When planning their walking itineraries in Cascais, tourists should not miss the opportunity to explore some of the town's hidden gems. One such gem is the 17th-century Chapel of St. Sebastian, situated within the grounds of the Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimarães. This chapel is renowned for its extensive collection of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejo, which are adorned with various legends and stories. Today, the chapel serves not only as a place of worship but also houses a museum of Portuguese art featuring exhibits spanning from the 16th to the 20th century.
A sightseeing tour of Cascais and its environs would be incomplete without a visit to the remarkable "Hell's Mouth," a natural round cave within the rocky cliffs where the powerful and noisy sea waves crash. According to legend, this unique cave, sculpted by the turbulent sea, tells tales of lost love to its visitors.
In close proximity to Hell's Mouth stands Guia's Lighthouse, Portugal's first lighthouse, dating back to 1610. During the 17th century, it guided sailors with the glow of oil lamps. Managed by the Sisters of Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Guia, the lighthouse was electrified in 1957 and automated operations commenced in 1982. Today, the lighthouse welcomes tourists to explore its history.
