Кашкайш в Португалии – райское место на берегу Атлантики

Anyone who has been to Cascais (Portugal), with warm memories of a cozy town, buried in greenery and flowers, on the shores of the Atlantic. It is deservedly considered one of the best resorts in the country. Clean sandy beaches alternate with relief rocky shores.

In a beautiful natural landscape seamlessly blended historical monuments and distinctive architecture.

Developed infrastructure with railroad and motor transport, a large shopping and entertainment center, stores, comfortable hotels creates an excellent environment for recreation.

Useful Information

Cascais is separated from Lisbon by 25-30 km. It is more convenient to get to the resort by electric train from the station Cais do Sodré. In 40 minutes it will take you to the city center. Cascais covers less than 100 square kilometres and can be viewed from the window of the BasCas bus, which runs on a circular route.

But it is better to have a cup of excellent coffee in one of the hospitable cafes and go on a walking tour without specific goals: a sure way to have a vivid experience.

In the historic center will meet one of the few buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake - Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção or Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (XVII century). Nearby stands a bronze figure John Paul II. One of the small squares is adorned by a statue of the great Portuguese poet Luis de Camões.

The peaceful atmosphere of the old town can be felt in the quiet streets away from the center. Along the sidewalk with mosaic patterns are exquisite mansions.

They are built in different styles, but they share common architectural details:

• blue and white azulejo tiles,
• graceful carved balconies,
• decorative ornaments,
• covered galleries.

A stroll along the coastline leads to the neighboring resort of Estoril. It has gained fame for being the largest resort in Europe. Casino Estoril. The gambling establishment is on the edge of a shady park. The fountain in front of it fascinates with its countless variations of jets flying up into the sky.

17 km from Cascais is the ancient town of Sintra (IX century), celebrated by Lord Byron and inscribed in the UNESCO list. The Portela de Sintra stop can be reached in half an hour by bus 417. A rental car can be reached in 15 minutes.

Where to stay

In Cascais there are 42 hotels of different classes. Tourists do not have difficulty finding a place to stay, it is not difficult to find an option for all tastes and wallets. Here are a few popular hotels.

"Grande Real Villa Italia 5* - an imposing spa hotel, the former residence of King Umberto II of Italy. It is part of the "royal" Hotels Real Portugal group and is famous for its impeccable service.

Staying in a penthouse or a suite named after a monarch can make you feel like a king of destiny.

Comfortable modern hotel Vila Gale 4* is located between the waterfront and the Gandarinha Municipal Park. Rooms overlooking the park are quiet and shaded. For those who prefer ocean views, music and lots of light, the upper floors on the opposite side of the hotel are ideal.

In a small comfortable garden, manicured lawns with palm trees and clean swimming pool with sea water.

Passing by the ornate house on Avenida Valbom 13, many people stop to take pictures. In a fabulously beautiful cottage, surrounded by a blooming garden, there is a mini-hotel Casa da Pergola 4* (Pergola House).

In terms of popularity, it ranks 2nd among the hotels of the resort. It is a great option for those who are looking for a cozy and relaxing hotel with all the amenities. Delicious breakfasts, evening port, friendly staff, romantic atmosphere conquer the vacationers.

Cascais: popular attractions

The spacious promenade is a favorite place for citizens and vacationers. It stretches along the entire coast with aristocratic mansions of old construction and a modern yacht club in Marina de Cascais. The fishing boats in the roadstead are a reminder of the history of the city, which grew out of a fishing port of the 12th century.

Striped Farol Santa Marta (1886) is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Portugal and still serves as a landmark for sailors.

After the devastating earthquake, there are almost no ancient structures left in Cascais. Most of the interesting buildings appeared at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. One of them is the attractive castle with the modest name of Casa de Santa MariaThe city is located near the lighthouse. But some medieval sites have survived to this day.

Cascais Citadel

In the center of the promenade is the monumental Cidadela de Cascais, one of the symbols of the city. Built in the 14th century, the fortress protected the approaches to the capital. Its strong walls witnessed the greatness of the Portuguese empire.

In 1870 the citadel became the site of the summer royal residence, and for 40 years the families of the Portuguese monarchs rested here. Not surprisingly, the electrification of the country began with this fortress.

Since then, Cascais has become a fashionable elite resort and a haven for the crowned heads of Europe.

The Portuguese call it the City of Kings and Fishermen. The monument to Pedro I the Just in the central square and the modern sculpture of Carlos I next to the citadel remind us of former monarchs.

Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães (Castle of the Counts of Guimarães)

On the edge of a small cove by the waterfront rises a romantic late 19th century castle belonging to the Guimarães. Count Manuel bequeathed it to the city, along with collections of sculpture, paintings, Oriental porcelain, ancient tiles and a priceless library. In 1931, the palace received the status of a museum and became available for visits.

The castle is beautiful at any time of day. One can admire its graceful outline, architectural details, and the picturesque pile of mossy stones at the foot of the castle for a long time. Built in the pseudo-Gothic style, it has a mystical halo.

Near the museum, behind a wrought iron fence, there is another pretty object - a small Marshall Carmona Park. Pheasants and peacocks roam the manicured paths among palm trees and flowers. From here you can often hear the cry of the rooster, the emblematic bird of Portugal.

Cabo da Roca

Many popular attractions are easily accessible from Cascais. One of them is Cape Rock. The bus number 403 leaves from the Cascais Terminal bus station behind the Villa Shopping Center. It takes about an hour to get there.

Cabo da Roca is famous for being the western edge of Europe. This fact is recorded on a high stone stele with a cross, and tourists from various countries like to take pictures here. For a small fee, you can get a certificate confirming your visit to Cabo da Roca.

At the highest point of the coast stands the oldest lighthouse in Portugal. Farol Cabo da Roca Red and White (1772).

The observation deck is a hundred meters high and is enclosed by sparse poles. Standing on its edge and looking into the infinite distance, you can feel the special significance of this unusual and very picturesque place.

Boca to Inferno

The name of the unique natural site literally translates as "Hellmouth". Grotto Boca do Inferno is 2-3 km west of Cascais. It is remarkable because on windy days there is a terrible roar coming from a large hole in the coastal rock. In olden times, it terrified the villagers. They believed that a gateway to hell was opening here.

In fact, an unusual acoustic effect is produced by the waves crashing against the cliff. From the observation deck you can clearly see the raging water, covered with thick foam. The splashing water rises to an extraordinary height. The symmetrically rugged rocks complete the impression. The stone giants look like twins and resemble guards, frozen in eternal formation.

Beaches of Cascais

The city has many well-equipped sandy beaches on the ocean. Central Praia da Ribeira or fish beach is a favorite of local fishermen and townspeople. Closer to Estoril is the favorite beach of the last Portuguese queen Praia da Rainha.

The cliffs, standing on both sides, protect from the wind and create a sense of isolation. On the conditional boundary between the neighboring resorts are popular beaches Praia de Duquesa и Praia da Conceição. They are considered ideal for families with children.

But the strongest impression is made by the surfers' favorite beach. Praia Grande do Guincho or Guincho, as the Portuguese call it. It can be reached by 405 and 415 buses, although the best way to get there is on foot.

The path is not short, but convenient - a wide walkway along the shoreline. The walk allows you to enjoy magnificent seascapes, views of old forts and beautiful cottages. The fresh ocean breeze is invigorating.

Ginshu is unique in that the winds are always blowing here. Steep ocean waves hit the shore with such force that the ground literally shakes. Here, more than anywhere else, you can feel the power of the Atlantic. Not everyone dares to step into the rough water, but surfers hold competitions here.

At the beginning of Estrada do Guincho is the famous Furnas do Guincho, one of the best fish restaurants in Portugal. Among the specialties of Paelha de Marisco, exquisite dishes of lobster, lamprey, crab, fresh fish. Sitting on the outdoor terrace sipping the inimitable "green" wine (sounds like "vinho verde"), you can watch the process of cooking masterpieces or admire the view of the beach.

Cascais is a wonderful place for rest and new interesting experiences. Here everyone will find something to do.