f you happen to be in Lisbon, don’t miss the chance to explore the picturesque town of Cascais. Cascais, a famous coastal resort town in Portugal, is distinguished by its stunning beaches, historic landmarks and vibrant ambience that entices numerous tourists during peak season. Located about 32 kilometres west of Lisbon, this captivating town offers visitors a delightful blend of sunshine, seaside tranquillity and enriching cultural encounters.

During my stay in Lisbon, I had the opportunity to explore several charming towns in its vicinity. After thoroughly enjoying the vibrant city of Lisbon over three days, I decided to take a day trip to the town of Sintra. One of the most unforgettable experiences of my journey was the enchanting visit to the magnificent Pena Palace. This captivating architectural masterpiece, nestled in the picturesque Sintra Mountains, boasts a stunning blend of vibrant colours and intricate decorative elements, showcasing a remarkable example of 19th-Century romanticism. The palace’s unique design, with its elaborate ornamentation and panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, left a lasting impression on me.

Sintra is located about 17 km north of Cascais. Following this enriching visit, I continued my journey to the charming coastal towns of Estoril and Cascais. While there, I took the time to wander through the stunning landscapes, savour the sights and sounds of the ocean, indulge in delectable local cuisine and immerse myself in the unique charm of each town. The day was filled with unforgettable experiences, leaving me with lasting memories of Portugal’s coastal beauty and rich culture.

I decided to travel to Cascais by bus. One can also go by train, but I wanted to enjoy the scenic route and make my journey memorable and exciting. Along the way, I visited Carcavelos and Estoril, two well-known tourist spots that added delightful and memorable experiences to my travels. Cascais is about a half-hour drive from Lisbon.

During my visit to Cascais, I explored many tourist spots that added depth and richness to my travel experience. Before I went to the town, I read extensively about its history and the story of its rich heritage was fascinating and amazed me.

The town boasts several beaches, offering breathtaking views. People relax under the sun, enjoying the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore, while a few venture out to surf on the sea waters. Cascais was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family and nobility. They have left behind several magnificent mansions that enhance the town’s scenery.

Palacete Seixas, one of the most beautiful mansions, offers a commanding view of the seashore. It was erected in 1890 by José Maria de Eça de Queiroz (d. 1900), a prominent figure in Portugal’s literary and diplomatic circles. De Queiroz, renowned for his literary contributions, also served as the consul general in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bristol, England, showcasing his diplomatic acumen. Later, this villa was used by several other wealthy people.

Close to Palacete Seixas is the town’s famous central square. It features the statue of Dom Pedro I, king of Portugal in the 14th Century, alongside the old town hall. This central square, known as the Square of 5th October, commemorates the 1910 revolution when the monarchy was abolished in Portugal. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cascais, drawing both Portuguese and foreign visitors. From the central square, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the Cascais coastline.

Around this central square are numerous cafés and restaurants. In this vibrant neighbourhood, surrounded by charming cafés and inviting restaurants, stands the striking statue of the illustrious Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões (d. 1580). Camões is celebrated as Portugal’s preeminent national poet and the brilliant mind behind the epic poem Os Lusíadas (1572; The Lusiads). This literary masterpiece intricately weaves the awe-inspiring narrative of Vasco da Gama’s momentous exploration, discovering the sea route to India. Camões’ profound influence extends far beyond Portugal, with his captivating work transcending borders through translations into numerous languages, embodying the enduring impact of his poetic legacy.

Cascais was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family and nobility. They have left behind several magnificent mansions that enhance the town’s scenery.

The town’s central square also serves as a crossing point for several key tourist destinations, including the historic citadel, located a minute’s walk away. The Citadel of Cascais stands as a magnificent testament to the town’s history and is a cherished destination for many tourists. This ancient fortress, believed to have been constructed between the 15th and 17th Centuries, was a vital defence against potential threats to the Cascais coastline and the River Tagus estuary. With its strategic location, the citadel played a pivotal role in safeguarding Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, from enemy attacks.

Today, visitors can explore its rich history and admire its impressive architecture, making it a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts and travellers alike. Just outside the Cascais Citadel fortress stands a statue and monument dedicated to the infantry regiment of the Peninsular War. The Peninsular War, which lasted from 1807 to 1814, was a significant military conflict in the Iberian Peninsula involving Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. These nations united against the invading and occupying forces of the First French Empire during the Napoleonic Wars.

Walking up from the central square, one is greeted by the imposing and majestic statue of Dom Carlos I, positioned in a prominent location. The plaque adjacent to the statue indicates that it was officially inaugurated in 2008, commemorating a significant historical event. Dom Carlos I, the king of Portugal, ruled from 1889 until his tragic assassination in 1908, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of Portugal.

Nestled within the town, alongside the stately historic villas, a collection of dignified statues adorns the area. Particularly striking is the captivating mermaid statue, a symbol of beauty and grace, located near the regal figure of Dom Carlos I. In the background of the mermaid statue, the elegant Baía Hotel is prominently visible and adds to the picturesque scenery.

As one strolls through the charming streets of Cascais, a remarkable sight captivates the attention of passersby – a colossal red hand sculpture. This striking installation not only serves as a visual spectacle but also invites visitors to interact with it by posing for photographs. The mastermind behind this captivating work of art is the highly acclaimed Romanian artist Bogdan Ra a. The sculpture is a testament to Ra a’s creative prowess and has become a cherished feature of the Cascais landscape, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Marechal Carmona Park, also known as Gandarinha Park, is another popular tourist attraction in Cascais, surrounded by several historical landmarks. One such landmark is the Statue of Diogo de Menezes, a notable attraction in the town. According to the information on the statue’s pedestal, Diogo de Menezes (d. 1580) was the governor of India for Portugal.

Cascais is also home to several museums. One of the most impressive is the imposing Santa Maria Mansion, built in 1902, which has now been converted into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s rich history and architecture.

The writer is an anthropologist. He has authored 16 books on Pakistan’s cultural heritage and anthropology. He tweets @kalhorozulfiqar