Portugal's Costa del Sol: Cascais

France has its famed Cote d'Azur. Spain has its Costa del Sol.

What makes Portugal's Costa del Sol slightly different is Cascais, once an exclusive high-end resort where the Spanish King went in exile from Franco's dictatorship. No longer exclusive nor outrageously expensive, according to the NY Times. A mere 20 minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais has apparently become a popular weekend destination for Lisboetas. And there is more to it. NY Times would not be NY Times without putting an art spin to this article - which seems to be the theme lately (see Geneva's Collection Privee.) Yes, there are some world-class art and art galleries.

So, if you want to go without paying an arm and a leg for King Juan Carlos' residence, try this fly-and-drive package: Costa do Sol - Cascais. You will pay $545 for round-trip flights (from the aforementioned NY City - air taxes not included,) hotel for 5 nights, and car rental for 6 days.