8 Things to Do in Cascais, Portugal

Apart from all the paintings, valuable oriental porcelain and archaeological artifacts, it houses 250,000 books, some of which date back to the 17th century and an illuminated manuscript from 1505. It’s the place to be for any bibliophile.

The lighthouse stands overlooking River Tagus, on the grounds of the Fort of Santa Marta and beside the Lighthouse Museum.

The museum holds exhibits on Portuguese lighthouses and on the history of the Santa Marta lighthouse which includes the keeper’s diary.

Portugal is best known for the intricately designed azulejo tiles. Be on a lookout for the blue tiles which beautifully adorn the town hall of Cascais and even the houses in the Old Town of the city.

A few minutes from the marina, the ‘Mouth of Hell’ is a rugged cavity in the limestone precipices facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Go there to watch the sun go down and enjoy the sound of the waves pound against the cliffs.

It can be a tad bit difficult to choose which beach to go to because all of them are oh so gorgeous.

But if your idea of spending time at the beach is soft waves and relaxing with a few drinks, then Praia da Rainha is the one for you.

Stretching for 7 km, it’s a favorite among surfers. What it’s also known for is the Bar do Guincho, a bar that puts together the best burgers, seafood and beer and it sits hidden behind a ridge.

Idle around this pedestrian-friendly area where the high-end streets, pavements done in various mosaic prints, restaurants, bars, cafés and shops give it a chic vibe.

Head to Praia da Duquesa and Praia do Tamariz if you want to kayak or just explore the waters on a paddleboard. But if you have surfing, kitesurfing on your mind, head to Praia da Cremina or Praia do Guincho.