Portugal's Cascais Still Possesses Plenty of Old World Charm
Though it's growing in leaps and bounds, this little fishing village still provides a taste of old Portugal.
Located on the Lisbon Coast, just 40 miles west of the capital city, throughout the last decade, the town of Cascais has become one of Portugal's top vacation destinations. Once an artist's colony and a preferred vacation locale of the Portuguese royal family, this once tiny fishing village is now bursting at the seams.
"Not to worry," say the locals. Traditions are still important here – from local religious and cultural festivals to "lotas", the Portuguese term for auction, with the catch of the day being the prize to the highest bidder.
A Little Cascais History
For several centuries, Cascais was a sleepy little fishing port; its residents content to go about making their daily living from the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
However, in 1870, when King Luis I decided to convert one of the town's fine 17th century buildings into his summer residence, things changed. Suddenly, Cascais become THE place to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Palaces and mansions began springing up everywhere.
In the 1920s, the completion of a rail line from Lisbon to this little town brought even more visitors, and prior to World War II, it remained a desired vacation destination for Europe's elite.
During the war years, many royals and heads of countries sought exile here and the population continued to increase, bringing more prosperity to this humble fishing village. The city proudly lists the names of those who found safety here, including the Duke of Windsor, King Umberto of Italy, and Prince Juan of Spain.
Cascais Today
Today, you may still be able to spot some of those mansions and palaces but visitors will also find lots of new hotels and restaurants, beckoning visitors from all over the world to come and explore this pretty coastal town.
Guests looking for a relaxing holiday will head straight for one of Cascais' three beaches. Local government has done a tremendous job of cleaning up the once polluted waters of the town's beaches, so swimming and other watersports are encouraged.
However, if you have time to take in a few attractions, there's certainly enough here to keep you busy for a few days.
If you enjoy museums, check out the Museu do Mar (Museum of the Sea). It's a great way to learn a little about the history of the town. You'll find old photos and paintings, weather-worn fishing boats, fishing artifacts, and a number of other items from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Similarly, the Museu do Conde de Castro Guimarães gives visitors a glimpse into those same centuries via exquisite folk art and other fine pieces such as ceramics, silver, apparel, and unique items that are specific to long-ago life in Cascais.
If you're traveling with children or just looking for a nice spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic, head to Parque do Marechal Carmona, an expansive park that offers plenty of room to run around, a small zoo, and a café for hungry travelers.
Those with strong stomachs may want to head to the Monumental de Cascais to watch the bullfights, a favorite sport among the locals. Golfers can check out several courses located here, including one designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
When to Go
Winters are cold and wet in Cascais but spring, summer, and fall are all quite pleasant, with comfortable sea breezes cooling off the hottest days of July and August.
In the spring and fall, temperatures range from lows in the mid 50s F to highs of about 70-75 degrees F. Like most European destinations, accommodations are less expensive during the months of April, May, September, and October, so travel to Portugal during those months is quite affordable and pleasant.