Cascais
Cascais was a bonus to us. We were initially ambivalent about taking this day trip -- we could easily enjoy Lisbon itself on our last full day there. But we decided to take this excursion anyway.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
We are happy that we went there. This coastal town within an hour's train ride from the capital is instantly likable, if a little too much tailored for tourists (but it is done so tastefully). The black-and-white Portugese pavement (yes, there is a Wikipedia entry for that) is similar to what we found in Lisbon, but neater.
Cascais Streets
Cascais Streets
But not everything is demolished and redeveloped. These graffiti on a ruined wall of a seemingly abandoned house sent their playful and defiant message.
Grafffiti
It may be a little too developed because of its proximity to the capital, but it retains its charm and natural beauty.
Cascais
Cascais
We walked along the coast, passing by some pretty grand houses, no doubt costing a fortune.
House
We also passed by the Santa Marta Lighthouse.
Santa Marta Lighthouse
We did not know at the time, the villa style building near the lighthouse is Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães (museum / library of the counts of Castro Guimarães).
Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães
Another landmark which we passed by was the Cidadela de Cascais.
Cidadela de Cascais
Cidadela de Cascais
But mainly we wanted to see the coast. The farther we walked away from the city center, the wilder it became.
Cascais Coast
Cascais Coast
Eventually we reached Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth). The coast definitely is wild here and the view breathtaking.
Cascais Coast
Cascais Coast
Cascais Coast
Cascais Coast
Boca do Inferno itself is a dramatic formation of a sea arch and a collapsed sea cave. This is as wild as a scene as in Lagos or Sagres, hard to imagine that it is within an hour from Lisbon itself.
Bocas do Inferno
Bocas do Inferno
Bocas do Inferno
Here, we had our best (and most expensive) meal of the trip at the restaurant Mar do Inferno. This really is a fine restaurant with fresh seafood. Live lobsters and other marine animals are displayed in their big fish tanks, and other seafood, cooked or otherwise, is on display.
Lobster
Seafood
We splurged and ordered a grilled seafood platter. It was a huge amount of tasty treats and we gorged ourselves silly.
Seafood Platter
After the meal, we strolled back to town to board the train back to Lisbon, passing by some cute street signs (for squares and plazas) such as this one:
Praca D. Diogo de Meneses