Cascais is a beach town in Greater Lisbon, Estremadura, Portugal, at the end of the mouth of the River Tagus as it meets the ocean, with spectacular beaches to be found on its Atlantic shorelines. The combination of maritime leisurely charm, strategic position and location close to Lisbon made it a favourite residence of the Portuguese royal family and several other nobles and one of Portugal's first holiday resorts.
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Just outside the town is the famous Boca do Inferno in which the sea on rougher days hammers into the rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular spray thus creating its name which in English means "mouth of hell". The English occultist Aleister Crowley faked his death there in 1930.
One of the most outstanding palaces is the Palácio de Conde de Castro Guimarães that is open to the public and exhibits its own grand private collection that includes over 25,000 books and such rarities as an illustrated book by Duarte Galvão (1455-1517).
Museu do Mar
On a much more modest scale is the Museu do Mar that depicts the story of Cascais and its fishing history.
The Parque Palmela is an attractive park created by the Duques de Palmela and now maintained by the Town Hall and in which open-air concerts are often held.
Praia do Guincho
Within easy reach of Cascais is the famous beach at Guincho with its high waves that attract windsurfers from all around the world as having some of the best rollers in Europe.
Modern red-coloured museum devoted entirely to the works of Portuguese-born artist Paula Rego and her husband. The museum's large collection is rotated every few months following different themes.
Câmara Municipal de Cascais
An attractive building with an excellent, small museum on the ground floor that provides a good introduction to the town.
Farol Museu de Santa Marta
A museum dedicated to the lighthouses of the Cascais coast, situated on the site of an old fort next to a working lighthouse. You can get up close to some of the lights used.
Farol Museu de Santa Marta
A museum dedicated to the lighthouses of the Cascais coast, situated on the site of an old fort next to a working lighthouse. You can get up close to some of the lights used.
A Mediterranean-style house designed by Portuguese architect Raul Lino and built in 1902. Its interiors include Moorish-influenced arches, 17th-century decorative tiles and a painted wooden ceiling. The house forms part of the cultural complex around the Santa Marta Lighthouse and Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum.
18 holes of 6,380 metres in length, par 72.
18 holes of 5,262 metres in length, par 69.
18 holes of 5,278 metres in length, par 69. Facilities: trolleys, clubs and caddies for hire, golf academy, clubhouse, restaurant, bar, sauna, children’s games room, babysitting service available.
Atlantic course - 18 holes of 6,290 metres in length, par 72. Monastery course – 9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35.
holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71. Facilities: 3 restaurants – Five Pines (hotel), Cosi Fan Tutti (clubhouse) and Monte Mar (on the Estrada do Guincho), bars with outdoor terraces, 6 tennis courts, 3 outdoor swimming pools, jogging circuit, fitness centre, bicycles for hire, children’s club.
18 holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71.
9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35. Facilities: putting green, chipping area with 2 bunkers, driving range with 2 grass bays. Buggies, trolleys (manual and electric), clubs and golf shoes for hire.
Fresh seafood fills the menu at this folksy restaurant, a favorite since 1964, where a cluttered ceiling and maritime-related artifacts distract the eye. Sole is a specialty, and this is also a good place to try bacalhau (dried salt cod); it's often baked here, either with cream or with port wine and onions.
A tiny sandwich bar offering fresh-made baguettes, sandwiches and mini-pizzas along with the usual assortment of coffee and cold drinks. Found on the main shopping street, its bright green interior makes it easy to find. Run by an old Portuguese couple the food is fresh, delicious and unbelievably cheap. Great for a quick meal before heading down to the beach. A large sandwich and coffee should cost around €2.
A very nice Italian restaurant. If the weather permits, enjoy the terrace, with a view over the Cascais Bay.
A restaurant and take-away. Excellent value for money, a good portion of creativity while staying within traditional cuisine. Probably the best option when you lodge in Estoril and don't have time to walk to Cascais for dinner.
Michelin-starred restaurant at a five-star hotel overlooking the ocean and specializing in fish and seafood.
Renovated in 2008 and pretends to be very up-to-date, but not very successful in hiding how 1980s it really is (especially in breakfast, which is average at best). Receptionists are very helpful, including restaurant recommendations. Private pool with most balconies facing it. Some rooms are without seaview or even a balcony. Breakfast 07:30-10:30. 15-min pleasant walk to Cascais along the coast (which is comfortable with a stroller).
Modern hotel 450 m from the beach and seaside promenade along Estoril/Cascais. Friendly service, garden, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, rooms for smokers and non-smokers. Good for holidays and short breaks. Lisbon is only a 35-minute train ride away.
Located along Linha do Estoril, two minutes away from the sea (Tamariz’s Beach) and 200 m away from the Casino Estoril. Facilities for corporate meetings and holidays. Online booking.
Near the renowned Cascais Marina. Online booking.
Hotel Albatroz Cascais is around 30 km from Lisbon. A set of 5 charismatic historical buildings turned into a luxury hotel with a unique location above the sea, also enjoying a wide view over the sea. The hotel has swimming pool, restaurant, bar, terrace, free private parking, room service, and all services from a 5-star hotel.
A luxury five-star hotel enjoying beautifully landscaped gardens and magnificent sea views, and splendid classical buildings from the 1930s. It was fully renovated in 2006.
By bicycle
Riding a bicycle in Cascais is one of the "must do" things.
By bus
Route 27 is a looped bus line serving the town and the nearby tourist destinations, including the Boca di Inferna.pt A single trip costs €2, which you can pay by cash when boarding the bus.
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Cascais · Regional · CAT
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