PORT OF CALL

CHARMING CASCAIS OFFERS A GORGEOUS BAY, THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD, A DELIGHTFUL OLD TOWN AND MUCH MORE

-  JAN BRIERLEY

COASTAL HOTSPOT

With its sandy beaches, areas of natural beauty plus historic squares and houses decorated with beautiful tilework façades, it’s no wonder Cascais is dubbed the “Charm of the Atlantic Coast”.

It’s situated on the Portuguese Riviera, and is only 30 minutes from Lisbon. Cascais is still very much a working port and you’ll see fishing nets and lobster pots stacked up on the jetty and a thriving fish market. There’s also a swish marina with gleaming yachts and elegant shops.

To the west of Cascais, you can marvel at Boca do Inferno, an amazing sea arch and cliff formation where the waves crash in dramatically during winter storms and the water erupts upwards like a volcano, giving the name the Mouth of Hell.

Blessed with pleasant temperatures, it’s a magnet for wealthy celebrities and politicians. Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is building a £17 million family home here. Golfers, too, are drawn to the area’s impressive greens.

STAY IN STYLE

Ideally located near the historic town centre and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Vila Galé Cascais made a brilliant holiday base. The hotel has 233 rooms and suites decked out in calm, neutral shades.

There’s a restaurant with a show cooking station, two bars and a Satsanga Wellness centre. Outside, there are pools, gardens and a children’s play area.

When we managed to tear ourselves away from the sunlounger, we took a stroll to the old town, along cobbled streets to the main shopping street Rua Direita, where there are boutiques, pastry shops, cafés, handicrafts and ceramics.