Santa Maria Lighthouse

The lighthouse on the western edge of Cascais is more often called the Farol de Santa Marta, and it is easy to recognise by its tall tower painted in blue and white stripes, standing on the rocks beside the sea at the end of the old fishing town. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century to mark the approach to the mouth of the Tagus and the coast around Cascais, where ships heading for Lisbon had to pass the rocky shore. The tower is not huge, but its colour, with the white buildings and deep blue sea, makes it one of the most photographed spots in town.

The lighthouse also houses a small museum, which explains the history of lighthouses along the Portuguese coast and the work of the keepers who looked after them. Models, lamps, lenses, and old photographs show how lights were built and operated, from oil lamps and rotating lenses to modern electric systems. The collection gives a good sense of how important these buildings were for sailors on a coast with strong currents and many wrecks. The interior is small, and a visit takes only half an hour, but the explanations are clear and the setting by the sea is atmospheric. In clear weather the view from the walkway around the tower stretches along the coast toward the Estoril shoreline.

Next to the lighthouse stands the Casa de Santa Maria, a villa built in the early 20th century in a romantic style, with towers, balconies, and a garden overlooking the sea. The house is decorated with tile panels, including work by the artist Jorge Colaço, and its interiors are an example of how wealthy families built seaside homes in Cascais when the town became fashionable among royalty and aristocracy. A single ticket often covers both the lighthouse and the house, so they are easy to visit together.

The area is a short walk from the centre of Cascais, along the seafront past the citadel, and it lies close to the Boca do Inferno, a chasm in the cliffs where the sea surges in and out of a cave. The setting is pleasant for a stroll or a swim in the sheltered coves nearby. The sites are closed on certain days of the week, so check before going, and opening times vary with the season.

It suits families, photographers, and anyone interested in the sea and its history, and fits well into a day in Cascais.