Cascais, Portugal

Cascais (‘kahz kaish’) and neighboring Estoril share a natural harbor near the Tejo River’s gaping mouth. The resort is just 20 minutes from Lisbon, so many capital residents maintain second seaside homes. And what homes! Most of them date from the 19th-century, and each one is a study in elaborate design – no one wanted to be outdone! Visit castle-like Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães on the southern side of Marechal Park to see one of the villas from the inside. If you are feeling lucky, it is just a short drive north to the casino at Sintra.