The passion for hospitality runs in his veins. But João Pinto Coelho takes his qualities as host beyond his hotel chain. As author of the blog “LocalCascais.com” he invites all that read it to know the town where he has lived his all life e that he believes to be, without beating round the bush, “the most charming in Europe”. All because of the perfect way that beach, nature and history go together here. In his blog he suggests restaurants, bars, places to visit and the most varied experiences a local enjoys recommending to visitors. For that reason, he knows what he talks about when he condenses Cascais’ essencials to three: “visiting the center, walking the seaside promenade and eating fish and seafood”. Still, he does not forget about the sea, always present, and adds a day at Guincho, “a unique beach with a view towards the westernmost point in Europe”, to be ended with a stop for a hot dog at Boca do Inferno.
AND HIS BEST OF IS…
A monument: Palácio Condes de Castro Guimarães.
A museum: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego.
A garden: Parque Marechal Carmona.
A view: The one from paredão.
A beach: Guincho.
Best outdoor activities: Surf and sailing classes, hikes in Sintra.
Best restaurants?
Author cuisine: Fortaleza do Guincho.
Portuguese cuisine: Polvo Vadio.
Fish and seafood: Monte Mar.
World cuisine: Hemingway.
“Petiscos”: Páteo do Petisco.
Good price: La Contessa – Carpaccio House.
Out-of-hours: John Bull.
Best view: Restaurante Maria Pia.
Cafes and ice-cream stores: Santini.
Bars: Paradigma.
Discos: Tamariz.
Terraces: Jonas Bar.
Shopping: Cascaishopping.
