Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse

Historical viilas, Tamariz Beach and the Casino Gardens can be seen.

This fort was also the holiday home of António Oliveira Salazar, the dictator who ruled the country from 1933 until the 1974 revolution and where he had an accident that precipitated his death.

The largest beach of the Cascais coast facing south. Located a mere 15km from Lisbom it is famous among the surfing community specialiy in winter time

Built in a strategic location overlooking the entrance to Barra, the Fortress of São Julião da Barra is one of the most important military constructions in the country. Although it is not possible to pinpoint the time when construction began on the Fortress of São Julião, opinions are divided between the years 1553 and 1556, and the paternity of the design is attributed to Miguel de Arruda, one of the most famous architects of the time. Starting from a small nucleus, this fortification was modified, enlarged and adapted to the new requirements that arose over the years. Like other fortifications, it also served as a military and political prison. The case of General Gomes Freire de Andrade, who was imprisoned in São Julião da Barra and executed in the grounds next to the fortification, was famous. On 22 August 1951, he lost his military function in order to take on new functions of state and host political events.

The tour circumnavigates the Bugio Lighthouse, also known as the São Lourenço Fort, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Cascais coast. Located at the entrance to the Tagus estuary, this lighthouse was built in the 17th century to protect Lisbon from enemy attacks. It was built on a small sandy island, which represented a major technical challenge at the time. Thousands of wooden stakes were driven into the sandy bottom to create a solid base. This innovative solution allowed for the construction of a robust fort that has withstood the weather and tides for centuries. In addition to its historical and military importance, it is a crucial reference point for navigation, guiding ships safely into Lisbon harbour. It is a true jewel of our maritime heritage and a testimony to the ingenuity of our ancestors.