Cascais Travel Guide

Once just a small picturesque fishing village, Cascais has exploded into one of the most bustling, sophisticated holiday resorts on the Portuguese Riviera. It retains its laid-back atmosphere, however, and the local fishermen still ply their trade and auction their catch on the main square.

Cascais town now hosts a plethora of elegant shops, bars and eateries set around colourful cobblestone walkways, which cater for the holidaymakers. Besides the lovely local beaches there are some other great sightseeing opportunities. Cascais' 16th century church has carved and gilded woodwork and some famous paintings, while the Cascais Amunicipal Museum is housed in a palace and has some interesting exhibits and illuminated manuscripts.

The Sea Museum contains everything maritime from model boats to fishermen's boots, and the 16th century Fort of Cascais offers a beautiful view and an open-air artillery museum. About two miles (3km) out of Cascais is a strange rock formation known as the Mouth of Hell, which is worth a look en route to the lovely beach of Guincho, a holiday favourite for surfers.

Shopping

Shoppers can stroll down the pedestrianised Rua da Raita, where they'll find a charming selection of small shops offering local treasures such as hand-embroidered linen, hand-painted tiles and beautiful ceramics. Or, they can stop at the open-fronted stores and kiosks along the beachfront, which cater to holidaymakers and sell everything from buckets and spades to sunglasses and sunscreen. For a true taste of local life, it's worth heading to Rua Mercado on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, when the bustling farmer's market is in full swing. Those who're in the mood for high-end shopping should visit the impressive Shopping Cascais Centre, which lies just outside town on the road to Sintra. With two floors and hundreds of stores, it's the perfect spot for fashion, accessories, furniture and home goods.

Restaurants

Cascais is renowned for its quality dining, with the main restaurant areas being Rua Frederico Arouca, and the lively Largo Luis de Camoes. Here, travellers will find a wide choice of eateries from cafes to traditional taverns that serve both local fare and international cuisine. Fish restaurants abound; specialities of the Estoril coast feature on many a plate and include fish stew, sole, dried codfish, lobster and crab. Spicy chicken dishes are also popular. Visitors should try the reasonably priced local wines, which are very good.

Nightlife

Travellers will find a nightlife scene that blends relaxed sophistication with lively energy. The town is known for its trendy bars, cosy taverns and seaside terraces, where the atmosphere comes alive with laughter, conversation and music spilling from open-air venues as the night unfolds; visitors can enjoy anything from haunting, traditional Fado to wild dance clubs.

Holiday activities

During the day, the main draw in Cascais is its beautiful beaches. However, for those looking to take a break from the sand and sun, there are several local attractions worth exploring. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is home to stunning 17th-century paintings by female artist Josefa de Óbidos, and history buffs will find a couple of museums that offer fascinating maritime relics and artifacts that tell the story of Cascais. The Parque do Marechal Carmona is a lovely place to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a picnic in the shade. Many visitors also make the trip to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic spot where waves crash into a cliffside chasm, creating a spectacular natural display.

Any negatives?

Visitors staying near the centre of town may find it quite noisy.