Europe's biggest Casino

It was inaugurated with all due pomp and circumstance in the 1930s, considering it was the biggest in Portugal and Europe. Casino Estoril is today a meeting point not only for those who want to have fun while gambling, but also a place to attend shows and concerts in the magnificent Salão Preto e Prata. And if you get hungry, you don't have to go too far: you can have a fantastic fine dining experience of Chinese food at Restaurant Estoril Mandarim.

The birthplace of James Bond

The 1930s were a decade of great inaugurations in the Estoril area: it was also during this period that, right next to the Casino, the sumptuous Hotel Palácio Estoril (now called Palacio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness), one of the best-known five-star hotels of the region. Renowned for its grandiosity, comfort and gardens, it would have many stories to tell, if only its walls could speak. For example, it was a meeting place for spies during the Second World War, which inspired Ian Fleming to create the most famous secret agent in history, in his first book "Casino Royale", of 1953. That's right, James Bond was born in Cascais. 

The first summer resort of kings and queens

D. Carlos, the second-to-last king of Portugal - best known for being assassinated in what became known as the regicide of 1908 - inherited from his father D. Luis his love for the ocean. From 1870 onwards, Cascais became the summer resort and bathing spot of the royals. From time to time, they would settle in the Palácio da Cidadela, turning the governor's old quarters into the Royal Palace. Then the domino effect took over: the royalty attracted the rest of the court and the upper middle class to Cascais, making the destination increasingly popular - and therefore more developed, gradually increasing the number of palaces, chalets, restaurants and places of leisure.

The first town with electric lighting

When the future King Dom Carlos turned 15, on September 28th 1878, six Jablochkoff electric lamps were installed for the first time in the Citadel of Cascais, which his father, King Dom Luís had given to the Lisbon Town Council, two years after they had been used for the first time in an experiment in London and one year after they had been sold in Paris. Cascais was the first Portuguese town to experiment public lighting, albeit temporarily. On the 30th of October, these same lamps went to Chiado, the most popular part of the historic centre of Lisbon.

The refuge of kings from all over the world

During the Second World War and the Spanish Civil War, Cascais became a place of refuge for royalty from all over the world: for example, the Counts of Barcelona, Carolina II of Romania and King Humberto II of Italy came to this picturesque town on the Atlantic coast. The latter settled in a house that is now part of the hotel Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, one of the most luxurious units of Cascais' coastline, intrinsically linked to the history of exile of these monarchs.

An aristocratic house that turned into a museum

A remarkable work of architecture, the Condes de Castro Guimarães  Museum is a beautiful house from the late 19th century, built in a cove of transparent waters. It was left in the will of its last owner, Manuel Inácio de Castro Guimarães, to the town of Cascais, with all his estate. Built by Jorge O'Neill, an aristocrat of Irish descent, this house is one of the 16 spaces that make up the Museum Quarter, and is now part of the Marechal Carmona Park.


A palace overlooking the sea

The Guia House, a leisure, shopping and restaurant area, is now home to dozens of shops, restaurants, cafés, terraces and gardens. But this restored 19th century palace, located on the famous road connecting Cascais to Guincho, was built in 1895: the renowned French scientist Louis Pasteur, highlighting the good atmosphere of Guia and the trend of golf, suggested to his friend D. José Saldanha Oliveira e Sousa to build a house here in honour of his wife, Bárbara Tavares Proença.

Santa Maria House

This house, commissioned by Jorge O'Neill to Raul Lino, the renowned Portuguese architect, is also included in the Museum Quarter circuit. The Santa Maria House, built in the early 20th century, it has been a private residence for decades, having hosted important figures such as the Grand Duchess Carlota of Luxembourg, the Counts of Barcelona, King Humberto II of Italy and the Dukes of Windsor. Today, apart from being a place to visit, it is also a place where it is possible to hold events - including dream weddings.

Sintra palaces

The magnificent Pena Palace . Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, in the Cultural category, another of Sintra's most beautiful (and mysterious) spots is Quinta da Regaleira, a place acquired and expanded by the very rich Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, whose nickname was Monteiro dos Milhões (Monteiro of Millions).

The well being

A place surrounded by trees and ocean. Can you think of a more perfect place to completely surrender to the pleasures of leisure? Now, with this background, imagine an afternoon in the jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, heated pool or having a massage? A dream come true at the many Spas of the region. 

- Banyan Tree Spa Estoril 
- Natur Spa at Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel
- Real Spa Therapy at Grande Real Villa Itália  
- Serenity - The Art of Well Being at Sheraton Cascais 
- Penha Longa Spa & Wellness
- SPA InterContinental by L'Occitane 
- The Spa at the Oitavos

Dream Hotels

In Cascais there is a long list of places to sleep like a king.  The Albatroz Hotel is a couple of steps away from the centre and Conceição beach. At Pestana Cidadela Cascais you will be going to sleep in a kind of art gallery. If you prefer the air of Guincho, all you have to do is check in the old Fortaleza do Guincho. At Quinta da Martinha Resort, you will find on a huge lawn with a lake, one of the most prestigious golf courses in the region.

List all hotels in Cascais 

The activities

Are you looking for some active vacations? You are at the right place. Because in Cascais the essential elements of any type of vacation live together in perfect harmony, you will find options for everyone. If you are a fan of water activities, know that here you can surf, kitesurf, jet ski, scuba dive, enjoy boat trips or an afternoon of fishing. Do you prefer land-based activities? No problem. Explore trails by bike, on foot [place links to new articles] or by jeep, go climbing or enjoy the famous golf courses. 

The Gastronomy

Cascais is a destination where you can eat very well, regardless of your preferences. Well, let's see. For those who love the flavours of the sea, go to Furnas do Guincho. The delicious flavours of Italy can be found at La Contessa. And for those who crave the textures of Japanese cuisine, go to Isakaya - an authentic japanese tavern in Cascais. But what about vegan food? Go to Local — Your Healthy Kitchen, at Mercado da Vila. After all, what you want is a cheese board with a good wine? Write on your list: Casca Wines. 

List all restaurants in Cascais 

The culture 

If traveling for you is all about absorbing knowledge, know that Cascais will not give you a minute's rest, because there are countless activities to do. To start, at the Museum Quarter you have 18 spaces to visit (yes, you read it right, 18), where you will have the opportunity to explore a diverse selection, showing either fantastic summer houses from the 19th century, or works by the prestigious artist Paula Rego. 

Entertainment

The bohemian spirit is part of Cascais' DNA, had it not been a summer resort for the aristocracy, who came here for lively parties. Centuries gone by, the classy moments of entertainment still exist, on esplanades such as the one from Farol Hotel, a restored 19th century mansion, which, facing the sea, is just one of the places where you can sip a delicious cocktail. At Casino Estoril, which was the first and largest in Europe, you can gamble your luck, but don't forget to take a look at the show room. Also take a look at the cultural agenda of Cascais, which is always full of events that will never leave you bored.

The charm

In this fairy-tale town, even the houses are an element of contemplation: from the palaces to the neat, flower-covered houses with their colourful doors, everything is an excuse to stop and observe. All the details of this place bathed by the sea create a charming atmosphere, where it is impossible not to be invaded by a wave of positive energies. The chalets coexist with urban art, the old coexists with the modern. The mountains coexist with the sea.

The fresh air

Breathe in and out deeply, and immerse yourself in the pure air of the mountains and the sea. With good weather always guaranteed, make the most of these serenity's best friends, swapping a night on land for a night aboard a sailboat or catamaran.

There are two ways of sleepinf on a boat in Cascais:

• Dreamboats

• Katerina Boat

The versatility 

Cascais is a complete destination, capable of pleasing couples with the most distinct pleasures. Don't believe it? Let's do it. Are you a great admirer of nature? Then you really must go and explore the hundreds of acres of Quinta do Pisão. Are you passionate about Golf? You're in luck: Cascais is a recognized and acknowledged destination for the practice of such sport. Do you prefer the more glamorous side of life? In the town of Cascais, there is no shortage of stores and restaurants with the latest trends. Are you an adrenaline addict? From surfing to jet sky, there is plenty to choose from.

Beloura Pestana Golf

With a course designed by the international golf course designer Rocky Roquemore, the Pestana Beloura Golf was inaugurated in 1993. It is located in the green foothills of the Sintra Mountains and includes the Clubhouse, a shop where you can rent the necessary equipment for an afternoon of swings.

Technical file 

Holes: 18 

Par: 72 

Length: 6673 yards 

Quinta da Marinha Golfe

Overlooking the ocean and the Sintra Mountains, the Quinta da Marinha Golf was designed by the legendary American architect Robert Trent Jones. With elevated tees, bunkers and lakes, it includes a wide variety of holes for a dynamic practice that requires different types of clubs.

Technical file

Holes: 18 

Par: 71 

Length: 6419 yards 

Oitavo Dunes

It is ranked the 55th best course in the world and the best of Portugal. The course Oitavos Dunes, at the luxurious resort The Oitavos, is a mandatory stop for golf lovers, with a breathtaking view over the Atlantic and the Sintra Mountains. Designed in 2001, it stands out for the preservation and integration in its surrounding ecosystem. It was the first golf course in Europe to be awarded the Gold Signature Sanctuary status.

Technical File

Holes: 18 

Par: 71

Length: 6525 yards 

Clube de Golf do Estoril

A historic course, which dates back to 1929, designed by the Frenchman Jean Gassiat, the 

Club Golf do Estoril was born to be a place of leisure for tourists visiting Portugal, but also for foreigners who settled in the country in the beginning of the 20th century.

Technical file

Holes: 16

Par: 69 

Length:  5675 yards 

Penha Longa Golf 

Considered one of the top 30 courses in continental Europe and top 10 in Portugal, the Penha Longa Golf is another course designed by the illustrious architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, which opened in 1992. With views as far as the eye can see, sometimes to the sea, sometimes to the mountains, it stands out not only for the quality of its holes, but also for its natural beauty and richness. It also includes an Academy, with a Driving Range, Putting Green and Chipping Green.

Technical file

Holes: 27 

Par: 71 

Belas Clube de Campo

Technical file

Holes: 18 

Par: 72 

Length: 6681 yards 

Cascais Golf Passport

As the first digital solution of its kind in the world, the Cascais Golf Passport connects the region’s seven golf venues and their live tee sheets together onto one platform.
More info here

Go for a swim in Guincho beach

Starting with the beach means starting off on the right foot, especially with one of the town's biggest attractions. There are countless beaches to choose from, the ones closer to the town centre and those within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. For this micro-guide, we chose one from the second group:  Guincho beach. Surrounded by cliffs, with some spots protected from the wind that gets stronger from time to time, it is also very popular with surfers.

Get lost in the 692 acres of Quinta do Pisão

Also part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the Quinta do Pisão, an ideal place to visit with the kids. There are 692 acres of area, with space for walks, interpretative tours, donkey rides, animal visits such as sheep and horses, bird watching, bike rental... the range of possibilities is almost as vast as the resident species.

Be enchanted by the Palace and Estate of Monserrate

Since Serra de Sintra is only 20 minutes away from Cascais, what better idea than to take the family to see one of the most romantic places in Portugal, the Palace and Quinta de Monserrate. A 19th century building, which mixes romantic influences with gothic, Indian and Moorish styles, graced with a magical garden with plants from all over the world,

Go for a walk in the Sintra Mountains

You have fallen for the Sintra Mountains and now you feel that it is not time to leave yet? We understand. It really is a magical place. In order for you to enjoy it as much as possible, go on a walking tour and experience the benefits of an active life, while observing the most emblematic places.

Have a coffee at Casa da Guia

On your way back to town, you must make a stop at Casa da Guia. A 19th century palace built on a vast plot of land, on top of a cliff facing the sea. Once a private house, it is now open to public and a meeting point for people of all ages. You can stop there to enjoy a drink, to admire the view, go shopping, or take the kids to play in the huge outdoor area. Start by enjoying a coffee on a terrace facing the ocean and then, the choice is yours.

Go for a stroll through the Mercado da Vila (and have a taste if you feel hungry)

Mercado da Vila is not only Cascais' traditional market: besides being a supply point, it also has become a restaurant hub and the venue of countless gastronomic and leisure events.

Discover the art of Paula Rego 

The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is home to some of the works of the famous Portuguese artist. There are paintings, drawings and engravings, many of them donated by Paula Rego herself, there are also some works by her husband, Victor Willing, and temporary exhibitions, all under a roof designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, winner of the Pritzker Prize.

Catch some sun at the Marechal Carmona Park

Another emblematic spot in the centre of Cascais. Also known as Gandarinha Park, in Marechal Carmona Park there are lawns perfect for laying out a towel, sunbathing and letting the kids play. A place to rest your legs after a long walk, in the company of ducks and peacocks and some interesting sights, such as the Sea Museum or the Condes Castro Guimarães Museum

Enjoy a cocktail at La Terrazza

An itinerary through Cascais should always include some time on a terrace. The hardest part is choosing. But we'll give you a hint: overlooking the town and the ocean, at La Terrazza (Grande Real Villa Itália) you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunset and the famous "golden hour", in the company of an unusual cocktail or a sparkling wine sangria with passion fruit.

Feel the sea at the table at restaurant O Pescador

O Pescador is one of the best places to find out what comes from the sea. Located a few metres from the Lota de Cascais (with fish coming directly from there), it has a menu that includes grilled fish, octopus à lagareiro, and various seafood, such as the conchas (oysters, mussels and clams) à Bulhão Pato, among others.

Enjoy a good night's sleep

And to rest, enjoy our amazing hotels and local lodgings. From hotels, to guest houses or entire flats, you have plenty to choose from. Check here.