Cascais has a way of conquering its visitors. Either for all the amazing things to do, the incredible food (with delicious fish restaurants and seats where you can soak up the sun), free attractions, or its beautiful beaches. Prepare to discover a historic town where once kings and aristocrats lived and which is now the home of people who like to live well and unhurriedly.
1. All year, live as if it were summer.
Although this is not a tropical region, you are not far from that warm, pleasant sensation. Even in spring and autumn, you can wear sleeveless shirts. It helps that Cascais is surrounded by beaches and has an average of roughly 300 sunny days per year (yes, you read that right). Thus, even during the coldest months, the waves are densely packed with surfers, the beaches are usually filled with athletes, and the Cascais “paredão” is crowded with people meandering.
2. There is a district devoted entirely to museums.
It’s actually called Museum Quarter, and almost all of the museums are within easy walking distance. For the time being, we’ll just whet your appetite for the best way to learn about Cascais’s history. Begin with the town museum, which is located in the same building as the City Hall and contains information about the town. Then proceed to Sommer House, which houses the Cascais Municipal Archive and hosts temporary exhibitions at Ribeira Beach. Cross the garden in front of the park to enter the Rei D. Carlos Museum of the Sea, which combines stories about Cascais’s fishing community with interactive exhibits about the ocean’s bottom. Without returning to the street, proceed to the Paula Rego House of Stories, where the museum’s collection of works by the Cascais-born artist is displayed in temporary exhibitions. And this is only the beginning… Additional information is available at www.bairrodosmuseus.cascais.pt
3. You get to know one of the country’s oldest general stores…
Drogaria Costa is located in the heart of Cascais and is one of the town’s few remaining general stores. It’s a 127-year-old family business, and if you’re unfamiliar with the Portuguese concept of a “drogaria,” it’s a store that sells everything you need to keep your home tidy, from mops to detergents, brooms to watering cans, electric outlets to brushes, as well as shampoos, hairpins, and soaps. They have a homemade recipe for a special oil for cleaning furniture that they sell in bulk.
4. The old town is a photographer’s dream…
Once you’re in Cascais’s narrow streets, you’ll understand what we mean and you’ll take your camera out of your bag. The Portuguese “calçada” pavement or the low cottages, many of which have been occupied by the same families for centuries, show the compatibility between Cascais’ dual identities as a fishing town and a royal vacation resort. We recommend wandering around the city centre without a map in hand and stumbling onto beautiful streets like Rua do Gama, Rua Tenente Valadim, or Rua Fernandes Thomás.
5. There are several cottages and palaces more than 100 years old.
When King D. Luis chose to move to the Citadel Palace in the year 1870, he did it in order to be closer to the ocean. Royals and other members of the court would spend their vacations in this village, and D. Carlos, the heir apparent, continued the tradition. In other parts of Europe, seaside resorts are springing up in response to growing awareness of the health benefits of spending time at the shore. As a result, in what is now known in Portugal as Cascais, some bungalows were erected for summer use and others for year-round habitation “touristic architecture. “Here are some favourites: http://www.cascais.pt/rota/arquitetura-de-veraneio.html
6. The town is an open-air fitness centre.
If you wander around Cascais during the day, you may notice various people dressed in athletic attire. While the “Paredo” and bike path in Cascais urge you to exercise, the City Hall is making a concerted effort to make sports accessible to all and free. . One example is the mega-gym on Avenida Diana Spencer, which opened in 2017 near Casa da Guia and features eight training stations. There are several information panels that explain how to operate each machine safely; it’s an excellent accompaniment to a session of jogging or bicycling, especially if you’re on the neighbouring bike path. . However, we saved the best for last: the Guia Fitness Park boasts a stunning sea view. It will make the workout appear to be simpler.
7. You can shop in a 19th century palace
You can shop, eat, drink tea, sunbathe, and pick plants for your garden in a 19th-century palace. Casa da Guia is the name of the palace in question. It’s one of those spots where you can spend an entire afternoon and never get bored. Casa da Guia was built in 1895 by D. José Saldanha Oliveira e Sousa de Rio Maior and bequeathed to his daughter Maria Teresa, who lived there until 1973 with her entire family. Today, the palace, both the mansion and the gardens, are open to the public and serve as a shopping centre and restaurant hub. Outside, the restaurants are plentiful, with plenty of dining tables adjacent to the wall with Casa da Guia and a great view of the sea. In addition to ample space to breathe fresh air and run around, children have access to a fully equipped playground.
8. Travel back to the past in various forts.
There is little doubt that Cascais’ coast has been severely defended since the days of Napoleon. If you have time, you can visit three of such forts: -Santo António da Barra Fort, which was built during the era of privateers and attacks from the sea. It was, therefore, necessary that a fort be built between Cascais a
Cascais’s coast has always been heavily fortified. Some of those forts are still standing, and three of them are worth seeing: -Santo António da Barra Fort, which arose during times of privateers and sea invasions. Thus, King Filipe I of Portugal ordered the construction of a fort between Cascais and São Julião da Barra in 1589. Later, it would be dictator António de Oliveira Salaza’s seasonal residence. It is only open to the public on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress: Although it now has a more modern appearance, the entire Citadel fortification was built in 1488, during the reign of D. João I.
The visit is worthwhile for the subterranean areas as well as the old lookout points. São Jorge de Oitavos Fort was constructed between 1642 and 1648 to protect the coast from hostile landings. The fort has been converted into a museum where visitors can learn about its history and how it influenced the town.
9. You can visit all the beaches and choose the one that best suits your needs.
In the summer, Cascais’ beaches are a big draw for tourists. 20 must-see beach destinations. Pick a spot to cool yourself in the water and unwind when you’re done.
10. You can get the best fish in the world in a fishing village.
From a distance, it’s clear that Cascais is a fishing town. Small boats dot the landscape of Cascais Bay (also known as Ribeira Beach or Peixe [“fish”] Beach), leaving no doubt as to where you are in relation to the location’s maritime history. Fishermen’s utensils may be seen on both sides of the structure, which is used every day. There are species of sole, octopus, mackerel, and other fish that they catch.
