Cascais is the dormitory of the Lisbon international working community and the "younger set" who enjoy the diverse and sophisticated nightlife.There is a famous beach and casino in Estoril.

One of the most outstanding palaces is the Palácio de Conde de Castro Guimarães that is open to the public and exhibits its own grand private collection that includes over 25,000 books and such rarities as an illustrated book by Duarte Galvão(1455-1517).

Also, most of the pre-historic finds from the Grutas de Alapraia are stored here.

These were a series of underground caves only discovered in the late 19th Century.

The Grutus do Poço Velho are located in the centre of the town and date back to the Neolithic period.

On a much more modest scale is the Museu do Mar that depicts the story of Cascais and its fishing history.

Just outside the town is the famous Boca do Inferno in which the sea on rougher days hammers into the rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular spray thus creating its name which in English means "mouth of hell".

Today, Cascais now boasts a smart new Marina with lovely yachts adding a further attraction to the town.

The Parque Palmela is an attractive park created by the Duques de Palmela and now maintained by the Town Hall and in which open-air concerts are often held.

Within easy reach of Cascais is the famous beach at Guincho with its high waves that attract windsurfers from all around the world as having some of the best rollers in Europe.

The next town to the east of Cascais is the resort town of Estoril with its popular Casino.

To the north and within easy reach is the romantic and fascinating town of Sintra and which was made famous too foreigners after a glowing account of its splendours recorded by Lord Byron.

Cascais is easily reachable from Lisbon by car or by train (30min), from the Cais do Sodré station.

You can walk through the town centre by foot or bicycle. There is a circle bus line or use a taxi to Cabo da Rocha. To get a feeling for the life it's best to stroll in the evening or in the morning (midday can be hot)

Teatro Experimental de Cascais 214 670 320

Teatro Gil Vicente 214 830 522

• Panorama, Estr. do Guincho 2750-642. Tel: 21487 9458
• Restaurante O Pescador, Rua das flores nº 10 B. Tel: 00351-21 483 20 54. Fresh seafood fills the menu at this folksy restaurant, a favorite since 1964, where a cluttered ceiling and maritime-related artifacts distract the eye. Sole is a specialty, and this is also a good place to try bacalhau (dried salt cod); it's often baked here, either with cream or with port wine and onions.