Cascais Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
Visiting Cascais it is hard to believe that this vibrant resort was once a humble fishing village. Its inexorable rise up the tourism ladder began toward the end of the 19th century when Portuguese nobles constructed their grand holiday mansions here. Today, a trio of sandy beaches, energetic nightlife and Cascais' close proximity to some of Portugal's most prestigious golf courses, as well as its easy access to the country's capital ensure the resort's popularity. Cascais also impresses holidaymakers with its marina, 16th-century fortress and an attractive old town. First-rate seafood restaurants that rival those in Lisbon, exclusive hotels, the Castro Guimaraes Museum (housed in a spectacular 19th-century mansion) and the exhibitions at the Cascais Cultural Centre mean that the resort has something to offer everyone whatever the season.
Who goes there?
From spring to autumn the majority of visitors to Cascais are Europeans and Lisbonites making the most of its cosmopolitan eating and drinking scene. The resort attracts a youthful crowd, but couples, singles and holidaying families of any age are equally welcome. Older visitors favour the mild winter months when the pace of life is more relaxed.
Where in the world?
Cascais is situated on the west coast of Portugal, where the River Tagus runs into the Atlantic Ocean. Heading east Cascais merges with Estoril. It is around 26km (17 miles) west of Lisbon; 10km (6 miles) south of Sintra; and 34km (23 miles) from Lisbon Airport. The resort overlooks Cascais Bay and the town's beaches and is backed by the tourist centre, old town and residential development.
When to go?
The best time to visit Cascais is between May and September, when days are warm and rainful is at the lowest. The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures often push 30°C (86°F).
Beach
Cascais' energetic street life spills over onto its town beaches (Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceicao), so arrive early to squeeze in your towel. For better facilities head to Estoril's Praia do Tamariz with its salt-water swimming pool. The surfers' paradise, Praia do Guincho, 9km (6 miles) northwest, is great for spectators, but strong currents means that swimming here can be dangerous.
Beyond the beach
Cascais' old town boasts a clutch of historic buildings and ornate churches that fan out from the Town Hall Square. See Cascais' fishing industry at work at the harbour and daily fish market. Satisfy your cultural cravings at the opulent former home of the Counts of Castro Guimares: the Castro Guimaraes Museum located in the Municipal Park, or the Cascais Cultural Centre (Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália). Only 2km (1 mile) west the Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell) is impressive on a stormy day.
Family fun
Cascais' beaches, tourist-orientated shops and the Museu do Mar (Rua Júlio Pereira de Mello), which retells Cascais fishing history, help keep children occupied. Cascais is also a good base for exploring Estoril, Belem and Lisbon to the east (kids will enjoy the train ride to these destinations) and the fairytale palaces of Sintra to the north.
Retail therapy
Many of Cascais' stores have tourists in mind, so if you've forgotten your swimsuit or sunglasses then you won't have to look far. The resort's shops also sell everything from costume jewellery and summer clothing through to cheap and cheerful souvenirs. For a sleeker shopping experience head to the Cascais Villa department store or hop on a bus to the out of town Cascais Shopping Mall. Lisbon, with its high street stores and esoteric boutiques, offers a more cosmopolitan retail experience.
A night on the town
Cascais' buzzing nightlife is central to the resort's popularity. Here English theme pubs, Irish bars, live music venues, thumping nightclubs and, in summer, outdoor concerts are the norm. The Baluarte Bar (Avenida Don Carlos I, 6) leads the way in chic, while the beachfront nightclub Coconuts (Avenida Rei Humberto II de Italia) is enduringly popular.
Eating out
Many of Cascais' restaurants give those in Lisbon a run for their money, especially when it comes to seafood. The fare tends to be Portuguese with the odd French, Spanish or international twist, but with exquisite boat-fresh platters of fish and shellfish you won't see anyone complaining.
Getting around
Cascais is easily navigable on foot. Taxis operate in the resort and trains run to Lisbon via Estoril. Buses make the journey to Sintra and Cabo da Roca. Cars, motorcycles and bikes can be hired in Cascais, but Portugal's roads can be hair-raising. In summer horse-drawn carriages provide a novel way of exploring the resort and ferry passengers out to the Boca do Inferno.
Exploring further afield
Sintra is quite simply one of Portugal's most alluring places. The Portuguese nobles who took refuge in the cool mountain air over 500 years ago have left a legacy of colourful surrealist palaces than deserve their place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Splashing out
For a romantic meal splurge on mouth-watering seafood amidst the modern and elegant surrounds of 100 Maneiras (Villa Albatroz, Rua Fernando Tomas 1) (
www.100maneiras.com). You will also be rewarded with panoramic sea views.
Flying in
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
