Cascais

A short 30 minutes jaunt via the local train from Lisbon, dropped me beachside of the train station in the small village of Sao Joao do Estoril.  I left the train one stop before Cascais because I wanted to walk the beach promenade which stretches along seven beaches between historic Estoril and the drop dead gorgeous seaside hideaway, Cascais. 

Slowly strolling the two mile walkway among lively beach cafes, exquisite gardens, ornate mansions, sea defenses, and former royal villas was magical.  In fact, I was already thinking how nice it would be to spend some extended time here – tuck in for a while on one of the perfectly positioned beach chairs to simply gaze at the glistening turquoise ocean waves gently lapping the crescent golden beach.

I immediately saw why friends had raved about Cascais as being one of the most talked about spots rimming the glorious Lisbon coastline.  Not only did the charming hideaway live up to its beach paradise fame of breathtaking natural beauty and lavish villas (dating back to when the town was a royal summer retreat), but the pretty village itself was especially enchanting and welcoming.

A short walk away from the beaches, narrow winding cobblestone streets, punctuated with lively squares, trace the eclectic colorful buildings sporting a variety of shops, traditional restaurants, and seafood-specialty eateries.  Cascais’ charm reminded me of the coastal villages along the French Riviera where, like Cascais, they reflect more of an understated resort vibe than a beach vibe.

Cascais is within the Lisbon district, a quick day trip away from the capital.  Instead of Lisbon as your home base, some people prefer Cascais.  You can easily and quickly go into Lisbon whenever you want and day-trip to surrounding places like Sintra, Estoril, Alcacer do Sal and the Alentejo Coast.

It’s been said about Cascais … “The best place in Portugal to spend a day, or a lifetime.”