[2] It is located in the civil parish of Colares, in the municipality of Sintra, situated on a promontory made up of granite boulders and interspersed limestone.

[3] During the management of civil engineer Gaudêncio Fontana (1843), the lighthouse was updated with a new rotation platform, comprising sixteen Argand lamps with parabolic reflectors.

[3] The main unit was a fourth-order optical system, with rotational platform and clock mechanism, and was paired with a steam siren.

[3] In addition to the main tower, the complex is composed of nine buildings, since prior to electrification, it was necessary to house a team to maintain the lamp, store valuable equipment and produce the acetylene necessary to run the torch.

[3] It is accessible by the Estrada do Cabo da Roca, and situated very close to the westernmost extent of continental Europe.