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A visit to Cascais, Portugal

Writer's picture: therockettmantherockettman

Updated: Nov 4, 2024

A weekend on the Lisbon coast


I lived in Portugal in the mid-1990s, more specifically in Cascais, which is on the coast near Lisbon.  My wife and I still travel there each year and try to revisit many of our favorite destinations within Portugal, among them Lisbon, the Alentejo, Porto and the villages of the north.  Even though the country has undertaken exciting and new advancements in the past few decades, vestiges of Old Europe remain throughout.

 

Because of family connections, our annual visits are always based in the vicinity of Cascais and there are endless reasons to be anchored here.  To begin with, Estoril and Cascais border Europe’s western-most point on the Atlantic, which features exceptionally scenic coastline.  This area is also close to Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, as well as historic Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

a festive holiday display in the Cascais village square

But the village of Cascais is a delightful attraction in its own right with much to offer for a long weekend, starting with the historic center.  A wander around the Cascais baia should start in the main square, with a visit to the Museu da Vila (Town Museum) to witness the intriguing transformation of Cascais from fishing community to seaside resort.  The historic buildings facing the waterfront evoke this legacy and provide for countless Instagram moments.  An enduring tradition of ours is to have a meal of rotisserie chicken (or frango) and french fries accompanied by an ice-cold Super Bock beer at the Dom Manolo Restaurant (Rei dos Frangos), followed by a gelato at Santini’s across the street.

view of the coastline from the coastal bike path

One of the most breathtaking coastlines I have ever encountered extends from the Cidadela Fort at the fringe of the historic center to the world-famous Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach) – known for surfing and windsurfing competitions.  One can traverse this 9-kilometer stretch of coastal road by car, or choose the bike path to pedal, jog or walk from one end to the other.  There are numerous historic forts and lighthouses along the way that are worth visiting, as well as delightful restaurants for seafood dining while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.  Regular bus service can facilitate a return to the center of Cascais from several stops situated among the cluster of restaurants in the vicinity of the Guincho Beach.

market day in Cascais

The Mercado da Vila de Cascais (Cascais market) is the permanent home to some very good restaurants, as well as an area with several fishmongers and butchers.  But the market comes to life on Saturdays, when it is bustling with vendors selling produce and crafts, and then really blossoms into a full-fledged flea market on Wednesdays.  Any visit there should take advantage of a delightful Portuguese style pequeno almoço (breakfast), complete with a milky coffee (galão) and chorizo bread (pão com choriço).

a Portuguese-style breakfast

After that it is a short walk to the waterfront promenade behind the Cascais train station, leading to the neighboring coastal resort of Estoril.  Along the seawall are numerous beaches, waterfront cafes and bars and a seawater swimming pool.  Estoril hosts a number of events, including a summer artisan and handicrafts festival that has been running for sixty years.

 

Boa viagem!



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