World Youth Day is here! In addition to all the initiatives related to the event, Cascais is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some free time to explore the town.
All pilgrims will be able to travel in the municipality free of charge through the MobiCascais bus network, by using the Viver Cascais card included in their Pilgrim Kit. From the centre, they can quickly get to several beaches, parks and municipal cultural facilities.
Fancy a dip?
There is no shortage of incredible beaches to discover in our part of the world, while you enjoy the excellent climate that is so typical of Portugal. The bathing season runs from May to October and during WYD, surveillance on our beaches has been enhanced for 24 hours. Even so, it is necessary to take extra care when visiting these places, respecting the warning flags and other beach users, not doing sports outside the signposted areas and not making a lot of noise. Other precautions include not jumping off pontoons and being careful of the currents.
Praia de Carcavelos, next to the train station, has more than a kilometre of sandy beach that offers everything from playing a game of volleyball on the courts provided to taking a dip or sunbathing.
Guincho Beach, one of the most popular, is about seven kilometres from Cascais and can be reached by bicycle or scooter(which can be rented at Ecocabana, next to Marechal Carmona Park, for example). This is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and is ideal for surfing or windsurfing.
Other more urban beaches include Praia da Conceição (Cascais), Praia do Tamariz (Estoril), Praia da Azarujinha (São João do Estoril) and Praia de São Pedro do Estoril. See location on map (pages 8 and 9).
How about a museum?
Cascais is a municipality rich in culture and tradition. During WYD, visit several areas free of charge. On the ground floor of the Town Hall building (Praça 5 de Outubro) is the Town Museum, where you can take a trip back in time and get to know the history and local people. Marechal Carmona Park is home to the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, a palace that looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale. Next to Jardim da Parada, the King D. Carlos I Sea Museum refers to Cascais' strong connection to the maritime environment.
Enjoy the outdoors!
You can enjoy outdoor spaces all over the municipality. Don’t miss the the Marechal Carmona Park (Cascais) with its many nooks and crannies to explore.. The Outeiro de Polima Urban Park (São Domingos de Rana) has sports areas and a bookshelf for reading, while picnics are welcome in the Quinta da Carreira Urban Park (Estoril). At the Quinta da Alagoa Park (Carcavelos), the lake and lawn are great for laying out your towel, and in the Outeiro dos Cucos Urban Park (Alcabideche), you can breathe in fresh air and relax.
Throughout the municipality there are also fitness centres, near Guia (Cascais), Tamariz Beach (Estoril) and Carcavelos, where you can do sports for free. No excuses!
