Cascais
A short train ride along the shore from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station leads to Cascais, a formerly quaint fishing village that became (along with neighboring Estoril) a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxuriant villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars.
Elements of its fishing village roots can still be felt at the lively fish auction that takes place every afternoon by the main beach and its brightly painted fishing boats, and the story of old Cascais is told by old photographs, paintings, and other items at the small "Museu do Mar" (Museum of the Sea).
A 20-minute walk along the coastal road leads to an outstanding sight, Boca do Inferno ("Mouth of Hell"). High waves crash into gigantic caves carved out of the rock by the sea, causing an awe-inspiring noise that may explain the name given to the site and why Aleister Crowley chose it to fake his own death in 1930. Cascais
beach
The best beach nearby is the magnificent sandy beach of Guincho. Backed by dunes and with some of the best rollers in Europe, it is a true paradise for surfers. The water is clean and the Atlantic waves pound onto the sand even on the calmest of days, which is why World Surfing Championships have taken place here. Terrace-restaurants overlook the beach and surrounding coastline.
Source:
www.golisbon.com
what to do
Sintra
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Fish &
Seafood
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Sailing
Events
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Surf
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Casino
Berlengas
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Golf
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Sintra
With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage–listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic.
Source:
www.lonelyplanet.com
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Fish &
Seafood
With its mild climate and close proximity to the ocean, not to mention its rich culinary heritage, the region boasts a wide variety of dishes based largely on fresh fish and seafood.
Source:
www.visitcascais.com
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Sailing
Events
Cascais has been the setting for some of the most important sailing events in the world and has a natural link with Nautical Sports and all things related to the Sea. In recent years it has been the host to great contests, including the America’s Cup World Series Cascais 2011, the ISAF World Sailing Championship 2007, the 49er European Championship, the QuebraMar Regatta, Cowes-Cascais, The Round Portugal Sailing Tour, Portugal Match Cup and the His Majesty the King Juan Carlos I Trophy, among many others.
Source:
www.mymarinacascais.com
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Surf
The long, wild Praia do Guincho is a surfer's and windsurfer's paradise (the site of previous World Surfing Championships) with massive crashing rollers. The strong undertow can be dangerous for swimmers and novice surfers.
Source:
www.lonelyplanet.com
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Casino
Bond fans after a spritz of espionage head for glitzy Casino Estoril, the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale . Fritter away your euros on a high-stakes poker tournament or check out the spangly Las Vegas–style shows.
Source:
www.lonelyplanet.com
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Berlengas
The Berlenga Island is about 7 miles from the Peniche Port ; it is 1500 meters long and 800 meters wide, with a perimeter of 4000 meters and reaches 88 meters at its highest point and –30 meters at its lowest.
It is a region of great interest for botanical specialists with several endemic species and species of limited distribution. A nesting spot for some species of ocean birds (such as the guillemot - Airo uria aalge- , a symbol of the reserve), and a passing point for several migratory species. A Maritime Reserve of great wild life richness, particularly ichthyology.
Source:
http://www.cm-peniche.pt
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Golf
Situated on the Estoril coast, 30 minutes west of Lisbon, Quinta da Marinha is a challenging 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Set in a wooded private estate, the spectacular natural surroundings offer superb views of the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic ocean. Over the years, Quinta da Marinha has hosted a number of outstanding professional competitions and PGA tournament.
Source:
www.portugal-live.net
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