Cascais
Is a charming coastal town 20 miles west of Lisbon. Once a fishing village, over the years it has grown into a small town as its mild climate and idyllic location attracted artists, writers, European nobility and many others to settle there..
Today it is thriving town with beautiful golden beaches and breathtaking coastal walks. Cascais is steeped in history, art, and culture and there is plenty for the visitor to see, including the wonderful Conde de Castro Guimarães Palace and gardens, which houses an impressive art collection..
Sintra
Just twenty minutes drive to the north of the Festival site lies Sintra, the location of Deuachen Kadampa Meditation Centre, and the new Kadampa Temple for World Peace.
Sintra lies in the green hills of Serra de Sintra renowned for their lofty crags, stupendous views and pure spring water. Known as ‘the noble town’, Sintra and the surrounding area are home to many magnificent estates and palaces including Sintra National Palace, the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, which dates back to the early 15th century.
Click here for tourist information onCascais/Estoril/Sintra
Lisbon and beyond
Lisbon, which is just a short trip by road or rail from the Festival site, is Europe’s second oldest capital after Athens. It is from here that great explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Henry the Navigator set sail.
The city offers a veritable feast of historical, cultural and architectural delights as well as some outstanding parks and many other attractions. It is a major transport hub and an ideal starting point for exploring Portugal by road, rail, or air.
Click here for tourist information on Lisbon
All photographs ©Rui Cunha/Turismo Estoril
