Cascais is the escape city for Lisbon, Portugal if I want to be by the sea. I traveled twice to Cascais. The first time for a hiking week with Wandelen naar Inzicht and the second time when I started the *Camino Portuguese, coastal route in Lisbon.
The beaches are beautiful along the coast. Some are dramatic with the sea beating on the rocks. The sea blasts against the coast with lot of force. A beauty for the eyes to see. And other beaches are secluded between rock formations. I see these beaches only when I climb the rocks and look down at the sea. These are the hidden gems and not populated with people because there is no easy access to them.
When I leave the coast behind me, I get to another gem, more inland. The mysterious city of Sintra. Sintra has a lot of castles and woods. It is surrounded by mystical woods according to most people. There is one place where the mystical is felt with the car and some witches use these woods for ceremonies. Be aware when hiking here, but don't miss it. I hiked it when training and having coaching for the Camino. But when on the Camino I had to change my route a bit because of the witches' ceremonies in that time span.
*I hiked the camino to think about what I wanted further from life and Databeet, not to party like some do on the Camino. I talked while hiking with my fellow hikers, but did not party with them or others. I am not a party animal and liked the quietness and calmness of the camino.