Cascais Tourist Attractions
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Situated 25km/15.5mi west of Lisbon on the Costa do Sol, Cascais (Altitude: 0-20m/0-65f) is one of Portugal's most popular seaside resorts, with a correspondingly wide range of sporting and recreational facilities.
Boca do Inferno
At the western exit from Cascais is the viewpoint above the Boca do Inferno, the "mouth of Hell", a cliff 15-20m/50-65ft high in which the sea has hollowed out a number of caves in which the pounding of the waves gives an impressive demonstration of the power of the Atlantic.
Beaches
From the north side of the citadel the Avenida de Dom Carlos I promenade winds northeast above the Praia da Ribeira (sandy beach) as far as Estoril, affording beautiful views of Cascais Bay. Beyond this are the little beach of Praia da Rainha, picturesquely framed by rocks, and, still farther northeast in the direction of Estoril, the beach of Praia da Duquesa, with fine sand and good facilities for bathers. In the summer all these beaches are overcrowded. On the coast northwest of Cascais there are some larger beaches and pretty, small resorts. Also worth a visit is the Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of the European mainland.
Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes
Somewhat further up the road from the Citadel in Cascais is the Baroque style church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, which has a remarkable portal and fine azulejos in the interior.
Parque do Marechal Carmona
To the west of the citadel extends the Parque do Marechal Carmona, and on the southeast side of the park is the Palace of the Condes de Castro Guimaraes, dating from the beginning of the Century, which the family conveyed to the State in 1927.
Palace of the Condes de Castro Guimaraes
The Palace of the Condes de Castro Guimaraes houses a small museum containing family portraits and other paintings, as well as furniture, china, silver and gold objects and local prehistoric finds.
Citadel
Above the southwest side of the bay stands the 17th C. citadel, now the President's summer residence.
Maritime Museum
The history of Cascais is closely linked to the sea. The Maritime Museum north of the Parque do Marechal Carmona provides background information.
Nossa Senhora da Assunçao
Just north of the citadel is the Manueline church of Nossa Senhora da Assunçao, with 18th C. azulejos.
Map - Cascais
