The charms of the Cascais Line or Estoril Coast are mainly due to two facts that have marked its landscape and culture:
- its adoption as a summer resort by the Portuguese monarchy, in the 19th century;
- its transformation into a destination for exiles during World War II. It was visited by royal families, diplomats and spies in search of a safe haven. Portuguese neutrality guaranteed them not only peace but also a standard of living that would have been impossible to maintain in Europe at war. The resulting cosmopolitan atmosphere created an image of sophistication and romance that has lasted to the present day.
Arriving from Lisbon along the Marginal, this is easily noticeable. The beauty of the coast is accentuated by the spectacular palaces that enhance its magnificent sea views. We can feel particular attention is paid to appearances.
Estoril, just before Cascais, was a favourite scenario in spy stories. Reality and fiction were combined, with characters visiting the Casino, Hotel Palácio and other locations. The Casino was the focal point at the time and famous for its parties.
Many of the exiles eventually bought houses in Estoril or Cascais and lived there for years.
The Sud Express made Estoril its last stop and Cascais was given a station in 1946, when the Marginal road was finished. It was a veritable boom!
Cascais, which already attracted many holiday makers to its beautiful bay in the summer, gained a new glamour by being called the Portuguese Riviera.
From the original fishing village came the tradition of the sea and fishing. The historic centre consists of charming narrow streets full of shops. The lively Largo de Camões attracts visitors and locals with a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
In front of it, in the direction of the beach, is Largo 5 de Outubro with the former Palácio dos Condes da Guarda, now the local town hall.
The palace dates from the 17th century and has some magnificent panels of tiles. Opposite is the Port Authority behind which we can see the beautiful Hotel Albatross.
On Praia dos Pescadores beach, we can still see some colourful fishing boats. Walking up Avenida Dom Carlos I towards the Citadel Fortress, we can enjoy a sumptuous view over the bay.
The buildings along the way amaze us with their beauty and magnificence.
The Citadel, which was a royal residence in the 19th century, includes the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz and has a magnificent hotel.
From here, there are various options available: the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Piedade – now the Cultural Centre of Cascais –, the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, the Museum of the Sea and Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego. And also the Marechal Carmona Garden, the Santa Marta Lighthouse, the Marina and endless other places of interest.
Continuing along the coast, we find idyllic settings ranging from steep cliffs with caves such as Boca do Inferno, and extensive dunes and beaches such as Praia do Guincho.
And there is always a constant: on one side the sea, on the other side the Hills as far as Sintra. A situation that has shaped both local food and local sports. The former based essentially on fish and shellfish; the latter including a great variety, including golf, horse riding, tennis and water sports.
After Guincho, the journey continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.
And then, a new challenge: Sintra. From the ocean to the hills.