Cascais or Cascais is located in the Lisbon District area, just 23 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, so it is usually a place of passage to make a small visit. It is also very close to Estoril, another place that today is very touristy and offers a great beach area. The city overlooks a bay that opens to the Atlantic Ocean, being a coastal destination for many.
This The city was for years the refuge of the Spanish royal family And today it is still a place where upper classes spend the summer, as well as being a perfect tourist destination due to its proximity to Lisbon. We are going to see everything that we can visit and enjoy in the Portuguese town of Cascais.
Why go to Cascais
This population is a summer resort very close to Lisbon and during the summer it has its high season. It is ideal for a short visit on a weekend. However, there are also many people who decide to stay in Cascais and then visit Lisbon without staying in such a central place, but in a quieter one, especially in low season. So this destination is not only good to see in summer, but also to stay at any time of the year to see Lisbon with peace of mind.
Cascais Beaches
On this coast there are many different beaches to enjoy the good weather, which is why it is such a popular summer resort for decades and that even royalty chose this place for their vacations. From Cascais there are some beaches that you can walk directly to, such as La Duquesa. This is a calm water beach perfect for families. The Praia da Rainha was Queen Amelia's private beach in 1880. Praia da Ribeira is its most central beach and from it you can see the fishing port and the fortress. There are other beaches that should be visited, although for this you must use a car or public transport, such as Praia do Guincho, within the Serra de Sintra Natural Park. It has a beautiful natural landscape although quite a lot of waves, so it is famous for surfing or kitesurfing. Praia de Carcavelos is another of the most popular that you can go from Cascais or Lisbon.
Boca do Inferno
A few kilometers from Cascais we found another amazing place, the Boca do Inferno. This area has natural rock formations eroded by the sea for centuries. The sea and the wind make sounds appear and that is what has made it have this name. There is an interesting sunken cave where the waves break, one of the most representative places of these cliffs. Without a doubt, an essential visit if we go to Cascais.
Museums in Cascais
In the city of Cascais we can see some interesting museums that will also surprise us with their architecture. The Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes It is located in a nice castle with an imitation of the Gothic style that is very peculiar. It was built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century and inside we can see a manuscript with the oldest images of Lisbon that are preserved. In addition, it shows pieces of art and antique furniture that were the personal belongings of a tobacco millionaire who had the building built. We can also visit the Museu do Mar, a place where we can learn about the importance of fishing activities for the city of Cascais. Other museums of interest that can be seen in Cascais are the Casa das Historias Paula Rego or the Museum of Portuguese Music.
Walk the boardwalk
The promenade is one of the most interesting areas of the town, from which we can appreciate the beauty of its beaches. The walk goes through the Praia da Rainha and we arrived at Praça 5 de Outubro, where the town hall and the tourist office are. The promenade is a place to enjoy the tranquility of Cascais, take photos of its beaches and then enter its old town.
Cidadela de cascais
The ancient city that we can visit today is one of the most important places in Cascais. It is an old defensive complex with bastions where we can see various constructions such as the Torre de San Antonio, the Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress and the citadel. The San Antonio tower dates from the XNUMXth century and it is the oldest construction and the first that gave rise to this population since it was erected to defend the crown against attacks by sea. The visit to the ancient citadel and the fortress is a must in Cascais. In addition, it is a very well preserved fortress that tells us about the history of the city.