Welcome to Cascais Marina!
- Neil G Smith
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Best Car Park in the World?
It might sound like an odd statement, but hear me out... I genuinely think the car park at Cascais Marina could be one of the best car parks in the world!
During our stay at the magnificent Pestana Cidadela Cascais, perched beside the harbour within the historic fortress walls, we wandered down after hearing there was a real buzz about the place. Jamiroquai was performing later that evening at the nearby Manuel Possolo Racecourse, and curiosity got the better of us.
What we discovered was far more than just a car park.
Usually, parking a car is little more than a necessary inconvenience. You drive in, find a space, pay the ticket and leave. But here, even parking becomes an attraction.
As we descended into the underground car park, we expected the usual rows of concrete pillars and parked cars. Instead, it felt more like an underground shopping mall. There were cafés, a hairdresser and, to my surprise, a display of beautifully restored vintage Apple Macintosh computers that instantly transported me back to the early days of home computing.
Then things became even more extraordinary.
One section of the garage had been transformed into a luxury showroom by Belouracar, where Ferraris, Porsches and other exotic supercars gleamed beneath the lights as though they belonged in an art gallery rather than a parking garage. As both an artist and a car enthusiast, I couldn't help but admire the incredible design, craftsmanship and attention to detail of these automotive masterpieces.
Back outside, the atmosphere was electric!
With thousands of people making their way to the Jamiroquai concert, every parking space had become a prized possession. The roads around the waterfront had turned into an impromptu classic car parade. Instead of frustrating traffic, it became free entertainment.
One after another, beautifully maintained classics cruised past. Elegant Jaguars, immaculate Mercedes-Benz models, gleaming Porsches, MGs and countless other vintage vehicles circled patiently, each driver hoping someone would vacate a parking space. Every lap revealed another automotive gem.
Standing beside the harbour, with luxury yachts gently bobbing on the water, the evening sunshine reflecting from polished chrome and the excitement building ahead of the concert, it was one of those unexpected travel moments that simply can't be planned.
The harbour is already one of Portugal's most beautiful waterfront destinations, but on this particular evening it became something even more special. An underground car park with a shopping arcade, vintage Apple computers, a luxury supercar showroom and, above ground, a constantly changing exhibition of classic cars.
I've travelled to many places around the world, photographing cities, landscapes and hidden gems, but I never imagined that one of my favourite travel memories would begin with a walk through a car park.
Perhaps that's the magic of travel. Sometimes the places you least expect become the ones you'll never forget.
So, if you ever find yourself staying at the Pestana Cidadela Cascais or exploring Cascais, don't rush past the underground car park. Take a look around, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy one of the most unusual travel experiences you'll find in Portugal.
It just might be the best car park in the world.
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