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Travel guide – cascais

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Overview

Once just a small picturesque fishing village, Cascais (pronounced 'Kesh-kaysh'), 19 miles (30km) west of Lisbon, has exploded into one of the most bustling, sophisticated 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. The town now hosts a plethora of elegant shops, bars and eateries set around colourful cobblestoned walkways, to cater for the holidaymakers, and besides the lovely local beaches there are some sightseeing opportunities. The 16th-century church has carved and gilded woodwork and some famous paintings; the Cascais Amunicipal Museum housed in a palace 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 town is a strange rock formation known as the Mouth of Hell, which is worth a look en route to the lovely beach of Guincho, which is a favourite with surfers.

Shopping

Shopping in Cascais's town centre is an enjoyable pastime, exploring the Rua da Raita pedestrianised street which offers numerous small shops selling local wares, including hand-embroidered linen and hand-painted tiles and other ceramics. Along the beachfront are the ubiquitous open-fronted stores and kiosks selling holiday requisites like buckets and spades, sunglasses and sunscreen. For local colour the place to be is on the Rua Mercado on Wednesdays or Saturday morning when the farmer's market is held, selling fresh produce and plenty of other goods besides. Glitzy shopping is at the huge Shopping Cascais Centre, out of town on the highway to Sintra, where there are two floors with hundreds of stores dealing mainly in clothing, accessories, furniture and household goods.

Restaurants

Cascais is renowned for its quality dining, drawing gourmets from Lisbon and nearby Estoril. The main restaurant strip of Cascais is the walk-through Rua Frederico Arouca, and the lively Largo Luis de Camoes. Here you will find a wide choice of eateries, most with outside areas, from cafes to traditional taverns, serving both local fare and international cuisine. Fish restaurants abound; be warned it is said that one should not eat fish in Portugal on Mondays, because fishermen do not go to sea on Sundays! Specialities of the Estoril coast are fish stew, sole, dried codfish, lobster and crab. Spicy chicken dishes are also popular. Enjoy the reasonably priced good local wines.

Nightlife

Cascais has a vibrant nightlife, offering everything from traditional Fado to wild dance clubs. Largo Luiz de Camoes Square is the hub of the hotspots, with a collection of bars and clubs. Most popular and lively of the clubs, Coconuts, is however to the west of the town on the seafront, with a bar and dance floor.

Activities

The focus of daytime activity for visitors are the local beaches, but those who want a break from sand and sun can tour some worthy local sights, like the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which features paintings by 17th-century female artist Josefa de Obidos. There are a couple of museums, displaying maritime relics and items depicting the history of Cascais. The Parque do Marechal Carmona is also worth a visit, offering shady picnic spots and a small zoo. Most visitors take an excursion to the Boca do Inferno, a scenic spot where waves tumble into a hole in the cliff.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry throughout Portugal, particularly in the Algarve, which experiences very little rain. However refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Winters are cold and wet, particularly in the northern and west coast regions. Spring and autumn are good times to visit with cheaper rates at hotels and less crowded beaches, restaurants and golf courses.

Health

There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens receive free emergency care at state hospitals. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement. Medical insurance is therefore advised.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.