Cascais: Natural and Cultural Beauty of the City

Enjoy unforgettable experiences and the charming atmosphere of must-visit spots in and outside the route.

Cascais: Historical Place and Fashionable Resort

Cascais, an ancient Portuguese town, impresses visitors not only with its historical heritage but also with its tourist attractions. No big surprise that it's a favorite holiday destination for wealthy Europeans and Portuguese people. In recent years, the city has turned into a center of nightlife with a large number of discos and nightclubs.

One-day tours are a great opportunity to walk through this ancient town and enjoy delicious local cuisine. The tourist center of Cascais includes the old town with a rich historical and architectural ensemble and a lively pedestrian area, numerous cafes and restaurants. As for Cascais beaches, they are stretched up to Estoril along the coastline.

Entertainment in Cascais

Cascais is quite small. However, you will find the attractions and entertainment for any taste here. There are ancient castles, medieval churches, luxurious villas, and excellent restaurants. In addition to its rich historical heritage, the city offers numerous active leisure activities for visitors:

• Formula 1 racing competitions;
• casinos;
• golf clubs;
• numerous discos and nightclubs.

The Nightlife of Cascais

Nightlife in Cascais is mostly concentrated in the city center. As for the category of visitors, who are more into authentic experiences and would like to feel the Portuguese traditional motives, there are also options, such as folk festivals. Along the seashore, there are many places for every taste. Let's highlight a few of them:

1. Cascais Marina. This place is situated to the west of the city center, offering numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.
2. Estoril Casino. A variable concert program, numerous evening events, and effective shows are available in this place.
3. Parque Palmela. This park is located between Cascais and Estoril and nowadays is one of the most often held open-air concert places in the area.

An impression about Cascais entertainment won't be full without gastronomical experience. Like any other coastal city, Cascais has many restaurants of all levels for a perfect romantic dinner. Here you can try authentic cuisine with fresh fish and seafood, creating an unforgettable gastronomic impression.

The Beaches of Cascais

Cascais is the top choice for many tourists because of its magnificent beaches. They stretch along the coast for several kilometers and are almost wild. The top list of places to visit is as follows:

1. Guincho. You can't pass by it, as it's the largest beach in the area. You should definitely experience the view, witness a realistic natural show, and try one of the numerous watersport activities.
2. Azarujinha. The landscape of a picturesque beach surrounded by cliffs is amazing from the top, so it's highly recommended to make a stop before going down. The territory has everything for a comfortable stay and relaxation.
3. Riberia. This beach is suitable for calm swimming and lying in the sun. It has a great infrastructure for families with small kids and all the others who choose a calm atmosphere and tranquility.
4. Conceição. The beach is very popular among both tourists and locals. For visitors, there are numerous options, such as windsurfing, fishing, or kayaking and yachting.
5. Bafureira. If you're an experienced surfer or just making the first steps in this sport, this beach is your top choice. The way down the stairs is an additional adventure.
6. Duquesa. There is a diving school right on the beach, as the location, with its crystal clear water, guarantees perfect visibility. Among popular activities on the beach are yacht rental or windsurfing.

The Most Noticeable Sightseeings of Cascais

Cascais has a perfect location, as almost all the attractions are within walking distance from the city center directly, while from Estoril you need to go to them.

Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes

If you choose tours from Lisbon, this spectacular palace and famous library museum should be in the focus of attention. Its eclectic architectural style creates a mesmerizing appearance reminiscent of a medieval castle. There is an overwhelming collection of 25,000 books with unique rarities.

Museum of the Sea(Museo do Mar)

The museum was founded by the Portuguese King Carlos I, who was highly interested in oceanology. His personal collection is an important part of the exhibition. The museum keeps interesting exhibits related to the sea, oceans, navigation, and marine life. This place is ideal for visiting with children, who will be delighted by the interactive and educational program. The museum is just a few minutes walk from the center of Cascais, making it very accessible to tourists.

Boca do Inferno

To the west of the city, right on the ocean shore, there is a natural miracle, translated as “The Mouth of Hell”. Water and wind carved this cave out of solid rock over centuries, and it fully lives up to its name. During a storm, the waves beat from the rock around the Mouth of Hell, raising a sea of spray and making a loud noise. There are numerous spots to enjoy the view, and the best idea to get a full impression is to come here with a guide.

Citadel

Despite the fact it's a five-star hotel nowadays, from the beginning it was built on a high cliff to protect the city from attacks from the sea. The building is kept till our times in all its ancient beauty and glory.

Church of the Assumption

This religious monument is located right in the center of the city, so it's easily accessible from almost any spot in Cascais. First of all, it's famous for its architectural features, but nowadays there is a permanent exhibition of paintings by the Portuguese artist Joseph de Obidos.

To Sum Up

Cascais, due to its perfect location near Lisbon, just half an hour along the scenic road, is one of the top ideas for one-day tours. Whether you prefer a relaxing beach holiday or an active sightseeing experience, you'll find here what you're looking for.