Cascais

A short train ride along the shore from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station leads to Cascais, a formerly quaint fishing village that became (along with neighboring Estoril) a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxuriant villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars.

Elements of its fishing village roots can still be felt at the lively fish auction that takes place every afternoon by the main beach and its brightly painted fishing boats, and the story of old Cascais is told by old photographs, paintings, and other items at the small "Museu do Mar" (Museum of the Sea).

A 20-minute walk along the coastal road leads to an outstanding sight, Boca do Inferno ("Mouth of Hell"). High waves crash into gigantic caves carved out of the rock by the sea, causing an awe-inspiring noise that may explain the name given to the site and why Aleister Crowley chose it to fake his own death in 1930.

The best beach nearby (reached by bus from outside the train station every one or two hours) is the magnificent sandy beach of Guincho. Backed by dunes and with some of the best rollers in Europe, it is a true paradise for surfers. The water is clean and the Atlantic waves pound onto the sand even on the calmest of days, which is why World Surfing Championships have taken place here. Terrace-restaurants overlook the beach and surrounding coastline.

Quinta da Marinha, this villa is a special spot for those who search for tranquility, golf and great beaches.

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