Sintra and Cascais are two fascinating and historic towns for enjoyable day trips from Lisbon. The distance from Lisbon to either of the two locations, is no much more than 25 kms. Both towns are equally suited as a holiday or an MI destination, by providing fantastic facilities, which include Congress Centers, the largest Casino in Europe, fine dining, great Hotels, lovely beaches and a lively cultural and nightlife.
Sintra is nestled within the pine covered hills of the Sintra mountain. This slightly cooler microclimate encouraged the Portuguese royalty to build their palaces and castles in the area. Sintra contains varied palaces, castles and manor houses, all of which are uniquely styled and built. There´s a delightful town center with small shops, cafes and restaurants, and in the mountain, challenging hiking or mountain biking trails are fantastic. Not far from Sintra, you will find “Cabo da Roca”; the westernmost point of Continental Europe.
Cascais is known to as “The Town of Kings and Fishermen” because it was a small fishing town that was found in the 19th century, by the Portuguese nobility, who came here for their summer retreat. Thanks to this fact, the town is uncommonly rich in beautiful architecture, museums and carefully maintained parks. On top of that, it’s surrounded by a varied coastline of impressive cliffs and beautiful intimate sandy coves. Also in the area you can also find the exciting surfing beaches of Guincho and Carcavelos.
The Estoril Coast – or the Portuguese Riviera – as it became known, was one of the main bathing resorts of European royal families. The modern Estoril maintains the lively, relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere that has given it fame.
This spirit and its beauty, were also reasons to become a refuge during World War II, for those who sought a place more reserved and away from turbulent Europe. In the oldest hotels, it is still possible to hear stories of spies of those times, namely, the one related with the creation of James Bond. Later, in 1969, Estoril was the stage of shooting the movie “On Her Majesty´s Secret Service”…