Cascais, Portugal – A Fishing Town, Charming and Traditional
Along the northern side of the Tejo Estuary is the Linha de Cascais, an urban railway that takes you from Lisbon to the little fishing town of Cascais. The train departs from the Cais do Sodre train station in Lisbon and ends its short but delightfully scenic journey along the River Tagus, at Cascais station. The quickest and easiest method of travel from Lisbon is by train, particularly as the station in Cascais is located in the centre of town. Travel by car is easy but parking is limited. You also have the option of a somewhat slower bus-ride from Lisbon, but the bus terminal is not as conveniently situated as the station.
A notable landmark in Cascais is the Cidadela, a fortress built in the 15th century to defend the town against Spanish invaders. Four hundred years later, King Luís I of the ruling House of Braganza visited this little fishing retreat, renovated the fortress and took up summer residence there. From then on, Cascais became one of the most sought-after and cosmopolitan holiday places in Portugal. Elegant villas with splendid views over the bay grace the coastline and fascinating museums face onto intricately cobbled streets.
However, Cascais is still a fishing village. Fishermen push their boats off the beaches at sunrise and return with their catch of dorado, róbalo, sardines, octopus, crabs, and mussels; after which they gather hospitably around tables on the dock for a lunch of local wine, fresh bread, and fish soup served from enormous pots.
The town is charmingly set among the beaches of the Portuguese Riviera, from the relaxing swimming beaches of Cascais itself to the wide surfing beaches set against the dramatic natural scenery of the untamed Serra de Sintra in the north.
Day trips are available to Ericeira, Praia das Maçãs, and Sintra. Midway between Cascais and Sintra lies the rugged wind-swept headland of the Cabo de Roca. A lighthouse, cafe, and gift shop are the simple marks of civilisation in this wind-scoured meeting of land and surf. Mainland Europe terminates at the point where these wild cliffs jut out into the sea.
For those of us who prefer to avoid the well-trodden tourists haunts there are hiking trails following ancient paths along the cliff-tops. These lead to coves with unsullied beaches such as the Praia da Ursa or Praia da Adraga.
Cascais has a wonderful, moderate climate all year round with temperatures from 12 C to 25 C. Favorable sun and wind conditions make sailing, surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing popular tourist activities in this region.
The Golden Visa program offers you much more than a brief holiday in this stunning area. Investing in property in Cascais and other parts of Portugal allows you a European Residence Permit Card and a Passport (Portugal) giving you the ability to live and travel all over Europe. Not only this but having an investor visa entitles you to live, travel, work or study in 26 EU Schengen Space countries. It is undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime.