A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
Discovering Cascais: The Jewel of Lisbon's Coast
Introduction
Located on the stunning Estoril coast, just 30 kilometers from Lisbon, lies Cascais, an ancient fishing village that has transformed into a popular tourist destination. With its historic charm, golden beaches, and vibrant culinary scene, Cascais is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The Historic Charm of Cascais
The old town of Cascais is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditionally painted pastel-colored houses. Here, visitors can explore the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a 16th-century building, or the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, a Gothic-style mansion housing a collection of art and antiques.
Golden Beaches and Water Sports
Cascais is famous for its beaches, stretching along the coast and offering a mix of tranquil bays and exciting waves for surfers. The beach of Guincho, in particular, is known for its ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Additionally, Cascais Marina is a gathering spot for sailing enthusiasts and yachtsmen.
The Vibrant Culinary Scene of Cascais
Cascais's cuisine is as varied as it is delicious. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, from the traditional fish soup to salted codfish. Moreover, the city boasts numerous bars and restaurants where one can experience the lively nightlife.
Exploring the Surroundings of Cascais
Beyond the city's attractions, the surroundings of Cascais offer a wealth of interesting sites. For instance, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is perfect for nature lovers, with its breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails. On the other hand, the city of Sintra, with its palaces and castles, is an essential destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Transportation in Cascais
Thanks to its proximity to Lisbon, Cascais is easily accessible by car or train. Additionally, the city has a network of buses connecting different areas and surroundings, facilitating exploration of the region.
Gastronomic Products of Cascais
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Fresh Seafood
Cascais, being a coastal city, is famous for its wide variety of fresh seafood. Local restaurants offer a range of seafood dishes, including shrimp, crabs, clams, and oysters. The seafood is caught daily and served fresh, ensuring quality and flavor.
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Seafood Rice
Famous in the Cascais region, rice with seafood consists of cooked rice mixed with various types of seafood, including shrimp, clams, and mussels. This dish is known for its rich and succulent flavor and is a must-try when visiting Cascais.
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Bell Éclair Pastries
Although originating from the nearby Belém, Bell Éclair pastries are a very popular dessert in Cascais. These cream-filled pastries are known for their crispy crust and creamy filling. They make for a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee after a meal.
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Lisbon Region Wines
Cascais, located in the Lisbon wine region, is known for its high-quality wines. The wines from this area range from robust reds to light and refreshing whites. Many restaurants in Cascais offer a wide selection of local wines to complement your meal.
Notable Gastronomic Places in Cascais
From charming taverns to high-end restaurants, Cascais offers a wide variety of spots to enjoy its rich gastronomy. Below, we present some of the most notable ones:
Mar do Inferno Restaurant
Located near the Boca do Inferno, the Mar do Inferno Restaurant is famous for its excellent Portuguese cuisine, particularly for its seafood dishes. Here you can savor traditional dishes such as rice with seafood, cataplana of seafood, and salted codfish cooked in wine. The views from its terrace make this place a perfect option for an unforgettable meal.
Cascais Clandestina Tavern
If you're looking for a place with charm and good prices, the Cascais Clandestina Tavern is an excellent choice. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and traditional Portuguese dishes, such as Lisbon-style clams, grilled sardines, and bean stew. Its extensive wine list allows you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Portuguese wines.
O Pescador Restaurant
The O Pescador Restaurant is another iconic spot in Cascais. Known for its fresh fish and seafood, this restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Portuguese dishes. You shouldn't miss trying its caldeirada, a fish and seafood stew that is a true delight.
Cascais Economic Tavern
The Cascais Economic Tavern is a place with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a variety of Portuguese dishes at reasonable prices. Its specialties include golden salted codfish and roasted suckling pig.
Sports Activities in Cascais
Surf
With its privileged location on the Atlantic coast, Cascais is an ideal place to practice surfing. There are several surf schools that offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Golf
Cascais is known for its excellent golf courses. The Quinta da Marinha and Oitavos Dunes golf courses are particularly popular and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cycling
The landscape around Cascais is perfect for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful coast, or venture into the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for a bigger challenge.
Hiking
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers numerous hiking trails that will take you through forests, beaches, and cliffs. It's an excellent way to enjoy nature and get panoramic views of the area.
Vela
Thanks to its coastal location, Cascais is a popular spot for sailing. You can rent a boat and spend the day sailing in the Atlantic, or even take sailing lessons if you're a beginner.
Places Near Cascais
If you are in Cascais and want to explore more, here are some cities and towns nearby that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
11 de Marzo de 2024
Portugal