11 Exciting Things to Do And See In Cascais,Portugal.

 

 Close your eyes and imagine walking on a white sand beach with the warm sunshine on your face and the cool breeze blowing your hair. You stop and lie down under an umbrella with a cool cocktail drink in your hand. So heavenly. 

  This paradise is in the Seaside town of Cascais. This Mediterranean town is known for its cobbled stone streets.

   It is located on the western edge of the Tagus estuary between the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic ocean. Its known as the  Portuguese riviera and has a fascinating history. 

   It has been home to many members of European royalty including King Juan Carlos of Spain and King Edward VIII of England.

   Also, Ian Fleming took inspiration from the Casino Estoril, when he wrote his first James Bond novel ‘Casino Royale’. 

  I can say that Cascais is an ideal city break. It ticks all the boxes :Culture, history, beautiful beaches, scenic locations, adventure and more. There are also many places to shop, eat and drink in style. 

  So pack your bags and let’s see the amazing things to do in this vibrant coastal town .

So what are the 11 exciting places to visit and see in Cascais,Portugal?

• Saint Marta Light House
• Marechal Carmona Park.
• Palacio Seixas
•  Condes de Castro Guimaraes Palace.
•  Praia da Ribeira.
• Cascais Citadel Palace.
• Parque de Palmela.
• Casa das Historias Paula Rego.
• The Cascais Market (Mercado da Villa)
• Boca do Inferno.
• Praia do Guincho ( Guincho Beach).

 Saint Marta Light House. 

  This lovely white and blue striped lighthouse is a great place to visit in Cascais. You can find it on Rua de Foral, Cascais. You will love this place because it’s so easy to find. 

  In the 1640s, builders constructed a fortress to defend the Cascais Bay area from invaders, but they installed a lighthouse on the site in 1867.

  Today, it now features a museum.You can go up the tower for a fantastic view of the harbour. Take a peak into the life of the lighthouse keepers over the years. Don’t forget to take pictures to capture memories.

 Marechal Carmona Park. 

   If you like being in nature, you will love Marechal Carmona Park. It’s in Praceta Domingos D’Avila, near Condes Castro Guimaraes palace, Cascais. The park can boast of scenery second to none. Visiting this park is one of the 11 exciting things to do in Cascais.

  Stroll through this stunning park that features lush grass and large trees that provide shade from the sun. It also has exotic animals like turtles, geese, ducks and peacocks. 

  It’s also ideal for the family because it has a field for playing games and several lakes for taking pictures and picnics.

   The park is a peaceful place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Spend a few hours there and come back feeling invigorated. 

 Condes de Castro Guimaraes Palace.

  Here is another hidden gem worth visiting in Cascais. The palace is an unconventional-looking 19th mansion on Avenue Rei Humberto II de Italia, Cascais. 

  It can boast of a tower that josted out of a small cove and an eccentric combination of protruding eaves and porches. It is now a museum that exhibits various paintings, luxurious furniture and artefacts. 

  Visit the palace and take a peak into the opulent Lives of Portuguese nobility who lived there in the past.

 Praia da Ribeira.

  If you love golden sand beaches, and clear waters with fishing boats as a backdrop, head over to Pria da Ribeira.

  This fun beach is situated at 2750-642 Cascais. It was formerly a fishing harbour and fishing village. It’s now a popular place to hang out because of its central location.

  You can swim, play volleyball, sunbathe and relax on this beach. Some good restaurants and shops serve food and sell souvenirs if you get hungry. or want to buy one. Visit here for a calm and peaceful day out.

Palacio Seixas.

  This stunning landmark is another place worth visiting in Cascais. This fairytale castle is on R. Fernandes Thomas 2, 27500 643, Cascais.

  Prepare to be blown away by its stunning architecture. It looks like something that jumped out of a storybook even when built in the early 20th century.

  The story building is decorated with classical elements ranging from columns to pediments. You will see exquisite paintings, chandeliers and marble floors inside.

  It also has beautiful gardens suitable for taking pictures and having picnics. There is also a cafe in the area for you to eat if you get hungry. Palacio Sixas pays tribute to Cascai’s past and how the privileged class lived in that era.

Cascais Citadel Palace.

  This landmark is another must-see for everyone. It is on Avenida Dom Carlos 1, Cascais 275310, Portugal.

 It was the summer house of the Portuguese royal family from 1879 until the assassination of King Dom Carlos in 1908. There are fun things to do here.

 Start by exploring the interior part of the palace. Be prepared to get mesmerized by its funky art, ornate rooms and antique furniture. It also boasts spacious terraces and a spectacular view of the Atlantic ocean.

  The exteriors are just as beautiful with their medieval towers, art sculptures and gardens. It’s a great place to take a walk and get a taste of the lives of Portuguese royalty.

Parque de Palmela.

 Looking for a tranquil place that is also suitable for the family? Go to Parque de Palmela. 

  Its on Rua do Rua Parque Palmela, Cascais. The Duke of Palmela built the park in 1870. People held many parties and fairs in the park. Today, you will see many trees and benches to sit and relax.

  It also has a playground for children, a stage for events and trails for jogging.It’s a good place for picnicking, take your children and run if you want to work. 

Casa das Historias Paula Rego.

  Casa das Historias Paula Rego is a fantastic place to visit. You will find it on Avenida da Republica,300 27500-475, Cascais town.

  The building is a masterpiece. The famous Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto De Moura built it for renowned painter Paula Rego.

  Art lovers can see over 1,500 paintings, sculptures and drawings of her. Temporary exhibitions are held here regularly. It’s a good idea to check before you come.

 Some other things to see are exhibitions of other artists’ work, a film and video screening room and a bookshop. 

 Be warned! Do your research on her work before coming here. Her work can be dark and may not be suitable for your taste.

The Cascais Market (Mercado da Villa)

 The Cascais market is a fun place to visit in Cascais town. It’s situated on Rua Padre Moises de Silva in the centre of Cascais town. It’s also near the bus station and bus terminal.  

  The market popular among the locals and visitors. And for good reason. It’s a bustling marketplace to find fresh produce, crafts, clothing and traditional Portuguese goods.

  You can also have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants in the market.

   Most vendors don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash along. Don’t be afraid to bargain. It’s normal to haggle with sellers at the market, especially for larger purchases.

   So have fun and enjoy Cascai’s local culture and cuisine here.

Boca do Inferno.

   Boca do Inferno which means ‘Mouth Of Hell’ in English is a scenic cliff formation you should see. It is 2km west of Cascais, near Santa Marta’s lighthouse and 20 minutes from the centre of Cascais.
  The ocean waves crashing against the cliffs give a magical effect. Visit here during sunset because it casts an orange glow over the ocean horizon. It is beautiful.
  It is a great place to take pictures and relax. There is also a small market near the area that sells souvenirs if you want to buy one.
  The best place to eat is in a seafood restaurant at there called Restaurante Mar do Inferno that sells delicious food. Check it out if you are in the area.
 If you dislike crowds, go there before 9 a.m.

Praia do Guincho ( Guincho Beach).

 If you are a fan of surfing, head over to Praia do Guincho. It’s on Portugal’s Estoril coast 5 km from Cascais in the district of Lisbon. Surfing on this beach is one of the exciting things to do and see in Cascais.
  Be prepared to see golden sand, the stunning scenery of the Serra de Sintra hills, dunes and views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is one sandy beach you should check out.
  Its strong winds make it a haven for surfers. It’s not popular with tourists, so it’s perfect if you want to visit crowds.
  Other activities to do here are Walking, sunbathing and exploring the nearby Serra de Sintra hills. It’s a beautiful beach that has something for everyone.
 

 What is the best time to visit Cascais?

 There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on what activities you want to engage in and your preferences.

  Some things to consider when choosing the best time to visit are:

• The Weather
• Budget
• Crowds.

Crowds

  If you dislike crowds, visit here in spring or autumn. That’s off-season and most visitors would have left. The best months to visit will be from October to May.  Cascais is a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock in from June to October.

 The Weather.

 The weather is good. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summertime starts from June to September. It’s good to go to this coastal town and engage in beach activities like surfing, swimming and sunbathing.

Budget.

 If you are on a budget and are looking for deals on flights and accommodations, visit here in autumn and autumn.

 Flights and accommodations in Cascais are higher during summer thanks to the large number of tourists in the area.

Fun Facts.

• Cascais was a fishing village before it became a popular summer destination for the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century.
• Several famous spies like Ian Fleming author of James Bond novels lived here.
• Europe’s largest casino ‘Estoril’ is in Cascais.