The coastal town of Cascais (pronounced Cash-ki-sh) is considered the Monte Carlo of Portugal. It has a long history and enjoyed a particularly important development in the 14th century as it became an important stopping point for boats on their way to Lisbon. It also became a strategic military post in the defence of Lisbon. You can see this in some of the old building and fortresses that line the coast - these continued to be built throughout the 15th, 16th & 17th century and still exist today.
In the late 19th century a period of decadence began as the King of Portugal turned the area into his summer residence. It became a hide out for some of the European royal families during the 20th century world wars and its elegance and glamour still remain today.
Restaurants & Bars
The centre of Cascais is made up of cobbelstone streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars. There is a large variety of restaurants to suit every taste (including 5 sushi restaurants!) and there are lots of bars that stay open till late.
You will also find a large shopping centre in town with all the usual top brands such as Zara and H&M.
One of the best bars is on Guincho beach, a few kms north west of town: Bar do Guincho. It's located on the far end of the beach, great for food, music and of course the fact that is is on the beach helps!
The Marina area of Cascais has many restaurants and bars - perfect for large groups and the area is a great spot on the weekends.
There are a few good spots along the promenades between Estoril and Cascais - most notably Tamariz beach bar and nightclub - fantastic spot to spend the evening looking out over the beach.
Activities
Apart from surfing the main sporting attraction is golf. Within a few minutes drive are 3 of Europes best golf courses: Quinta da Marinha, Oitavos & Penha Longa.
Surrounding towns
The most impressive tourist attraction nearby is the Sintra Palace. The area north west of Cascais is a protected National Park and contains the spectacular 19th century Palace. The park also contains an 8th century Moorish Castle and the Capuchos Convent, built in the 16th century.
The beautiful surfing village of Ericeira is further north - 40 minutes from Cascais by car
Lisbon
You’ll arrive in Lisbon airport and drive 35 minutes south west to Cascais. However the city of seven hills is a city not to be missed. For sights and information log on to
www.visitlisboa.com
Lisbon is a great city to shop in. Prices are less expensive than any other Western European city. You can also get a train very easily into the centre for a few euro and try out the nightlife. The Barrio Alto district is the main area where you will find people crowding the streets until the early hours. Then they head on to nightclubs such as Lux, Club W and Kapital
Lisbon Shopping
High street fashion shops can be found in the Baixa area, especially the pedestrianised Rua Augusta (for clothes, shoes and luxury goods from the likes of Louis Vuitton and La Perla) and the Chiado and Bairro Alto (especially Rua Garrett for clothes and linen and neighbouring streets for ceramics, young designer fashions and haute couture). Avenida da Liberdade hosts big name fashion such as Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani.
One stop new shopping malls are becoming increasingly popular; the best being the Centro Vasco da Gama, with its own cinema, restaurants and shops like Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Mango, Dali, Massimo Dutti. For more info log on to
www.centrovascodagama.pt
Football
Two massive local football teams divide the city – tickets for Sporting Lisboa or Benfica can usually be bought on the day at the stadiums.
For info on the Portuguese league check out
www.footballportugal.com