BEST THINGS TO DO IN CASCAIS
Once a fishing village with a strategic interest in supplying the city of Lisbon with fish and also agricultural products from Sintra, Cascais has nowadays become one of the most desired tourist destinations in Portugal.
Due to its natural and scenic values, Cascais experienced a surge in popularity that became the favorite destination of Portuguese and foreign elites from the 19th century.
Situated just 30 minutes away from Lisbon and with easy transportation by train along the coast, Cascais is a must see to include in your Portugal trip.
To help in your decisions we have prepared a list of the best things to do in
Cascais:
1 Visit the Old Center
The historic center of Cascais is easily visited on foot for a couple of hours. Largo de Camões marks the historic center of Cascais and is a favorite area for locals and tourists. Its lively atmosphere, created by the countless bars and restaurants, turns the square into a charming and unavoidable place in the city – a special place to go out at night! If you are close by, take Rua Direita, the main shopping street in the city, where you will find beautiful shops and street vendors. Nearby there are also small shopping centers, and the famous Cascais fairs are excellent opportunities to purchase handicrafts.
Leaving the center towards the coast, you will be lucky to see fishermen sew their nets right next to their colorful boats, at Praia dos Pescadores. In contrast to this almost bucolic scene is the neighboring Marina – a modern and sophisticated setting, where you can enjoy luxury yachts, taste gastronomic delights in fine restaurants or enter the area’s boutiques and bars.
2 Parque Marechal Carmona
This park was on of the favorite places for the Portuguese aristocracy, since the 18th century, and consists of several garden areas, lawns, a stretch of river and several lakes, a picnic park, a greenhouse, a traditional playground, a youth library, a mini-zoo and a children’s space divided into three distinct areas, according to the age of the users.
Schedule:
Winter from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Summer from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
3 Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
Living up to its name, this deep ravine is one of the great attractions of the Cascais area, having been formed by the power of the atlantic waves against the rocks. Nowadays, curious visitors flock to this natural wonder to watch the spectacle of the huge waves of the ocean breaking up on the rocks.
4 Museu do Mar (Ocean Museum)
Founded in 1879 by Príncipe Carlos (future D. Carlos I), it was the scene of many social events, a place of leisure and entertainment. The Sea Museum have several elements of Cascais fishing and marine reality, enabling an interesting visit and a knowledge of the underwater world.
5 Santa Marta Lighthouse
The Santa Marta Lighthouse, still active in aid to navigation, was fully recovered in 2007. Inside you can learn more about the building, with information that show everything from lighthouse lenses to the stories of lighthouse keepers. To learn more, take 15 minutes to watch a film that contains a story of the lighthouses of Portugal.
6 Surf at Guincho Beach
The famous Praia do Guincho is one of the finest beaches of the Lisbon region, that combines intense surfing with a natural scenery. Guincho is situated on the western edge of Sintra National Park and this designation has protected the remote and wild ambience of the beach from tourist development.
Take a fun surf class at salty souls surf school and see why this activity is one of the most practice sports in Cascais! Classes last 2 hours, are for any level and have the material included in the price.
Book in adavance at their website: www.saltysoulportugal.com
