We are hopping on the train to Cascais today. It is about a forty-five-minute train ride from Lisbon, depending on the number of stops. Have I mentioned how easy it is to get around this wonderful country. The return ticket from Lisbon to Cascais is E4.80. You can get a one-way ticket for E2.40 but it is only valid for an hour. The return ticket is the way to go. It is one of the busiest routes in Portugal, with a departure every 20 minutes. In January, there may have been a hundred people on the train. I have done some research and locals have told us that in the height of the tourist season, there could be hundreds of people on the train with long waits to get on the train. I’m learning that I enjoy traveling off-season to have the luxury of being one of a handful of people on a train enjoying the experience.
The route to Cascais is scenic as it passes through the Belem district, along the coastline with views of the Tejo estuary and beaches. Where to sit tip: sit on the left-hand side to take in the coastline views. The entire train ride, I was up against the window taking in the ocean views.
Cascais is a coastal resort town. It is known for its sandy beaches and busy marina. The beaches are beautiful. The old town is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat. We walked along the beaches and wandered around the marina, and this writer was in heaven with people watching. The marina hosts major events, such as the America’s Cup and the town of Estoril’s Casino, inspired one of James Bond’s novels, Casino Royale. I love learning about where writers gain their inspiration, and Cascais defiantly inspired me as we walked around the stunning seaside town.
The one place I fell in love with Citadel Art District, is the Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz, a restored fortress dating to 1594. Now a place of art, where artists can host their work. There are art galleries and cafes throughout the fortress. I found myself saying, “amazing’ over and over as we stopped in galleries, soaked in the art and culture. I saw myself sitting in one of the open galleries and writing. The energy felt amazing.
As we decided to head into the town to find a bit of lunch, the skies turned black and there was a flash rain storm. We ran into a restaurant at the bottom of a condo building and watched the rain bounce off the cobblestone sidewalk, so we stayed for lunch. Hifen restaurant offers a variety of Portuguese menu, fresh seafood, and vegetarian recipes. I can’t believe I didn’t take a picture of the fresh tuna sandwich with coriander mayonnaise. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were the only ones, then by twelve thirty the main room was full of people waiting. The server knew many of the people, which tells me locals support the restaurant. Amazing.
After lunch, we wandered around the little town offering boutique shops and more art stores and galleries. We came across a commercial being filmed along the beach. So much to see and do in one afternoon. Love this!
I would go back to Cascais for a night or two to take in more of the art at the fortress and simply write and swim in the ocean. I see the Santa Marta Lighthouse by the marina in the back of my mind. Cascais has imprinted on this writer.
Until Next Time, Keep on Typing…
My Name Is Marion Ann 