South African In: Cascais

Cascais is a coastal town and a municipality in Portugal, 30 kilometres west of Lisbon. It is a cosmopolitan suburb of the Portuguese capital and one of the richest municipalities in Portugal. Cascais was once a small fishing village, but its idyllic scenery attracted the attention of artists, writers and expelled European nobility in the 20th century. Today it still attracts high society, but all society comes in force to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and adventure options like sailing and surfing. I enjoyed the sunshine, friendly people, gorgeous ocean and gift shopping. These yachts weren’t bad, either!

Get in

Cascais is easily reachable from Lisbon by car or by train (40min), from the Cais do Sodré station. A return ticket costs approx 10€ (june 2014) and can be bought from the automatic ticket machines. Remember to keep the ticket as it will be checked and punched by the conductor in both directions

Get Around

The town is small enough to explore entirely by foot. To get a feeling for the life it’s best to stroll around on foot. Uphill, beyond the town centre there are numerous narrow cobbled streets to explore with interesting architecture, plants and animals to see. There are also numerous offices for the hire of bicyles, scooters and motorbikes. Make sure you have your ID with you and proof of accommodation.

Get To See

Palácio de Conde de Castro Guimarães

Open to the public and exhibits its own grand private collection that includes over 25,000 books and such rarities as an illustrated book by Duarte Galvão(1455-1517).

The Grutus do Poço Velho

Located in the centre of the town and date back to the Neolithic period.

Museu do Mar

Depicts the story of Cascais and its fishing history.

The Marina

It has lovely yachts adding a further attraction to the town.

The famous Boca do Inferno

Just outside the town in which the sea on rougher days hammers into the rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular spray thus creating its name which in English means “mouth of hell”.

The Parque Palmela

An attractive park created by the Duques de Palmela and now maintained by the Town Hall and in which open-air concerts are often held.

The next town to the east of Cascais is the resort town of Estoril with its popular Casino.

You can walk to Estoril from Cascais along the beachfront esplanade, passing many beachside bars and restaurants.

To the north and within easy reach is the romantic and fascinating town of Sintra

This town was made famous to foreigners after a glowing account of its splendours recorded by Lord Byron.

Golf Courses

Belas Country Club: Characteristics: 18 holes of 6,380 metres in length, par 72 Tel. (00 351) 219 62 66 40 Fax. (00 351) 219 62 66 41 http://www.belasgolf.com, e-mail: golfe@planbelas.pt, Alameda do Aqueduto, Belas Clube de Campo, 2605-193 Belas.
Estoril Club: Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,262 metres in length, par 69. Tel. (00 351) 214 68 01 76 Fax. (00 351) 214 68 27 96 http://www.palacioestorilhotel.com e-mail: geral@golfestoril.com Av. da República, 2765 Estoril.
Lisbon Spots Club: Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,278 metres in length, par 69. Facilities: trolleys, clubs and caddies for hire, golf academy, clubhouse, restaurant, bar, sauna, children’s games room, babysitting service available. Tel. (00 351) 214 31 00 77 Fax. (00 351) 214 31 24 82 e-mail: geral@lisbonclub.com, Casal da Carregueira, Belas, 2745 Queluz.
Penha Longa Golf Resort: Characteristics: Atlantic course – 18 holes of 6,290 metres in length, par 72. Monastery course – 9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35 Tel. (00 351) 219 24 90 11 Fax. (00 351) 219 24 90 24 http://www.penhalonga.com e-mail: reservas.golf@penhalonga.com, Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Linhó, 2714-511 Sintra.
Quinta da Marinha: Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71. Facilities: 3 restaurants – Five Pines (hotel), Cosi Fan Tutti (clubhouse) and Monte Mar (on the Estrada do Guincho), bars with outdoor terraces, 6 tennis courts, 3 outdoor swimming pools, jogging circuit, fitness centre, bicycles for hire, children’s club Tel. (00 351) 214 86 01 80 Fax. (00 351) 214 86 90 32 http://www.quintadamarinha.com e-mail: golf@quintadamarinha.com, Hotel Quinta da Marinha, Casa 36, Quinta da Marinha, 2750-715 Cascais.
Oitavos Golf Course: Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71. Tel. (00 351) 214 86 06 00 Fax. (00 351) 214 86 06 09 e-mail: oitavosgolfe@quinta-da-marinha.pt http://www.quintadamarinha-oitavosgolfe.pt, Quinta da Marinha, Casa da Quinta nº. 25, 2750 Cascais.
Penha Longa Monastery: Characteristics: 9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35. Facilities: putting green, chipping area with 2 bunkers, driving range with 2 grass bays. Buggies, trolleys (manual and electric), clubs and golf shoes for hire Tel. (00 351) 219 24 90 11 Fax. (00 351) 219 24 90 24 e-mail: reserves.golf@penhalonga.com http://www.penhalonga.com. Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Linhó, 2714-511 Sintra.