| Page Views: 196 Last Visit to Cascais: June, 2009 | VTers Cascade into Cascais by suvanki - last update: Nov 4, 2009 |
Cascais - My new Home for 10 days | Tiled picture of Cascais - Fish Market |
Cascais is an attractive town, situated on the western Estoril coast of Portugal - The Portuguese Riviera! Its' nearest city is Lisbon approx. 30 km away. The coastal railway line from Lisbons Cais do Sodre terminates at Cascais.
From Paleolithic times, there has been human inhabitation in this area. Settlers arrived, attracted by the climate and suitable living conditions- water from the river and sea and fertile soil.
By the Middle Ages, Cascais had a small fishing community, which expanded over the centuries. As well as fishermen, trades developed around the industry including boat making and repairers, rope makers, sail makers, fish traders, sardine canners etc.
Located at the mouth of the River Tagus, the coastline of Cascais, was the last sight of Portugal, for the Discoverers heading to far away lands, such as India, Africa and Brazil. It was also the first sight, for the returning ships crews. These boats returning with valuable commodities such as Gold and spices.
From this coastline, the Armada Invencivel (The Invincible Navy) set off on a fateful voyage for England in 1588. It was the largest collection of warships in existance, prior to WW2.
A few kms from Cascais is the landmark of Cabo da Roca- the most westerly point of Europe.
Before the modern day tourist invasion, Cascais was a destination of interest to other visitors - Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs in turn have invaded and eventually left-each leaving reminders of their existence here. Architecture, language, customs, gastronomy etc.
In 1147, as a result of the Reconquest, the Estoril region came under Christian control.
The Cascais coastline was a magnet for pirates, and invading nations such as Spain, France and England. Fortifications were constructed at intervals along the coast.
The citadel at Cascais, was one of the larger defences, particularly as the Tagus led to the Capital city of Lisbon. It was built in the 16th Century.
In 1870, the Portuguese Royal family decided to move here. It became their official residence. Historically, Cascais and Estoril had maintained close links with the Portuguese royalty as well as the military and political parties.
In turn, these towns received many royal and influential visitors, looking for a place to relax. Grand Villas and Palaces were built for holiday homes, Sporting clubs, theatres were opened. The casino in Estoril is the oldest in Portugal, and the largest in Europe.
World War 2 saw these towns transformed into a base of espionage, bringing an air of mystery and glamour. Exiled Royals and nobility were also attracted here, which in turn attracted the 'Rich and Famous' from film stars to artists, musicians, sportsmen and 'international playboys'
Motorsports, tennis and golf are some of the sports that host national or international championships in this area, bringing more glamour (and money)
Also, Music Festivals as well as an International dog show and the International Handicrafts Fair.
With communications improving over the centuries, road and rail links bring more people to the area, as well as allowing people to travel into Lisbon etc for work each day.
The airport at Lisbon, brings in international visitors, and with the advent of 'bargain companies' such as Ryanair and Easyjet, more people are getting the opportunity to enjoy Cascais. |
|  | Busy compiling Travelogues for Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal, Estoril and Evora, as well as downloading videos there, plus putting pics from Euromeet on Facebook -
Blimey, It's a full time job. (my ironing pile can be seen from space, and I'm running out of clean cups and plates -HELP!!)
Getting around to adding tips slowly.... My TRAVELOGUES are now completed , with many pics from the Euromeet - so enjoy looking for faces and names that you recognise!!
My Estoril page is complete, as is my Cabo da Roca page.
Just need to find some time to complete my Cascais, Lisbon , Evora and Sintra pages! |
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suvanki's Cascais Travel Tips
 suvanki's Cascais Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for suvanki about Cascais | | | | |
Martin_S. Wed Sep 30, 2009 08:42 UTC
Da**, weren't those pre-pre meets fun ^O^ | aaaarrgh Tue Sep 8, 2009 23:42 UTC
Goodness me, this page, the tips and travelogues are becoming a labour of love!!! Thanks for putting Cascais on the map for me, had noo idea where it was! | bijo69 Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:25 UTC
A shame I missed the VT-meet there. Love your intro pic and the hostel really seems great! | micas_pt Thu Jul 23, 2009 14:38 UTC
This is a fantastic page Sue, well written with detailed and usefull information and illustrated by nice photos. Well done! |
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