Where to Go from Cascais
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Portugal is a country that you should definitely visit at least once in your life. Wherever you are, there is something to see in every city. Many tourists prefer Cascais. It attracts with its history, landscape, various museums, parks, and the ancient center. However, there are several other locations near Cascais, that can impress both tourists and locals.
Sintra
Sintra is a city in Portugal, located on the northern slopes of the wooded hills of the Cera di Sintra, 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon and only 12 kilometers from the sea. In ancient times it belonged to a royal family, but today it is a romantic tourist center. There are numerous ancient palaces and estates with superb views, hidden amongst the dense forests on the hillsides.
There are two ways to get from Cascais to Sintra, either by car or by bus. If you choose the first way, it goes via two roads: the A16 and the N9, where in both cases the journey will not take more than 30 minutes. Those who do not have their own car can use public transport. The bus from Cascais to Sintra runs once a day and the whole journey takes about an hour and a half including stops. However, despite the road, the best part is still to come!
In the center of the city is the picturesque Sintra National Royal Palace. You will recognize it by its two huge white conical chimneys. This palace was the summer residence of Portuguese kings from the early 14th century. It houses one of the oldest and most valuable collections of tiles in Portugal. Surrounded by a marvelous landscaped Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, the palace was rebuilt in 1839 and is among the most remarkable monuments of Portuguese architecture. The steep road climbs into the mountains to Sintra’s most picturesque monuments, including the Moorish castle, built in the 8th century, and the Pena Palace, an architectural landmark, that combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Cabo da Roca
Cabо da Roca is the Portuguese edge of the earth, the westernmost point of the vast continent of Eurasia, and simply a very beautiful place. Thousands of tourists come to see the place where the land ends and the ocean begins. Dazzlingly beautiful views, blue ocean, blue sky, and refreshing sea breeze await you here.
The viewpoint is well organized for individuals and tour groups arriving by bus. The distance from Cascais to Cabo da Roca is 15.4 kilometers, and the journey by car will take 25 minutes. It is also easy to get from Cascais to Cabo da Roca by bus numbers 403 and 1624. In addition to fantastic views, tourists can see the lighthouse, and the Stella, dine in Portuguese and European restaurants, and visit the tourist information center where you can get a certificate that you have been to the end of the earth.
Ericeira
The route along the sea north of Lisbon is one of our favorite destinations for walking on the Portuguese coast. Along the way, you may come across a village with a long fishing tradition, now recognized as a world surfing reserve – Ericeira. The place is much further away from Cascais than the last two, and the journey by car will take about an hour. There are no direct routes by public transport either. In any case, you will have to make transfers. The most common routes are the 750 bus and the 2740 or 2751 trams.
Ericeira with its narrow streets and welcoming atmosphere, the beach, and the holiday spirit is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. You will also have the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood, visiting José Franca, a typical miniature clay village in Sobreiro, and the Convento de Mafra, the inspiration for the Nobel Prize-winning writer José Saramago.
Mafra
Mafra is a small town located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Lisbon. The population is about 12,000 people. Although the city itself is small, it is quiet and cozy. Its prosperity and fame are associated with the construction of the royal palace, which was initiated by King João V.
This marvelous place can be reached from Cascais by bus 750 and 2740. It will be faster and more comfortable by car on the A16 and N9 road. On arrival, another place to visit is the Parque Tapada Nacional de Mafra. The park is 8 square kilometers in area and is enclosed by the 21 kilometers long wall. Almost the entire park is covered by forests, where birds of prey live freely and populations of wild deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, and many species of wild animals roam. Every kind of animal and bird species is provided with all conditions for their habitat. Today Tapada is a National Nature Reserve with a protected area and is open for all kinds of walks: walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Day tours and excursions from Cascais
Apart from the places, mentioned above, some other excursions and tours deserve attention.
- Obidos-Batalha-Fatima
A tour that gives you the opportunity to visit three cities at once. It is conducted by guided bus and the price varies from €75 to €150 per person depending on the time of year. The trip includes a guided tour of each city, lunch in a restaurant, and free time for walking.
- Mafra and Ericeira
During the tourist season, there is even a full excursion from Cascais to Mafra and Ericeira. It lasts 1 day and the cost is usually around €100. During the tour, you can visit the Royal Palace, Parque Tapada Nacional de Mafra, Convento de Mafra, a miniature clay village in Sobreiro, and walk along the ocean.
- Cascais and Sintra
Those wishing to learn more about the city of Cascais and visit the nearby town of Sintra will particularly enjoy this offer. The tour will offer tourists a complete tour of Cascais, with visits to the Palacio de Pena, the National Palace of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, and a couple of other places to choose from.
- Setubal, Sesimbra
A trip to the highlands will especially appeal to lovers of outdoor activities. The tour includes a guided excursion and two meals a day. It is also a great opportunity to admire the flocks of frolicking dolphins, living in the mouth of the Sadu River.
Portugal is truly an amazing place that can surprise everyone. Here every town has something special with its long history!
