Those that live there, even those that have an intense professional life, say that Cascais has the gift of allowing one to feel on vacation 365 days a year. Is there anything better that this?
For the locals, it sure seems like there’s nothing else like Cascais; sandy beaches and a sea of turquoise, immense sunny days all year round, good mountain winds, a postcard perfect historical center, an old palaces décor that hosted the noblesse of the past seeking exile, selected and recommend restaurants and esplanades, unforgettable hotels, the largest casino in Europe, a lively night life…. There’s even more, enough to convince the youth into not giving up their place in front of the sea and move to the big capital, as well as those not so young, that discover here the ideal address to enjoy the retirement that we all dream of. 2018 European Youth Capital and a summer resort since there is memory, Cascais lives in that duality of pleasing both young surfers, as well as visitors from all corners of the world, that invest their savings in a last address here, offering the aura of a luxurious touristic destination with a perfect conjugation of services: health, education, culture and leisure. To the more renitent, if there are still any, we leave you now the eight main reasons to choose Cascais as your home:
1. Because the beaches are irresistible
From Carcavelos to Guincho, there is a parade of beaches where one just wants to go bathing. With less or more turbulent seas, small and sheltered or vast and exposed to the whims of the Ocean, they appeal in the summer for cooling and throughout the year for strolls and nautical activities, such as surf, paddle, windsurf, kitesurf, diving, sailing and fishing. Your pick.
2. Because there is always something on the agenda
With a set of cultural facilities integrated in what is known as the Museum Neighborhood – where the Paula Rego’s House of Stories and the Cascais Cultural Center strike out – there is no lack of culture related events.
3. Because at the table is always a pleasure
Across the sea front or at the town’s heart, in relaxed outdoors’ cafes or sophisticated restaurants, one is always assured fresh fish and sea food, delicious grilled meats, chef’s cuisine and the tasty, traditional Portuguese appetizers and dishes. Those that live here must visit the Fortaleza do Guincho, the The Mix, the Grelhas, the Panorama Guincho, the Reserva da Villa, the O Pescador, the Marisco na Praça… the list goes on.
4. Because the hotels open us the doors to another world
Located in old palaces or built by the sea side, Cascais’ hotels keep their doors open even to those not lodging there, but that just want to enjoy a pleasant drink, have a meal, or profit from the luxurious spas. Farol Hotel, Palácio Estoril, Cascais Miragem and Grande Real Villa Itália are among those offering a “royal treatment”.
5. Because the night promises
Promises animated bars, night clubs where multiple generations dance, cafes where lifetime friends gather. It promises the amusement of the shows and the games of Casino Estoril.
6. Because there is no lack of golf courses
Cascais is well served with first grade golf courses, with a perfect design and surrounding scenery to go along. Oitavos, Quinta da Marinha, Golfe do Estoril, not to mention all those located right next door, in Sintra, offer multiple possibilities.
7. Because health and education is not an issue
Both Portuguese and foreigners living in the country can benefit from free public health and education services. But Cascais County, with a long tradition in receiving those from outside, offers still another large selection of private high quality health services, as well as of private and international schools. In higher education, the Nova School of Business & Economics has just opened a new campus in Carcavelos, overlooking the sea.
8. Because Lisbon is just two steps away
And we cannot forget that all this can be complemented by the cosmopolitan life of the capital, a short twenty minutes away on a pleasant train ride, rolling by the sea shore.
Article produced in partnership with INS
