Cascais Marina, Cascais (must see)

Cascais Marina, nestled along the scenic Bay of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera, stands as a testament to maritime beauty and a hub for leisure vessels exploring the enchanting Portuguese coast. This picturesque marina, which happens to be the largest on the Portuguese Riviera and the third largest in Portugal, is a destination that captures the hearts of all who visit. Its strategic location lies between the captivating Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, and the striking Cabo Espichel.

Cascais Marina is more than just a place to moor boats; it's a vibrant focal point for maritime enthusiasts and a welcoming port of call for adventurers cruising the coastline. Visitors can easily access the charming village of Cascais, where they can indulge in shopping, savor delightful cuisine, or simply bask in the beauty of the surroundings.

This marina plays host to a myriad of high-profile sailing events, making it a dynamic hub for the international sailing community. Events such as the America's Cup World Series, the World Match Racing Tour, and the Audi MedCup have graced its waters, adding to its allure.

The creation of Cascais Marina aimed to serve multiple purposes. However, like many ambitious projects, the marina was not without its share of criticisms. Concerns were raised regarding its potential environmental impact, alteration of the landscape, and the challenges posed by shifting currents, including the formation of new beaches and the erosion of existing ones. Some of these concerns did manifest, particularly regarding the visual impact on the cove of Santa Marta, which housed significant landmarks like the Casa de Santa Maria and the Santa Marta Lighthouse.

Despite these apprehensions, proponents of the marina contend that it has not detracted from the visual charm of Cascais. They emphasize that efforts were made to preserve and seamlessly integrate the surrounding historical and architectural heritage. Moreover, they argue that the marina has contributed to the rejuvenation of the area, particularly within the citadel.