Cascais: Walking West
Walking south and west out of Cascais along the water, you come upon the beautiful Santa Marta lighthouse which stands on what was once the southern tip of Cascais (the new marina now extends beyond the point). Built in 1868 on the site of a 17th century fort, the lighthouse only came into operation after the site was stripped of its military status.
Santa Marta's distinctive white tiles and blue horizontal stripes tower with it’s red latern stands at 8 metres (25ft) tall and still stands guard over the mouth of the River Tagus. Until 1981 it was manned continuously by lighthouse keepers, however these days the light is automated.
The lighthouse and fort now incorporate a small museum which covers the site's history as well as the development of the optical devices used in Portugal's lighthouses. There are interactive collections of lights and optics along with multimedia presentations. Another topic covered by the museum is the lighthouse keeper's profession.
As you keep walking, the next stand out location is the Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth). The Boca do Inferno is a unique sea-arch and cliff formation close to the town of Cascais.
The coastline to the west of Cascais comprises high eroding cliffs, battered by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. The Boca do Inferno was originally a sea cave, which subsequently collapsed leaving a chasm and sea arch.
Into this opening the Atlantic waves continually crash, and supposedly during violent winter storms water it explodes upwards similar to an erupting volcano – hence the overdramatic name of Boca do Inferno. I didn’t see any drama whatsoever, just sayin’!
Continuing along the cliffs on the way to Guincho, on the cliff extending to Farol da Guia (Lighthouse) is the next noteworthy stop, Casa da Guia. Surrounded by green spaces surrounded by stunning views the sea, the place offers restaurants, cafes, terraces, gardens and an amphitheater. There is loads to choose from here.
