CASCAIS
Nuno Piteira Lopes
Mayor of Cascais
Since 2024, Cascais Opera – International Vocal Competition has already had two successful editions.
Alongside the prestigious reputation of the jury members – renowned figures in the international opera world – the artistic skill displayed by each of the candidates in recent years has made us want to host this event again in 2026. From the orchestra to the singing, from the libretto to the theater, all the typical elements of opera are exalted with technical excellence in each performance.
Driven by two eminent figures in the field of opera and classical music, Sergei Leiferkus and Adriano Jordão, this event represents yet another opportunity for our town to continue to be a center for the promotion of culture. Through the artistic training of talented young people from all over the world, Cascais Opera creates a field of creative expression in which the new generation of opera singers will be present.
In this moment of cultural sharing – with the contribution of one of its co-founders, Alexandra Maurício – the competition will begin with preliminary rounds at the Cascais Cultural Center and will end with its Final at the prestigious Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with the Cascais Symphony Orchestra in attendance.
From May 29 to June 7, 2026, Cascais will give everyone the opportunity to express and experience the spirit of operatic music and will remain in the memory of the candidates as the town that contributed to the launch of their artistic careers.
I wish everyone every success for the future.
Points of Interest in Cascais
Historic Centre
The historic center of Cascais is characterized by a charming urban core with narrow streets, flower-filled squares, and a strong connection to its fishing heritage and its past as a royal retreat. The area blends traditional atmosphere with modernity, offering shops, restaurants, bars, and a rich cultural scene, including museums such as the Museu da Villa.
Museum Quarter
Complemented by two urban parks, the core created by Cascais Municipal Council and the D. Luís Foundation includes old family houses transformed into museums, palaces that once belonged to royalty, buildings designed by Pritzker Prize winners and a cultural centre with ever-changing exhibitions. It will be difficult to choose where to start. Be sure to visit Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, which includes a total of 620 works by the acclaimed Portuguese painter; the beautiful Santa Maria House, built in the early 20th century by Jorge O’Neill; or the Citadel Art District at Pestana Cidadela Cascais, an hotel where you can observe the contemporary art of the artists who exhibit and work there.
About Cascais
The sea
Located at the western point of mainland Europe, with a 30-kilometer coastline, Cascais is a seaside destination par excellence. There are several beaches to choose from: some wilder, surrounded by dunes and mountains, such as Cresmina Beach; and others closer to the town center and within walking distance, like the well-known Conceição Beach.
There is also a wide range of water activities available, from surfing and kitesurfing to relaxing boat trips.
Nature
Despite its urban development, Cascais remains a place where nature is always close at hand. This is evident not only in its urban gardens, such as Marechal Carmona Park, but also in the vast Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or by car.
Here, you can also visit the beautiful Cresmina Dune Interpretation Center: known for its diverse flora and fauna and equipped with a wooden walkway trail, it is part of the Guincho-Oitavos dune system. And, of course, nature in Cascais would not be complete without its diverse and stunning beaches.
Climate
Sun, sun and even more sun. The weather in Cascais is made of autumns that seem like springs, winters that seem like autumns, springs that feel like summers and, of course, summers that really are summers.
It is, therefore, the ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities in the midst of nature: from dolphin watching, to a relaxing walk with a wine experience, an afternoon of golf at a prestigious course or a day climbing the rocks of Cascais.
