In the second half of the 19th century, when sea bathing became a popular activity, the town of Cascais was given the impetus which transformed it from a busy fishing port into a very fashionable summer holiday resort. With its fabulous beaches and vibrant towns, Estoril Coast holidays are a wonderful choice of holiday destination.
Located west of Lisbon is the stunning Estoril Coast. Famed for its excellent beaches it is a fantastic choice of destination for beach-lovers. Although also boasting brilliant golf courses a motor-racing circuit and casino it has something to entertain all its visitors. Cascais holidays are a popular choice of destination on the Estoril Coast, with a wealth of things to do it is a great choice for all holiday-makers.
A summer residence was built for the monarch and the King’s example was immediately copied by the nobility, who built palaces and extremely beautiful villas in the town. Nowadays, Cascais is a lively and cosmopolitan town that still preserves a great deal of its earlier aristocratic atmosphere. Particularly recommended is a stroll through its streets, where you will find luxury boutiques or perhaps you might prefer to enjoy a few moments’ rest at one of the many outdoor cafés and restaurants scattered about the town. Cascais holidays are ideal for those who wish to spend time relaxing on the glorious beaches and next, wander through the town.
For holidays in Cascais the beaches continue to be one of the greatest attractions. Choose from those situated in the town’s sheltered bay or those a little further away in the area around Guincho, part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The Boca do Inferno (literally the Jaws of Hell), an inlet along the coast that is surrounded by steep rocks and caves, is a natural curiosity attracting many thousands of visitors to appreciate the brute strength of the sea. With so much to offer holidays to Cascais are ideal for all holiday-makers.
Cuisine
From city-chic restaurant menus to humble fishermen’s home-cooking, you’ll find a huge variety of dishes. With a surfeit of fresh fish and shellfish, lovers of sea-food with find themselves amply catered for. Pork, lamb and steak dishes are not an uncommon sight on menus taking their side alongside dishes influenced by former African, Aisin and Oriental colonies, which might tempt the more adventurous palate. Portuguese ports and wines are eminently drinkable and a very varied selection of fresh fruit and vegetables complete a diverse culinary picture. Pastry-lovers must not leave without sampling Pasteis do Belem, delicious flaky tartlets filled with custard like cream.