Through Cascais’ Line

The Portuguese capital has a lot to offer, and many of the options are a quick train ride away.

One of the most iconic pictures of Lisbon is the Torre de Belém, a historic building that has stood the test of time and preserves much of its character from the days it was a fort. Overlooking the Tagus river, with unimpeded views of the 25 de Abril bridge and the Lisbon coastline, the gardens of the Torre de Belém are a great place to lay back.

Also near the Belém train station is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, which will make you travel through time, centuries ago, with its intricate and imposing architecture. In that area there are a lot of restaurants that will show you different sides of Portuguese cuisine, with a special spotlight to the seafood - available in its most traditional form - and the famous national delicacy, Pastel de Belém.

Not that far from Lisbon and Belém is a place that can be a retreat from the fast paced capital. Cascais has its own traditional charm, with small inviting beaches and cozy streets filled with music and good food. Casino Estoril is a stop included in many of the travel plans, for its diverse cultural agenda and the plenty of fun you can find there. Should you wish to bathe in the sunlight, Praia da Rainha is a picturesque beach where you can enjoy the heat and the beautiful views of the bay.

A bit further but also a beautiful sight is the Praia do Guincho, a very windy beach surrounded by mountains, on one side, and dunes, on the other one. Perfect for surfing and windsurfing, but also if you’re a fan of colorful sunsets submersed in nature, far from the city lights.

Written by Michelle Coelho