Once a fishing village, today a beautiful city and tourist resort on the Atlantic shore. The proximity of the ocean, intimate beaches with golden sand, great cuisine, lots of greenery and traditional Portuguese architecture are just a few of the elements that create the unique atmosphere of the Portuguese town of Cascais. It was here, in the 19th century, that the royal family began to come for “sea bathing”. The aristocracy followed them and the city’s reputation increased. In Cascais there are villas of the richest Portuguese, and the most expensive apartment building is where football star Cristiano Ronaldo has his flat. Cascais is a good place both for a holiday and for a one-day trip outside Lisbon. The city has a wide range of accommodation and restaurants, pleasant beaches, parks, boulevards for walking and a marina. Cascais is very easy to reach by train from Lisbon (from Cais do Sodré station). The journey takes 40 minutes and most of the route runs by the ocean.
What to see in Cascais
In Cascais you can certainly feel the charm and magic of the Atlantic. After getting off the train, just go to the nearest beach, Praia da Rainha, and continue walking to Praia da Ribeira, where you will see the local port and fishing boats. Avenida Dom Carlos I leads to the city’s citadel, Cidadela de Cascais, which is a must-see (free entry), and its interesting square houses artistic installations and restaurants. Just behind the fortifications is the Cascais Marina, which is full of bars and restaurants.
One of my favorite places in Cascais is the large Marechal Carmona Park with the beautiful fairy-tale palace Condes Castro Guimarães, the interior of which can be visited. The building is the work of George O’Neill and the painter and architect Manuel Vilaça, a design inspired by the sketches of the Italian set designer and architect Luigi Manini (his projects also include Quinta da Regaleira, Hotel do Buçaco, Teatro São Carlos). Opposite the palace, in a hidden cove, there is a small, charming beach called Praia de Santa Marta. In the park, peacocks and roosters walk under the trees, and you can also see interesting panels of azulejos tiles. Right next to it we will find the ex libris of the city: the eye-catching blue and white Farol de Santa Marta lighthouse.
Art lovers must visit Casa Museu Paula Rego – a museum of contemporary works of art by the eccentric Portuguese painter. While walking in Cascais, you must try the ice cream of the most famous Portuguese brand: Santini. The first ice cream parlor was opened in 1949.
Where to eat in Cascais?
Many restaurants and bars are located in the center on Rua Visconde Luz street, I strongly advise against going there, these are typically tourist places where the quality of the dishes leaves much to be desired. Nearby, on the pedestrian boulevard Av. Carlos I you will find a great modern restaurant, Baía do Peixe, specializing in fish and seafood. Right next to it is Hifen – a restaurant awarded by Conde Nast Traveler for “a healthy dose of modernity on the Cascais gastronomic scene”. Places with local cuisine recommended by Portuguese friends: Manjar da Vila, A Nova Estrela and Snack bar Paulinha. Go to the yellow street Rua Amarela, it is a popular meeting place for the Portuguese. My favorite place is Moules & Gin where you can try mussels in many different versions, for example with pesto sauce. Other interesting spots include Hot dog’s da Praça, Taberna Clandestina, and Malacopa Taco Bar. My heart and stomach were stolen by the tiny Peruvian restaurant MISKI, where each subsequent dish was a fantastic surprise.
An interesting place is the Casa da Guia complex next to the lighthouse. It is worth visiting the Dom Grelhas restaurant here, which serves traditional Portuguese cuisine: grilled fish and meat, all with a view of the ocean and cliffs.
One of the best and more expensive restaurants is Furnas do Guincho, although located a bit outside the city, but fantastically suspended by the ocean.
What to see in Cascais
Near Cascais there is the mysterious Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell), a rock formation where powerful waves crashing on the rocks sound like the devil’s roar. Driving further north (about 7 km) we will find the beautiful and wide Guincho beach, surrounded by dunes. Keep in mind that it is always quite windy here, which is why the place is popular among kitesurfing fans and colorful kites float above the waves. You can reach Guincho Beach from Cascais by bus, there is also a promenade and a bicycle path that lead along the coast (rent city bikes in Cascais).
Attractions located a little further are Cabo da Roca – a beautiful cape. The magical city of Sintra with the colorful Palácio da Pena palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira estate, the Moorish castle of Castelo dos Mouros and many other attractions. The picturesque village of Azenhas do Mar fascinates with its location on a rock above the ocean.
