April 2024: Monday 22nd April marks Earth Day 2024, an initiative that first started in 1970 and serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation, encouraging everyone to come together and take action in order to create a healthier planet and secure a brighter future for all.
Having recently been awarded the Green Destinations Platinum Award, Cascais in Portugal is taking valuable steps to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. Located 30 minutes from Lisbon and known as the ‘Charm of the Atlantic Coast’, Cascais is home to a number of beaches, a historic old town and lies within close proximity to Sintra – a region filled with fairy tale palaces perched on rolling hilltops overlooking the coast.
With the municipality also having an abundance of breathtaking walks and nature to explore, Cascais is the ideal destination to visit to commemorate Earth Day and beyond this year.
Route Cabo Raso
Difficulty level: Medium
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Best season: Spring
Equipment needed: Map, compass, binoculars, wildlife guide, comfortable clothes and footwear
About the route:
This free-to-use coastal trail within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the Sintra-Cascais natural reserve 2000 offers a fascinating insight into diverse landscapes and historical remnants of the area. Beginning with the picturesque ruin-like appearance of the coastal sandstone field, the trail showcases the natural beauty of the dune system of Guincho-Oitavos, offering stunning views from the headland of Cabo da Roca, set against the backdrop of the Sintra mountain range.
The area’s human history dates back to the Palaeolithic period, with notable historical landmarks such as Quinta da Marinha, once a landing site for troops during the Philippine occupation in the 16th century and the defensive line along the Tagus bank after the restoration of independence in the 17th century. The trail traverses through remnants of fortifications that make up the Guincho Battery, including the Guincho fort to the north and the transformed fort of S. Brás de Sanchete, now the lighthouse of Cabo Raso.
As the trail progresses, walkers will encounter the unique karstic relief known as Campo de lapiás, formed by limestone erosion, adorned with low, resilient vegetation adapted to the coastal winds. The delicate ecosystem faces threats such as invasive exotic species, trampling, and changes in sand dynamics, emphasising the importance of continued conservation efforts.
The coast is home to a range of flora and fauna, as well as wildlife such as insects, birds like the crested lark, small reptiles like the bush lizard, mammals including the wild rabbit, and predators such as the mongoose. Cabo Raso is a vital location for bird nesting, particularly during migration seasons (March, April, September and October), hosting species like the cormorant, black duck, and gannet. The sparse vegetation on the cliffs adds to the area’s ecological significance, featuring rare species such as Limonium and sea fennel.
Full information on the trail here: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1379731797/rota-do-cabo-raso-percurso-circular-pr2-csc-no-parque-natural-sintra-cascais.
Accommodation: Rooms available at the nearby Senhora da Guia Cascais Boutique Hotel from approximately £173 per night based on double occupancy
Farms Route
Difficulty level: Medium
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Best season: Spring
Equipment needed: Map, compass, binoculars, flora and fauna guide, comfortable clothes and footwear
About the route:
The Route of the Farms embarks from Malveira da Serra, following the southern slope of the Serra de Sintra, characterised by its geological composition, including the syenite core surrounded by granites that date back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This area is part of the National Network of Protected Areas, designated as a Natural Park as part of the Sintra-Cascais site under the Natura 2000 Network.
The granite formations are a particular highlight of this route, with the trail running directly through them. This geological richness of the area has resulted in a diverse array of flora and fauna, though human intervention has significantly impacted the ecosystem. Along the granite zone, indigenous flora can be found, including sage-leaved rockrose, strawberry trees, rosemary, Gal oak, and heather, as well as various medicinal and aromatic plants such as common centaury, calamint, and St. John’s wort. There is also an abundance of wildlife to be found in the area, such rabbits, foxes, European Minks, genets, jewelled lizards, horned vipers, Mediterranean terrapins, and various bird species.
Historically, the region has been inhabited since ancient times, with traces of water veneration from early settlers and Roman villages. Over time, these farms became retreats for the clergy and nobility, with them now used as summer holiday destinations. However, agricultural decline and urbanisation have led to the abandonment of many farms, leaving behind remnants of a once vibrant rural community. This trail does not have an admission fee.
Full information on the trail here: https://natural.pt/protected-areas/parque-natural-sintra-cascais/pathways/pr1-csc-rota-quintas?locale=en.
Accommodation: Rooms available at the nearby Dream Guincho from approximately £201 per night based on double occupancy
All-inclusive package: The West Route
Difficulty level: Easy
Duration: 3 days
Best season: Spring / Summer
About the route:
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Cascais offers an all-inclusive package for visitors to enjoy The West Route. The route is intended to be completed in 3 days and 2 nights and includes glamping style accommodation and local Portuguese cuisine. The first night is spent at Quinta do Pisão and the second night is spent at Peninha.
The West Route is a pedestrian route that links the coastline with the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a Natura 2000 site and UNESCO Landscape heritage. Here walkers can experience a variety of landscapes, habitats, ecosystems and cultural heritage. As part of the Great Atlantic Route which runs along the coast, the new West Route also includes the Sintra mountains, providing an opportunity to experience both the coastline as well as the countryside further inland.
The West Route consists of 5 walking stages, some can be made by horse, bike, e-bike or with the company of a donkey:
- Eco-cabana – Duna da Cresmina (10 Km)
- Duna da Cresmina – Quinta do Pisão (10 Km)
- Quinta do Pisão – Peninha (10km)
- Peninha – Duna da Cresmina (10km)
- Duna da Cresmina – Eco-cabana (10 km)
Over the 3 days walkers can experience many activities along the route including:
- Meeting a local Beekeeper – visit a beehive, extract the honey and learn about their importance for biodiversity and food production as pollinators
- Meeting a local Ranger – experience daily tasks, check the fences and gates, feed the horses, sheep and donkeys, learn about their task in maintaining the landscape and encouraging the habitat for other species
- Meeting a local Farmer – take some time to learn about organic food and the importance of local and seasonal fresh vegetable in our diet, participate in the vegetable garden tasks
- Meeting a local Biologist – go deep in the wood, learn how the biologist team monitor the fauna, help to set up the trail cameras, learn about the endangered butterfly and look for the birds of prey with the binoculars
- A Canopy Trail – create some adrenaline by going up to the tree canopy level, you can experience climbing and experience a zip line and an archery trail
- Horse or Donkey riding – experience a horse ride in the park, or a trail with the company of a friendly donkey
The West Route pledges to protect the areas of great natural beauty whilst creating new experiences and viewpoints for guests. It also helps to maintain the rural paths through which the pedestrian route passes.
Price from 400€ for 2 people for 1 night including food and glamping accommodation:
|
West Route Packages |
|
Glamping |
Food |
Visit to Duna da Cresmina |
Experiences (from list) |
Route Options |
Price (2 per) |
Guide |
|
2 nights |
x |
x 7 |
x |
2 |
Bike, e-Bike, Walk, Walking with Donkey, Horseriding |
900€ |
150€ |
|
|
1 night |
x |
x 3 |
x |
1 |
Bike, e-Bike, Walk, Walking with Donkey |
300-400€ |
100€ |
Full information on the trail here: https://ambiente.cascais.pt/pt/projetos/rota-do-ocidente.
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