
The route is an official Eurovelo route, nr 1, beter known as the Atlantic Coast Route. The same route as i was following last summer in the Arctic region of Norway
However , i could only one time find a sign post that i actually was cycling in the eurovelo 1 route. Not that there were any other options to cycle.
It requires a sharp eye to discover the small stickers in the colorful context.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
When I enter the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park i leave the urbanization. Finally , nature takes over. Besides the bird songs, it is silent. The massive flower fields release overwhelming aroma’s. Grass is fresh green. The smell of Mediterrane pine trees is sweet. All together a strong spring feeling. I enjoy this part very much, although the road circles via steep hills towards the goal of the day.
Copa da Roca – West Cape of mainland Europe
After a climb of 300 m, i reach the Cabo da Roca, a cliff on the most western point of mainland Europe.
It looks like the meadows of the Swiss Alpes. With the difference you can hear the thunder sound of big waves Smashing on the rocks.
Just like the North Cape, a special place to be. Listening to ocean and enjoying the colors of the cliffs.
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Guincho
Camping Orbitur Guincho
I end my day in this region, there are not many camp sites in neighborhood of Lisbon. The one in Guincho therefore is a logic choice.
The lady at the reception laughs when I ask if there is still place for me and my small tent. It is a big camp site, however almost empty. A handful of campers and caravans. And one other cyclist with a small tent. The infrastructure is almost dedicated for me. I have never slept in a tent in January, Portugal is an easy place to break this personal record.
I walk from the camp site through the forest and dunes to the coast to have diner with some bread, cheese and tomates which i bought in the local supermarket. And to watch the sunset while reading a book. Big waves (+5 m) are rolling towards the cliffs where the break apart with thunder and big splashes.
There are worse places to spend the evening.
Curious for the first night in my tent and the adventures of a new day!
