A summertime playground for both local Portuguese holidaymakers and international tourists alike, Cascais is a paradise of golden sand, freshly caught seafood and lashings of Iberian sunshine. There are plenty of luxe hotels to choose from, as well as 10 nearby country clubs which have established Cascais as a world-class golfing destination. For those that venture out of town, towering cliffs offer fantastic views over the ocean, while Serra de Sintra National Park unlocks access to Portugal’s wild side.

Made up of a trio of sandy bays, with the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean offering sun worshipers much-needed respite during the hot summer months. Beyond the beach, Cascais offers plenty of allure. The pedestrianised old town is peppered with al fresco restaurants, shady courtyards, small museums and designer clothing boutiques. After dark, Cascais turns things up a notch with its lively bars and notorious party scene.

Cascais sits 30-kilometres west of Lisbon and is an easy 35-minute drive or a 1-hour train ride from the Portuguese capital. A scenic coastal promenade links Cascais to the neighbouring resort of Estoril, which is a great place for a sunset stroll, or simply a change of scene.

While today Cascais is a cosmopolitan beach town, it wasn’t always so glamorous. It was originally a simple fishing village, which shot to fame in the late 19th century when the Portuguese royal family favoured it as a seaside holiday destination. Locals followed suit, and it quickly emerged as a glamorous getaway destination.