Duna da Cresmina

Cascais


Built in 2013, this nature interpretation centre was built to educate (and protect) the fragile flora and fauna of the coastal dune system around Guincho. To lure folks in, they built a cafe serving excellent crepes, salads and tostas with a postcard-ready outdoor terrace that dramatically frames 180-degree views of Cabo Raso, Praia da Cresmina and Praia do Guincho.

Walk off lunch on the well-built plankway system that extends into the dunes (guided tours available in advance). It's 6km northwest of Cascais on the way to Guincho; and bus 415 from Cascais passes by.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cascais attractions

1. Praia do Guincho

0.58 MILES

The long, wild Praia do Guincho is a surfer's and windsurfer's paradise (the site of previous World Surfing Championships) with massive crashing rollers…

2. Boca do Inferno

3.1 MILES

Atlantic waves pummel the craggy 'Mouth of Hell', 2km west of Cascais. It's about a 20-minute walk along the coast, or you can catch the BusCas (427) from…

3. Museu do Mar Rei Dom Carlos

3.16 MILES

The small, brightly accented Museu do Mar spells out Cascais’ maritime history with costumes, tools, nets and boats, accompanied by quotes (in English)…

4. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

3.18 MILES

This museum showcases the disturbing, highly evocative paintings of Portugal’s finest postwar artists. Biannually changing exhibits span Rego’s career,…

5. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

3.27 MILES

Weave through the back alleys west of the câmara municipal to the palm-fringed square that is home to the whitewashed Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção,…

6. Parque Marechal Carmona

3.28 MILES

This wild park provides a shady retreat from the seaside crowds, with a duck pond, birch and pine trees, palms and eucalyptus, rose gardens and flowering…

7. Centro Cultural de Cascais

3.3 MILES

Formerly a barefooted Carmelite convent, this centre hosts contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.

8. Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais

3.36 MILES

Commissioned as a summer palace in 1870 by King Dom Luís I, this captivating museum remains the official residence of visiting heads of state in Portugal…