April 28, 2019:
Today we took the train from Lisbon to Cascais, rented bikes and toured the peninsula west of Cascais to Guincho Beach.
TRAIN FROM LISBON TO CASCAIS:
We joined the commuters on the train from Lisbon to Cascais… It was standing room only.
Packed train from Lisbon to Cascais
BIKE RIDE FROM CASCAIS TO GUINCHO BEACH:
We fortunately had a beautiful day for a bike ride…
Bike ride from Cascais to Guincho Beach
Boca do Inferno:
Our first stop was the Boca do Inferno. The Boca do Inferno is a unique sea arch and cliff formation along the Costa da Guia, to the northwest of Cascais.
The coastline compromises high eroded limestone cliffs that are relentlessly battered by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. At the Boca do Inferno, the slightly acidic rainwater has eroded a weaker limestone vein. It was originally a sea cave that subsequenty collapsed, leaving a chasm and sea arch.
Into this opening, the powerful Atlantic waves continually crash, and during violent winter storms, water explodes upwards, similar to an erupting volcano – hence the overdramatic name of Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth).
Boca do Inferno
Farol do Cabo Raso (Lighthouse of Cabo Raso):
Our next stop was the Farol do Cabo Raso (Lighthouse of Cabo Raso). Cabo Raso Lighthouse is an active Portuguese lighthouse that is located in the Fort of São Brás of Sanxete, near Cascais. It is a cylindrical, red, metallic tower, thirteen meters high, with a lantern and balcony and attached buildings.
Farol do Cabo Raso (Lighthouse of Cabo Raso)
Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos (Fort of St. George of Oitavos):
Our next stop was the Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos (Fort of St. George of Oitavos). The Fort of São Jorge is located on the coastal highway, near the Oitavos dunes, in the parish and municipality of Cascais. It was one of a series of forts stretching from the Tower of Belem close to Lisbon to Cabo da Roca.
Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos
Farol do Cabo Raso (Lighthouse of Cape Raso):
Next we reached Cabo Raso (Cape Raso). Here there was another lighthouse.
Farol do Cabo Raso (Lighthouse of Cape Raso)
Guincho Beach (Praia do Guincho):
Finally, after about a 45-minute bike ride, we reached our turnaround point. We parked and locked our bikes and explored the beach…
Guincho Beach (Praia do Guincho) – Photo: wetravelportugal.com
CASCAIS:
Returning to Cascais, we revisited the city and took the train back to Lisbon. Our tour of Portugal is over.
Cascais – a second time…