The Salty Pelican retreat sits snuggled between the sun-dappled shores of the Cascais bay and Sintra's dramatic mountain range. To relax, you can always grab a beer from the bar, grill up some grub at the hostel barbecue area, or lay back and chill-out in one of the hammocks in the beautiful garden with some mighty good tunes.
Beaches
Cascais is renowned for its glorious stretch of white sandy beaches which are simply stunning, beautiful palaces, cosmopolitan vibrancy and as Lisbons most sophisticated beach destination. You can take a stroll on the seaside promenade and discover many beachfront cafes where you can absorb the clean swathes of golden sand with the wide stretch of the Atlantic sweeping around the bay to Cascais.
Cascais
Exploring Cascais is a voyage of discovery. On the one hand there is the original historic area that has a distinct nautical air about it - with its cobbled winding streets leading down to the cozy harbor where the days fresh catch is still sold by local fishermen in the nearby square.
Guincho beach
Marvel at the unspoilt sand dunes and untamed waves at Guincho beach - part of the beautiful Sintra Cascais National park - with its high waves that attract surfers and kitesurfers from all over the world as having some of the best waves in Europe.
Municipal museum
The museum is so close to the sea that waves often reach the steps at high tide. Have a light lunch at the restaurant or cafe in the charming Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum while checking out its Atlantic views.
Hidden beach of Praia da Ursa
This is an incredible "secret" beach which you can take a beautiful hike down to catch an amazing sunset in Sintra National Park.
Moorish Castle
Right at Sintras highest point, the Moorish Castle offers outstanding views across the mountains and down to the Atlantic.
Nightlife
Cascais is also a magnet for night owls, providing an eclectic range of evening entertainment that offers everything from pubs, cafes, restaurants, glitzy cocktail lounges, to cozy craft beer bars, and to late night clubbing.
Pena Palace and Park
Many say was the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s magic kingdom.
Quinta da Regaleira Palace
Imagine a place with secret passages, stepping stones, hidden caves and grottos, a library that looks like you're floating in air, beautiful chapel and residence - all while being located in one of the most beautiful parks. That would be Quinta da Regaleira, an architectural marvel built at the direction of Portugal's first millionaire and to his exacting specifications. Its really one of the most magical and enchanting places you can visit whilst you're in Cascais. The bus right near The Salty Pelican takes you there in just a 25 minute bus ride.
Visiting Lisbon and Belem
Lisbon city centre is just an easy 25 minute ( 2.50 EUR ) train ride away from The Salty Pelican. Its a great day trip to add to your week here and you can hop off the train at Belem halfway and try one of the Portugal's most famous pastel de Belem, a traditional Portuguese custard tart, a treat not to be missed. Belem is also full of sights and scenery to check-out before heading into Lisbon. It's a great little pit-stop.
Sintra
The whole coastline offers a seemingly endless amount of dramatic and ever-changing scenery, culminating in the extraordinary town of Sintra, the end-of-summer getaway for royals over 100 years ago, and now an official World Heritage Site.
Biking and mountain biking
Cascais has an amazing coastline and its an easy fun way to explore by bike, with self-guided trips or organized trips for all levels of ability. You can ride through the amazing scenery of Sintra National Park with its spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and dense forests. Visit archaeological sites, fantastic beaches, and unspoiled villages as you pedal along some of the nicest routes in Europe. The more adventurous choose to ride a mountain bike downhill from the top of Sintra National Park all the way down to The Atlantic and finish with a wine and sunset right on the beach.
Swimming
Nearby the retreat you have an abundant amount of beautiful beaches, salt water swimming pools and hidden coves all within very short walking distances.
Other activities:
- Enjoy a Ayurveda or Thai massage at The Salty Pelican
- Enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides along the beautiful seaside promenade
- Explore the Cascais region: Boca do Inferno, Guincho, Cabo da Roca, Sintra or Lisbon
- Chill-out, relax in our quiet garden with a book and some sunshine
- Try you hand at some of the amazing daily activities from awareness hiking, SUP, rock climbing, SUP yoga, wine tasting and sunset cruises
- Take it easy and just lie on one of the many beaches all day, that are all within a very short walk away.
- Taste great Portuguese tapas in our garden with some wine tasting
