Oeiras, Estoril and Cascais
Cascais, Oeiras and Estoril.
The Portuguese Riviera.
Another favourite place of mine, not just Cascais but Oeiras and Estoril are included in this blog. Let’s start with Oeiras and work our way along this magnificent stretch of Portuguese coastline taking in some of its delights.
A thirty-minute car journey from Lisbon airport, avoiding the tolls, along the A36 and N6 takes you along the busy coastal road via the parish of Algés and its stony beach, past the sandy beach of Paço de Arcos and onto the large sandy expanse that is Praia da Laje. It’s one beach after another and they just keep getting better. Exit the N6 and you arrive at Inatel, a large complex of low-grade apartments that sit practically on the beach. From here you can collect shells with the children that seem to wash up in abundance on the boulders that form the beach. A car park and a bar area are found here and outside the Inatel complex via a large gate, you can access the smooth coastal walkway that is constantly full of joggers, fitness enthusiasts and skateboarders, all pounding the smooth tarmac.
A ten-minute walk North and you arrive at Oeiras Marina, a lovely place to spend lunch. Try B'EntreVinhos for magnificent Tapas sat out on the decking watching the yachts and cruisers in the Marina. For anyone wanting to learn to sail or obtain a speedboat license, West Coast - Lisbon Sailing Centre are a must for short, licence obtaining courses and a whole lot of fun. The summer sat on this marina is simply wonderful and one that I cannot recommend enough. Also, check out the Marques de Pombal Palace and its beautiful gardens.
House prices here, as you would imagine, are not cheap with sea view properties often reaching into seven figures.
For better house prices look towards Carcavelos further up the coast with yet another truly amazing sandy beach. With a great Italian Restaurant. Capricciosa is set above the beach with car parking and is very cool. Sit outside on the many sofas after your meal whilst the kids play on the beach.
As you pass Carcavelos you pass the Forte de Santo António da Barra in Estoril. A fortress completed in 1591 to defend the Tagus river from the threat of English and Dutch ships.
Things really start to ramp up here in terms of property prices and deep pockets are needed to purchase anything in this parish. A word of advice, stay out of the Casino but do visit the Chinese restaurant Estoril Mandarim that sits at the front of the building looking out to sea over the Garden of Estoril. Oh and try the Jellyfish. It’s bizarre!
If its nightlife you’re after visit the Tamariz Beach Club, with its cool DJ’s and perfect sea views. A word of caution If you’re staying anywhere along the N6, irrespective of cost, be aware, this is one busy and noisy road, only made worse by the train line that runs next to it. That said, Estoril is lovely and a dream location if you can afford it.
Popular sandy beaches are Tamariz Beach and Moitas Beach.
So as we trudge along in the traffic for 15 minutes and then here we are at the jewel in the crown of Lisbon, Cascais. It’s simply stunning in every way and anyone fortunate to be able to live here should be thankful for their lot in life. Apart from the volume of tourists and property investors each driving prices higher and higher year, this is truly a dream location.
Let’s start with what to see.
Boca do Inferno a dangerous chasm located in the cliffs, there is also a cafe and an amazing seafood restaurant here called Mar do Inferno.
Praia da Rainha (The Queen’s beach).
Paula Rego a museum designed by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura to house some of the works of the artist Paula Rego.
Palace of Cascais Citadel the Cascais Citadel Palace Museum is situated inside the grounds of the Cascais Citadel. It was used as one of the official residences of Portuguese presidents. The Palace forms part of the Museum of the Presidency of the Republic, which has its headquarters at the Belém Palace in Lisbon.
If you are looking for something for the children to do other than the beach, take a short drive along the A Eng Adelino Amaro da Costa until you reach the Playbowling Cascais. Here you will find ten pin bowling, outdoor laser games, pool tables, mini quads and carts, arcade games and a bar. This site only takes cash so be prepared. The kids will love it, you may not.
If you are looking for places to eat stay away from the Tourist stretch behind the Baia Hotel, the foods poor and the service suffers in the summer due to the volumes.
Try;
The Mix, situated in the Farol Hotel.
Sushi Design, also in the Farol Hotel.
If you are looking to purchase property in Cascais, you are going to need a large bank balance. With property starting at around 150,000 euros for about 40 sq metres you get a sense of what’s to come. Luxury property here can go in excess of 10,000,000 euros.
We can all dream I guess.
Sintra, Cascais, Cado Da Roca, Estoril Virtual Tour