TRAVEL CITY - a TRAVEL JOURNAL from CASCAIS - PORTUGAL

Cascais is a coastal city situated on the Estoril coast at about 30 km far from the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, easily reachable by car following the highway A5 for about 30 minutes or by train connecting every 15 minutes the two cities; it host also a little airport for general aviation and private Jets service, "aerodromo municipal de Cascais", also place for some flying academy for the training of new airline pilots.

The first settlements of the city had origin in the 12th century, administratively dependent from Sintra, a northbound city not so far away.

Since the Middle Ages its economy was based on fishing, agriculture and maritime commerce; because of its position, near to the Tagus river estuary, it was a strategic place for the defense of the capital and therefore many castles and fortes, still existing and visitable nowadays, have been raised along the coast.

Around the beginning of ‘900, the centre turned from a fishing village into a cosmopolitan city thanks to King Luis II who decided to label the town as his summer residence. Since these days new structures were built and the city became a tourist spot for both Portuguese and foreigners.

Cascais, one of the richest and most popular Portuguese cities, has beautiful beaches along the shore, such as the “Praia de Guincho" or "Carcavelos" where the most active people can have fun practicing surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing as well as sailing. In Cascais, in fact, took place this 2011 summer, the America’s Cup, probably the most famous sailing competition in the world. Moreover, in a few minutes of distance, takes place the Portuguese stage of the motoGP championship in the circuit of Estoril.

The city of Estoril is settled 5 km far from Cascais, featuring one of the biggest casino in Europe as well as the 5 stars hotel, "Palace Hotel", where some scenes of the James Bond movie have been shot.

Amongst other places of interest there are museums and the famous "Boca do Inferno" cave, a natural cavity shaped in the rocks of the high coast by sea power.

Night life is amazing, the city centre offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and night’s entertainments.

For teenagers and over there are beautiful discos and an entire district full of pubs; without going too far away, in Lisbon, you may want to experience a walk in the streets of "Bairro alto"; I bet you have never seen a district so full of pubs!

You will have, for sure, a lot of fun in Cascais, and don't forget you will be at no more than 30 minutes from Lisbon, a European capital, were you can balance fun and stimulating culture options the way you prefer!      

D.P. Eagle from Portugal