Whether you're visiting Cascais for the first time or you've been for a while, there are plenty of great places to visit in this coastal region of Portugal. These attractions range from museums and houses to the beaches and cliffs. If you want to plan a day out with the family or a romantic escape for two, there are plenty of options.
Casa de Santa Maria
Located next to the lighthouse, Casa de Santa Maria is an historic home that once served as a private residence for wealthy European royal families. Today, it's a museum that blends several architectural styles. It also features 17th-century tile panels and an oil-painted ceiling.
The house is open Tuesday through Sunday. The entrance fee is free. The museum features various lighthouse lenses and related artifacts. There is also a viewing platform.
Cascais is a seaside town with a historic center. It is home to a number of palaces and historical houses. It has a large marina, which is popular for sailing events. The city is also close to Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Its coastline is a beautiful mix of beaches and castles.
The most famous tourist attraction in Cascais is the Marina. It is home to a number of stores and restaurants. Those who want to explore the coast can rent a bike from the municipality.
The city has a number of museums, which feature works by famous Portuguese artists. The Paula Rego Museum is nearby. It features an exhibition of Rego's art and also has a cafe.
The Farol Museu da Santa Marta is another must-see. The lighthouse is 150 years old and has been guiding ships for centuries. The museum is part of the Cascais leisure and cultural centre. You can visit the museum as part of a tour of Cascais, or as a separate trip. The museum offers a breathtaking view of the coast.
Condes de Castro Guimaraes Museum
Located in the Marechal Carmona Park, the Condes de Castro Guimaraes Museum in Cascais is one of the best sights to see in the city. The building is owned by a wealthy family and contains an eclectic collection of artifacts. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays.
A visit to the museum is a great way to learn about the history of Cascais and its people. The museum displays a wide variety of artworks, including national paintings, porcelain, and Indo-Portuguese furniture. In addition, the museum has a library that contains historic manuscripts.
The Condes de Castro Guimaraes museum is located in a restored summer residence. It was originally known as the Torre de Sao Sebastiao. It was built in the Romantic style. The first Count of Castro Guimaraes lived in the house until his death in 1927. After his death, he donated his estate to the state, including his books and silver. The house was later converted into a museum.
The museum is also home to a small art gallery. It is situated close to a duck pond and Jardim Marechal Carmona. The museum is open every day, except Monday, and there is no entrance fee.
Aside from the Condes de Castro Guimaraes, there are other museums to visit in Cascais. Visitors can also visit the Santa Marta Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships for centuries.
Boca do Inferno
Located in Cascais, Portugal, Boca do Inferno is an interesting place to visit. It is also called "Hell's Mouth" because of the large waves it generates.
This cliff formation is situated just west of Cascais and has become a popular tourist destination. It is also one of the most popular photography spots in the area. The name is derived from the fact that the waves swell up higher than the cliffs. This makes Boca do Inferno look scary during bad weather.
The formation is formed by waves repeatedly hitting the cliffs. In the process, the weaker limestone part of the cliff was eroded and collapsed, leaving an opening that allows the water to pour through. The upper layers remained and became a cave.
The formation has a small entrance and is accessible by foot or bicycle. It is a 20-minute walk from the center of Cascais.
There is a cafeteria near the entrance to the cave. There are also several handicraft tourists stalls. These shops offer a selection of local delicacies at affordable prices. The cafe also has public toilets.
The view from the top is spectacular. The cliffs in the west are dark in color. The best time to see the cliffs is in the winter when the sun sets.
This scenic cliff formation is a perfect place to take a walk or relax. The cliffs are also home to several beautiful buildings and a wide variety of trees and flowers.
House of Wonders
Located in Cascais, the House of Wonders is an indoor art gallery, shop, and restaurant all rolled into one. The menu is a blend of multicultural cuisine, craft beer, and fresh juices. Its decor is not to be missed. It has a cool terrace that's well maintained.
The name of the House of Wonders actually comes from the first house in Zanzibar to have electricity. This small cafe is worth checking out. They offer a number of vegetarian dishes, including hummus, pasta, and cherry pie.
The small restaurant has a nice ambiance, and the staff are from five different continents. It's a good place to enjoy lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. It's also one of the more affordable places to eat in Cascais, making it the perfect place to try some new dishes.
The House of Wonders is the brainchild of a Dutch expatriate named Anna Catharina, who moved to Portugal from Zanzibar. The best part is that she's managed to transform her former digs into a multi-cultural wonderland. The place is divided into four floors, with a colorful and kitschy decor. The mural that decorates the place is the work of Dutch artist Ellie Den Hartog.
The House of Wonders also has a nice rooftop deck that's perfect for enjoying a cold drink and a snack. They even have a wine list that's sure to please.
Bairro dos Museus
Besides its many beaches and great surfing waves, Cascais is also famous for its art and nightlife. Most of the cultural sights are located in the Bairro dos Museus, a museum district in the town centre.
There are many museums to explore in the area. The Cascais Museum, for example, specializes in oceanography and is dedicated to preserving the history of the local fishing community. It also tells the story of the town's relationship with the Atlantic Ocean.
Another popular museum is the Museum Condes Castro Guimaraes, a former noble owners' palace. It features art and furniture collections, as well as jewelry. This is a great place to spend a few hours.
If you are into contemporary painting, the Paula Rego Museum is a good option. It displays the works of Portugal's most renowned contemporary painter. Its exhibits include clear explanations of each piece. The museum is curated by her son. There are permanent exhibitions as well as temporary ones.
The Citadel Art District is also in Cascais. It includes galleries, art studios and an Irene Quilho archive. It was once the playground for the feudal elite, but today it is a public masterpiece. It has mature trees, fountains and lush lawns.
Another museum in Cascais is the Sao Sebastiao Tower Museum, which was built in 1910 by the aristocrat Jorge O'Neill. It features a music room, and was later sold to the Castro Guimaraes counts.
Praia da Conceicao, Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Poca
Known for its fine beaches, Cascais is a great destination for the whole family. The city has a number of great beaches, including Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Conceicao. These beaches are just a short walk from the town centre and offer visitors safe, clean waters.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Cascais is also home to a number of cultural attractions. These include the Cascais Museum Quarter, which houses works by some of Portugal's most famous artists. There is also a convent, an old library and the Cascais Citadel.
There is also an eight kilometre cycle path that runs along the rugged coastline. The path passes the Casa da Guia market and Cabo Raso lighthouse. It then ends at the Guincho beaches. The town is full of Portuguese Manueline style buildings and large boulders that are seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the town.
There is a free bike hire service available. There are multiple pick-up points around the town. This allows tourists to see the whole coast of the beaches.
Cascais is also home to a famous beach art competition. The competition draws large crowds during the summer. There are a number of museums in the region that showcase the works of the famous Portuguese artist Paula Rego.
The city has several restaurants, which serve excellent seafood. There is also a popular English restaurant.
