HOLIDAY INFORMATION ON Cascais

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We recently spent thirteen days visiting Madrid and Southern Spain on a journey organized by Totally Spain.  Belen was a pleasure to work with.  She listened to our preferences and was candid and responsive in her answers to our questions.&...

Martin and Donna Gleason, Washington, DC USA
2023-11-10

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Lisbon is blessed to have on its doorstep the great beach resort of Cascais. The elegant boardwalks and sandy beaches of Cascais and Estoril, just 25 km from Lisbon, have deservedly become known as the Portuguese Riviera, oozing glamour, history, super clean beaches, lively restaurants, and shopping.

Cascais is best known for its historical charm and heritage, with important architectural and artistic works, including stately homes, museums, and galleries. It became popular as a holiday destination in the 19th century, yet it has always managed to retain its charming fishing port ambiance. The Telegraph praises its “narrow cobbled streets that descend towards the idyllic beaches” and recommends visiting the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is “loud and busy and a great way to experience the earthy side of Cascais.” The market often hosts themed events and live music evenings.

If you’d like to tap into the mindset of James Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, head to the Casino do Estoril. Here, you can not only play the tables but also catch cultural events. Fleming was inspired to create the Bond character during a stay in Estoril in 1941, a period when it hosted royalty from Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria, as well as French aristocrats, wealthy dealers, uprooted Jews, and of course the spies who kept a close eye on them all.

For the best local Cascais beaches, check out Carcavelos Beach, ideal for surfing, and Guincho Beach, considered a paradise by windsurfers. For the best dining with a sea view, visit Fortaleza do Guincho, a Michelin-starred restaurant inside a 17th-century hotel with stunning views of the beach.

Golfers will already know that this area boasts magnificent courses, and the region was named IATGO Best Golf Destination: Europe in 2007 and again in 2016. If hiking is more your thing, the amazing Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais is just a few kilometers away, where you’ll find Cabo da Roca, said to be Europe’s most westerly point. The park contains great beaches and villages where you could easily spend a full day exploring.