The Portuguese Riviera: What to See in a Day

Leave Lisbon and drive or take the train (for about 5 euros round trip ) along the coast to Cascais, considered by every guidebook of merit to be one of Portugal’s most chic resorts.

“Known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and non-pareil beaches. But it is the tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with its stunning seaside esplanade that makes it one of Europe’s most prized seaside destinations.”

A dozen different guidebooks and my personal opinion

Of Note in Cascais

Praia de Reina, a gorgeous beach easily viewed from the coastal promenade, The Boca do Inferno rock and cliff formations, a great shopping district and many restaurant choices. Find one overlooking the water (it’s hard to find one that’s NOT) and order a couple of Portuguese petiscos. A petisco (Pe-Tea-Sh-Co) is a snack; something to pick at while you have a beer or a glass of wine with friends. The petiscos menu varies from place to place.

Guincho

Continue along the scenic road to Guincho, a beautiful coastal beach area with splendid views worthy of a few pics. The waves are spectacular and its known worldwide among professional wind and kite surfers for huge and powerful curls.

Decades before, in 1940, Time magazine wrote that this beach “had no future,” due to its remoteness and winds, but apparently that sounded perfect for royalty and celebrities from all over the world, looking for some days in the sun without the crowds and photographers. By 1945, there was a restaurant above the beach, and soon came others targeting high society. Walt Disney, Evita Perón, Roger Moore, Omar Sharif, Ingrid Bergman, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, and monarchs from around Europe all ended up here (more recently, famous personalities like Brad Pitt and the king of Sweden dined at the oceanfront restaurants).

From the Lisbon Beaches Guide

Sintra and Cabo da Roca

The trail continues up the mountain of Sintra to Cabo da Roca, considered by many photographers to be one of the most scenic walks in coastal Europe so don’t miss this!. Located on the westernmost point of mainland Portugal it is also considered the westernmost point of the European landmass. All that’s to say you can see the Statue of Liberty while standing on the cliff walks .

Palace of Queluz

Next, travel down the winding road from the Sintra and finish the day with a visit to the Palace of Queluz. I entered through the rear doors of the palace and I had no idea of it’s scale and grandeur until I made my way through all of the grand, but not imposing, rooms to the front of the Palace and it’s beautiful gardens.

The National Palace of Queluz charms more because of the exuberance of its architectural details and the stories of the lives three generations of the Portuguese Royal family who called this their home. From Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism, the Palace’s style visibly evolves before your eyes.

Apparently the Royal Family were consummate entertainers and you can imagine the sumptuous parties that were held…legend describes trips by gondola along the canal, theatre, hunting, musical and literary performances, masked balls, games and open-air recitals. Don’t miss this! Click here for ticket information.