www.discoverportugal2day.com Estoril and Cascais
A
W
e took a number of trips out to the beaches and resorts of Estoril and Cascais. You can catch a local commuter train from the Cais do Sodré Railway station down by the Tagus river. The Metro extension will now take you to this station. The trains leave about every 20 minutes and the cost is about 90 cents for the thirty to thirty-five minute journey.
Lisboa Belém
The scenery that you see on the ride makes just taking the trip worthwhile experience. As you leave the station, the tracks pass through buildings of the Port of Lisbon Authority. Since the tracks parallel the river, you are provided with scenic views of the river. This also includes views of the 25th of April Bridge, Belém, the Monument of Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the picturesque suburbs along the way.
Estoril is a very picturesque area. You can sit on the boardwalk overlooking the beautiful beach, or take strolls in the park, with a view of the Casino just up the hill.
The Casino is impressively situated at the top of the park flanked by majestic palm trees.
Park in Estoril
On both sides of the park, which is just across the street from the train station, there are plenty of restaurants and shops. If so inclined, you may walk up the hill and visit the Casino. If you are interested in shopping for art or ceramics take a look here.
The Largest Casino in Europe in Estoril
T
he famous Estoril Casino with its huge gaming rooms and first class entertainment is one of the jewels of the area. Casino Estoril always puts on a first class show to remember. You should treat yourself to a night at this wonderful facility.
I
f you have a car or are inclined to walk a bit, you may enjoy seeing the grand homes and gardens and many of the large mansions dated from the last century when the resort was a favorite of the European aristocracy. If you are interested in Properties see our listing.The beautiful Club Patino is an example of this splendor. It is located on the highway running between Estoril and Sintra.
Club Patino
Another favorite pastime at Estoril is people watching. You can do this from the beachfront Tamariz Esplanade or from one of the many restaurants surrounding the park.
F
or golfers, there are several championship golf courses available. Equipment can also be hired. There are also provisions for horseback riding and sailing.
Flower Art
If you are interested in ordering some beautiful flower arrangements please contact us at
LOCAS 351-962329238 or e-mail us.
A Walk on the Seaside
Seaside walk by Cascais
There is a beautiful seaside walk that runs from São João Estoril to Cascais. It does not matter where you start the scenery is beautiful all the way. The important thing is that for miles you will feast your eyes on beaches, waves and people. To give you some feel of this walk let us start at São João Estoril. From there you will see, in the distance, the Cascais Yacht Club and the new marina entrance. As you continue along this inlaid stone path, that was just recently restored by the Cascais Council, you marvel at the rocky slabs that are great for sunbathing and fishing and see the breaking waves that attract the surfers. You pause for a few minutes at Tamariz beach, in Estoril, one of the most popular spots. Tamariz is where the main Estoril railway station is located and also the Casino. You might wish to pause for some refreshments or snacks at the ESCOTILHA Snack bar Restaurante before proceeding on your way.
Typical Estoril House
Then you precede on toward Cascais. You pass the Hotel Eden and then the Hotel Estoril-Sol pass a few more restaurants and suddenly you have reached the little beach in front of the Hotel Albatroz. A short while later you have reached Cascais Harbor where the fishing boats are moored and proceed up the slight incline to the Sailing Club and the Old Fort. If you so desire you might even stop in the beautiful shopping street mall with its high fashion boutiques or perhaps partake in some of the wonderful seafood restaurants that start at the waters edge such as Beira Mar, O Pescador, O Sagres, Castro, etc.
Cascais
C
ascais (pronounced 'Kesh-kaysh') is just west of Estoril, less than two miles. It still retains its' past as a fishing village but has also become a become a modern town and a stylish summer resort. It has a pretty downtown with modern shops and the streets and walks done in colorful cobblestones. Yet as you look out at the picture perfect harbor, you still see the colorful fishing boats and the fishnets and traps down by the docks. You may spend many pleasant hours just sitting by the harbor watching the colorful boats. The colorful tiles in the sidewalks that appear to roll like the waves may also fascinate you, as you walk over them.
Waves of Tile
After the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, the inhabitants of Cascais involved themselves with fishing activity. Their relationship to the sea gave them the privilege of autonomy and self governing separate from Sintra.King D. Pedro I granted them, in 1364, the Foral of the municipality but it took until 1370, when King D. Fernando gave the castle to Gomes Lourenço de Avelar, for it to become effective.
Old Cascais Court House
From then on with the mandate of the Maritime Mission "Give New Worlds to the World", Cascais became the guardian of Lisbon. Cascais was the first land to be seen by the navigators as they arrived and departed Portugal. During the XVI Century, when the Age of Discoveries was at its height, one of the first lighthouses was built here. It was built at the same place that the Guia Lighthouse exists today. From that time on, this Portuguese Fisherman Village became one of the forefront lands of Portugal.
The Beach at Cascais
Luís I converted a 17th Century citadel on the southwest corner of the bay into a summer Palace. This structure is now the President of Portugal's summer residence.
Fishing is still an important activity here. The days catch is auctioned here at Pescadores Beach near the harbor every afternoon.
The fish Lote
SHOPPING IN CASCAIS
You might just like to visit some of the many shops in the nearby center of town. Perhaps you would be interested in buying some of the Portuguese arts and crafts to remember this lovely country. If so why not visit the
MARSOL (Sunsea) ,(click on the link for a peek), shop on the Rua Regimento Dezanove 41. You might be surprised by their selection of goods.You may also take a peek at some of the Restaurants in Cascais.
If you are interested in some special handmade tiles you may contact Mithologus .
Boats in Cascais Harbor
O
ne day we had lunch at the Hotel Albatroz (*****). It is situated on a rocky outcrop and boasts a wonderful view of the sea and over the coast toward Lisbon. It was fairly expensive but the service and food was good and the accommodations were excellent. I believe that I read somewhere that Princesses Grace stayed there. Albatroz - rates, availability and reservations
This hotel is just a short walk from the train station. It also overlooks the beautiful Cascais harbor. This is a harbor full of boats, fishing nets, fisherman and bathers. The beach of Praia da Conceição is also located here.
Perhaps you may wish to experience staying at some place different than a hotel. You might try staying at a MANOR HOUSE
. We stayed at a number of them on our last trip and enjoyed them very much. The Casa da Pérgola situated in the center of Cascais is one such place. This Casa is a Mediterranean style mansion with elegant white marble floors and staircases, beautifully decorated bedrooms with "bas relief" stucco ceilings and a charming garden.
Harbor at Cascais
The picture above is of the Club Naval de Cascais. It is a very old club for members only but it has a sailing school and rental boats. The rental boats business is called Boatzone.
Marina at Cascais
A new marina opened in Cascais in August 1999. This provides wonderful facilities to the yachts that pass down the Portuguese coast and perhaps an incentive to others to visit this country to which sailors owe so much. This marina will include berthing for vessels up to 35 meters in length in the marina and up to 50 meters on the external pontoons. If you would like the
Sailing directions to the new marina they are available at this site.
Coin less laundry in Cascais
Cascais is located on the mouth of the River Tagus and possess many wonderful beaches. Just follow the coast road out of town.
House in Cascais
MOUTH OF HELL
Mouth of Hell
About two miles west on the coast road is Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell). Here the sea smashes into the rocks and caves. It is truly a spectacular view of the power of the sea.
You will come upon a beautifully refurbished estate. This is the Casa da Guia and it is a new concept in shopping centers. It has a number of beautiful shops, a bank and a garden center, It also has a restaurant on the grounds and provides you with a spectacular view of the sea. You may wish to pause for some refreshments and enjoy the view. Then it is on to Guincho. This is really a nicely developed upscale area. The last time that I drove along this road I was amazed on how much it had changed.
GUINCHO COAST
F
urther on, about six miles is the Guincho coast area. Guincho has a magnificent sandy beach backed by sand dunes and pine trees. This beach is recognized as on of the best surfing beaches in the world. This is a paradise for surfers and wind surfers alike. Guincho is considered one of the best spots in Portugal for wind surfing. For more information about Guincho beach and the facilities available you must visit the Guinch beach bar siteIf your interested in tennis you might try the D. Carlos I club. They also have a fine bar and restaurant.
Tennis courts at the club
It has a exclusive view of the Guincho beach and is surrounded by sand dunes. It has 5 courts (fast hard clay), a restaurant, horseback riding and a salt water pool.
On our previous trips to Portugal, I noticed that they were building a new hotel from a converted old fort on Guincho beach. On a later trip I also noticed it and it looked like it was open, so I parked the car and we went in for a drink. I must say that it was a very impressive hotel. It is the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho (*****). The hotel is beautifully furnished, has a French Gastronomic Restaurant and from all locations provides you with beautify views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guincho - rates, availability and reservations
.
It is only 30 minutes from the Lisbon airport and minutes from Cascais, Estoril, Bélem and Sintra. You might consider making this location your base as you explore the surrounding areas. The Guincho area is an area that you will remember for a long time.
Beach at Gincho
You will pass the surfing beach at Guincho and follow the curving cliffs until you come to the
Cabo da Roca . Stop here at the lighthouse for a look at Europe's westernmost landfall. If you are interested in active sailing tours and events, both for individuals, groups or companies please visit our site Think Blue.
Lighthouse at Cascais
PARTNERS FOR FOREIGNERS
Cascais also has a big expatriate community. A new company has been set up to provide services and help to these expatriates. So if you are planning on moving to Portugal or your company is give them a call.
|
Rua do Cobre Nº 71 2750-322 Cascais Portugal; Tel: (351) 21 483 93 31 Fax: (351) 21 483 25 87 |
Company Services |
Additional
Cascais
Hotel Information
You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
If your interested in protecting the environment along this beautiful coastline visit this site.
GEC, grupo Ecológico de Cascais
Beach at Gincho
Creation Date: 04 Dec 1995
Last Updated: 20 Nov 2005
Copyright © 1995-2005 Thomas J. Sullivan MA
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