Touristic Guide 06 a Bit of History
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TOURISTIC GUIDE 06 A BIT OF HISTORY 08 OUR BEACHES 12 MONUMENTS, PALACES, AND MUSEUMS 30 CHURCHES 34 NATURE 42 HIKING AND TREKKING 48 PARKS NEARBY ONE WAY LEADS TO ANOTHER. 52 SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES There are no equal paths in Cascais. There are sun paths you can follow along the 54 GOLF coastline either on foot, riding a horse, or on a sail boat from the bay. There are trails consumed by the GASTRONOMY 58 natural park’s wild nature that cross the dunes and turn into a journey of sea flavours. Some may bring 60 ENTERTAINMENT a business suitcase and end up switching outfits 64 SHOPPING due to the surf. Some may go through the history of kings and spies of yore and stay for the kindness 66 A SHORT STOP IN LISBON and genuineness of the people here and now. There are many paths in Cascais and all of them will make 70 PRACTICAL INFORMATION you want to return. Sintra km N Mafra km Cascais is in the Portuguese west coast, in the westernmost point of the European continent, 25 km away from Lisbon and its international Sintra-Cascais airport. A welcoming destination that will end Natural Park up surprising you with a quiet environment in the middle of nature as well as glamour, and it is just Cabo a two-hour flight from the main European cities. da Roca Guincho International International Lisbon Airport Cascais Aerodrome LISBON Estoril CASCAIS River Tagus Carcavelos Atlantic Ocean Cascais Touristic Guide | 5 Guia de Turismo . 5 CASCAIS, AN ETERNAL SAFE HAVEN The geostrategic interest of these stops between continental Europe and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean attracted the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs, among others. During the Discoveries, Cascais was the first to be seen by the vessels coming into the Tagus and the last image they would have of Portugal on their way to Africa, India, and Brazil. The coastal fortifications are now a lasting memory of privateer attacks and the attempt of Spanish, French, and English forces to disembark in different historic times. In 1870, the royal family chose the Cascais Citadel as their summer residence due to its excellent location, natural environment, warm weather, and sea and thermal water quality. Years later, during WWII, this region became vitally important immersed in diplomacy and espionage. European celebrities, royal families, and charismatic artists have found a hospitable safe haven in the town of Cascais. A BIT OF The particular environment of the time inspired Ian Fleming – an undercover agent for the British in HISTORY Estoril – to write his first novel thus creating the most The history of Cascais goes back to the famous spy of all time, James Bond 007. Nowadays, beginning of time when dinosaurs were still Cascais counts on over 650 years of history. walking the beaches of the region. Its cosmopolitan and sophisticated environment lasts to this day and has resulted in the region being designated as the Portuguese Riviera. Cascais Touristic Guide | 7 If you walk a bit longer, you will end up on beaches in the middle of the natural park, where you will find cliffs, protected dunes, and energy-filled and OUR BEACHES iodine-rich waters. There are two types of white-sand and Whether you are a fan of pleasant idleness or transparent-water beaches in the region. wind and board sports, you will certainly find your Two feet away from the promenade you will beach. You will also find the famous blue flag in find the cosmopolitan beaches embraced by most beaches around Cascais – this symbol of coves and surrounded by elegant houses, environmental quality goes together with the small palaces, and terrace bars. Quality Coast Sustainability awards and the ECO XXI Green Flag. The Praia para Todos programme also allows for people with reduced mobility to enjoy bathing in the sea due to the support of amphibious wheelchairs and volunteers. Cascais Touristic Guide | 9 Sintra-Cascais OUR Natural Park Cabo da Roca BEACHES Estoril Circuit Atlantic Ocean 1 2 International 3 Cascais Aerodrome Cabo Raso Quinta da Marinha 6 Estoril The Oitavos 5 4 7 1. Abano Beach 8 Cascais Parede 2. Guincho Beach 9 10 3. Cresmina Beach Carcavelos 4. Rainha Beach 11 5. Duquesa/Conceição Beach 6. Moitas Beach 12 7. Tamariz Beach 8. Azarujinha Beach River Tagus 9. São Pedro Beach 10. Avencas Beach 11. Parede Beach Atlantic Ocean 12. Carcavelos Beach Cascais Touristic Guide | 11 FORT OF SÃO JORGE DE OITAVOS Over the cliff looking towards the sea you will find this ancient military fortification that has been turned into a museum. After visiting, you will have a wider perception of the role the coast artillery played in the advanced defence of the Tagus bar. Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 214 815 949 www.visitcascais.com SANTA MARTA LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM MONUMENTS, This Museum portrays the life of lighthouse keepers throughout the times. The Museum’s shop has a PALACES, AND curious offering of publications and objects on the maritime, architectural, Cascais, and lighthouse MUSEUMS subjects. Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm There are fourteen cultural spaces and two +351 214 815 328 urban parks in the Museum Quarter of Cascais. www.visitcascais.com From Casa das Histórias Paula Rego to the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, this is the perfect way to catch a breath of fresh air and some culture. Cascais Touristic Guide | 13 PAREDE CARCAVELOS LISBON MONUMENTS, PALACES, Estoril Casino AND MUSEUMS Monte Estoril Estoril Cascais GUINCHO 9 CABO DA ROCA Atlantic Ocean CAMPING 6 5 4 3 1 . Fort of São Jorge de Oitavos 2. Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum 3. Casa de Santa Maria 4. Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum 5. Rei D. Carlos Sea Museum 6. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego Expanded Area 7. Cascais Cultural Centre 8. Cascais Citadel 9. Museu da Vila (The Town’s Museum) 10. Portuguese Music Museum Casa Verdades de Faria 11 . Espaço Memória dos Exílios Estoril Post Office Cascais Touristic Guide | 15 CASA DE SANTA MARIA CONDES DE CASTRO GUIMARÃES MUSEUM This house was designed in 1902 by Raul Lino, one of the most representative Portuguese architects in the This palace is located so close to the water that 20th century, and commissioned by Jorge O’Neill, whenever the tide is high the waves hit its base a descendant of the Royal Household of Ireland. competing with the artworks on display. Visit Inseparable from the landscape of Cascais and making its art collection, Indo-Portuguese furniture, up a whole with the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum archaeological prehistoric remains, and library and the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, Casa treasures. Commissioned in 1900 by Jorge O’Neill de Santa Maria is a typical Mediterranean house with and initially designed by Luigi Magnini – author of Arab influence. Its decorative wealth is obvious in the most important Gothic revival works like Quinta the 17th century tiles and magnificent oil painted da Regaleira (Sintra) –, this project was developed wooden ceiling. King Umberto II of Italy and the by painter and architect Francisco Vilaça. A short Duke and Duchess of Windsor stayed here before walk away is a small chapel that comprises tiles and their visits as well as other famous personalities. a mini zoo. Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 214 815 328 +351 214 815 328 www.visitcascais.com www.visitcascais.com 16 | Monuments, Palaces, and Museums Cascais Touristic Guide | 17 CASA DAS HISTÓRIAS PAULA REGO The most international Portuguese painter has chosen Cascais for her house, which was designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. In addition to the rotation of works by this artist and her husband, Victor Willing, Casa das Histórias also includes educational services, a cafeteria, a shop with a bookshop, an auditorium, and a diversified programme. Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 214 826 970 www.casadashistoriaspaularego.com REI D. CARLOS SEA MUSEUM CASCAIS CULTURAL CENTRE Cascais’ relationship with the oceans, navigation, This cultural space arose from the secular Convent of and fishing is obvious in this museum. You will Our Lady of Pity and comprises a dynamic display of find the goblin shark – a rare species that was first temporary exhibitions. Remember to visit the terrace describe by King Carlos who was passionate about located in the patio. oceanography – among shipwreck treasures and many sea species. Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 214 815 660 www.fundacaodomluis.pt Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 214 815 907 www.visitcascais.com 18 | Monuments, Palaces, and Museums Cascais Touristic Guide | 19 CASCAIS CITADEL This impressive fortification has been representing the landscape of Cascais bay since the 16th century. Inside you will find Hotel Pestana Cidadela Cascais, a luxurious hotel with a view of the harbour, the Cidadela Art District with an art gallery and open studios, and the Citadel’s Palace, the former summer residence of the Portuguese crown and one of the current official residences of the Portuguese President. Cidadela Art District Open every day +351 214 820 300 www.cidadelaartdistrict.com The Citadel’s Palace Summer: Wednesday to Sunday | 2pm - 8pm Winter: Tuesday to Sunday | 10am - 6pm +351 213 614 660 PORTUGUESE MUSIC MUSEUM www.museu.presidencia.pt CASA VERDADES DE FARIA You will find this museum in a building designed MUSEU DA VILA by architect Raul Lino with collections from two THE TOWN’S MUSEUM great personalities of the Portuguese musical This museum greets us through the ‘voice’ of King scene – ethnomusicologist Michel Giacometti and Carlos, who welcomes us and invites us to explore conductor Fernando Lopes-Graça. This collection the history of this town and municipality from of popular Portuguese musical instruments and Neolithic times to the early 20th century.