Coastal town of Cascais
It’s early May and we’re driving in the campervan from Lisbon towards the coastal town of Cascais. This stretch of coast is classy, a place in easy reach for affluent city dwellers to escape for relaxation. For us on this tour of Portugal, it’s a town where we feel we have to stop to take a closer look.
This area known as the Portuguese Riviera has plenty of sandy beaches along our route. First, we’ve driven through the neighbouring resort of Estoril. Apparently, this coastline is also known as the Estoril Coast, where the towns of Estoril and Cascais merge, but our drive takes us through Estoril and onto Cascais.
It actually looks quite busy in this area which makes a change, because so far this trip, the West coast of Portugal has been really quiet. There’s been an obvious ‘off season’ feel up to now, with few people about and a feeling of having many places to ourselves.
Maybe as we’re entering May and with a warmth now in the air, we’ll come across more visitors in general.
After entering Cascais, we’re lucky to find some street parking on a side road close to the promenade walkways. Although it’s not somewhere to spend a night, it’s fine for a quick visit of this lovely looking resort.
Swish marina and luxury feel
It’s time for a quick bite to eat in the camper before heading off to explore on foot. Our parking spot beside a building site of a luxury home, gives an idea of how upmarket this town is. The large poster displays on the perimeter fencing show a magnificent home of grand design proportions.
Back in our camper reality mode after a little dreaming, we find ourselves on the long coastal walkway.
Soon we’re coming across magnificent old villas, with many interesting features and unusual facades.
The incredible villa Condes De Castro Guimaraes is just fascinating to see. It’s no wonder king Luis l came to Cascais for summer.
On a more modern theme is a swish marina complex linking the promenade and beaches to the town centre.
Luxury hotels add to the sophistication of Cascais, where a selection of independent shops and eateries provide ample opportunity to browse, dine and people watch.
Blooming lovley – Coastal town of Cascais
Our stroll along the waterfront paths, meandering through the marina complex and adjacent beaches is really pleasant.
Heading into town doesn’t disappoint either, as a local group in traditional costume are gathering to sing for visitors.
The music sounds through the narrow streets, which are busy with visitors and many American accents.
The town of Cascais is well presented, with immaculate streets and the most wonderful spring floral displays along the pavements. The intense pinks and purples and sheer volume of flowers here is quite spectacular, it’s certainly a credit to the local community and make Cascais quite simply blooming lovely!
Park and ponds
Leading on from the lovely town centre we come to a fabulous park area, complete with water features of ponds and little bridges. It’s so pristine here, with everything appearing to be so well cared for and providing a real feel good factor in the process.
The parkland ponds prove to be a fascinating watch. There’s plenty of fish in the water and turtles too and just when we think we’ve seen all the wildlife on offer, along come some ducks and chickens.
The coastal town of Cascais has been well worth a stop on this tour of the west coast, but we’re conscious of moving on. Ever mindful of finding a place for the night, we’re ready to hit the road again and continue our journey.
With a quick glance of the map, we decide to aim for Cabo da Roca, which just happens to be the most western point in mainland Europe, which will hopefully be an interesting place to see. So, join us next time and thanks for reading!
