Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
Evidence of human settlement around the area of Cascais dates back to the Palaeolithic era,
with permanent settlers established around the Neolithic era. When the Romans arrived in
the area, Cascais was used as a salting factory for fish, serving a similar purpose during
the Moorish occupation. No real settlement was formed here until the 12
th
Century, when
its people lived off the sea and land. However, by the 13
th
Century, the village was already
supplying fish to the country's capital, Lisbon, and the population of the village began to
grow.
It had gained administrative independence in the mid-12
th
Century, and expanded outside
the walls of its castle. By the time of the 1755 earthquake, Cascais had expanded signi-
ficantly and many of its buildings were destroyed. A key point in the village's history oc-
curred in the late 19
th
Century, when King Luis I decided to turn the village into his summer
residence. The influx of money from royal visits led to a vast improvement in infrastructure
and by the mid-20
th
Century, Cascais had fully embraced tourism.
© Wikimedia / Osvaldo Gago
Centre of Cascais
Attractions & Activities
The roots of the village can still be found at the fish auction which takes place on the main
beach every afternoon, and discovered in the Museum of the Sea which tells the story of
the old village through a number of exhibits. The boom initiated by the aristocracy's favour
with Cascais is on display at the Castro Guimarães Museum, housed in a stunning mansion
the interior has been perfectly preserved to allow a glimpse into how the wealthy lived dur-
ing the 18
th
and 19
th
Centuries. The best of the beaches is Guincho beach, featuring golden
sand and a rollercoaster as well as hosting the World Surfing Championships, but expect it
