Six Things to Do in Cascais, Portugal
Vamos à Praia!
Let’s go to the beach — more specifically, the Portuguese Riviera. This is Cascais.
One of the most charming beach towns in Portugal is also just a quick 30 minutes from the capital in Lisbon.
If you are planning a trip to Lisbon and looking for a mix of city tourism and relaxation, then a long weekend at the beach is a perfect addition to your vacation.
Cascais is a perfectly picturesque beach town and a coastal gem.
Nestled along the rocky Atlantic coastline, Cascais captivates visitors with its rugged natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.
And that’s why, much like California, it’s a West Coast destination attracting vacationers from all over the world. It’s a true summer retreat.
The Portuguese have always loved it. But it’s becoming an very popular European destination. So don’t wait until more crowds descend, get there and enjoy it in its glory!
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Read on for more of the magic of Cascais.
Where to Stay
There are a number of great hotels and Airbnb’s in Cascais as well as the nearby town of Estoril.
We opted to stay at Intercontinental Cascais-Estoril, an IHG Property because we were able to use our points as IHG ambassadors towards a free stay. I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area if you are looking for a more relaxing and luxurious hotel option. The property was beautiful with a gorgeous pool overlooking the ocean.
I normally prefer a central location over any other considerations when booking a hotel. But I make an exception sometimes when it comes to IHG properties.
Even though the hotel is located just on the border between Estoril and Cascais, it’s a beautiful walk along the oceanfront promenade into Cascais. We also took a quick Uber home after dinner and drinks in town one night.
If we had an extra day I would have loved to explore Estoril too.
The rooms were spacious and all featured a private balcony or patio. Also the colored lights in the bathroom were a fun surprise.
We spent a good amount of time sunbathing on the outdoor deck in the morning, and as it set we sipped rosé in the pool. There were many other tourists, both European and American.
They had a fantastic breakfast at the hotel each morning. One day we opted to grab some pastries and an espresso at a cafe by the ocean. But after seeing the elaborate display we decided to pay for the buffet on the second morning.
It was such a spread, and had some healthy options and more indulgent choices too like the pastries :)
Here are some other popular accomodations in Cascais!
Oceanfront and beautifully designed:
Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa - large resort with a pool by the town
Hotel Baia - smaller and more affordable hotel right in town by Praia da Ribiera
Pergola Boutique Hotel - small but sweet B&B in a Mediterranean style mansion
Artsy Cascais - 5 star luxury hotel with beautiful rooms
How to Get To Cascais
Cascais is the beach for Lisbon, and a quick 30 minute trip from the city. After flying into Lisbon's Aeroporto da Portela the easiest way to get to Cascais is rent a car and drive. I’d recommend having a car to better explore the other sites around Cascais like Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, and Sintra.
Alternatively if you’re coming from the city and not the airport, there are busses and trains. The train from Cais do Sodré station to Cascais is cheap at 4 Euros and will take around 30 minutes.
6 Things to see & do in Cascais, Portugal!
Let’s hop right into it.
1. Explore the Beaches
I grew up going to the beaches along the Atlantic coast of Portugal, and always warn others to expect rough waters. It’s something Portugal is known for, and why beaches like Nazaré are famed for the largest waves in the world.
But in Cascais, the water is different. You can find many people enjoying the ocean, and swimming in the calmer waters protected in this area’s coves
The water is clear and still, just beckoning to be swam in. So while it’s a great place to relax on the beach and do nothing. It’s also perfect for those who love a little adventure outdoors and water sports.
One of the most popular beaches is Praia da Ribiera, pictured below. This is a popular beach so expect more crowds! But there are also umbrellas and beach service with food and drinks unlike some of the smaller beaches.
Another one I loved is Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano, a sea water pool where you can swim and relax along the ocean. There is a cute little beach bar right across the promenade which is perfect for people watching all day long.
Be sure not to overlook the quiet inlet beach at Praia da Rainha, and the most beautiful view in Cascais can be found at the cove by Santa Marta Lighthouse just past the Marina. More on that later!
2. Cabo da Roca
One of the highlights of the area is the stunning cliffs of Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where visitors can gawk at the dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks.
My sister and I came here years ago, and it’s a great stop on a beautiful coastal drive along the Atlantic.
3. Taste the Freshest Seafood & Portuguese Cuisine
Cascais has so many great restaurants, and you do not want to miss out on enjoying the food here.
Food lovers will be delighted by what Cascais has to offer. Fresh seafood is a regional specialty, and you can savor the catch of the day in cozy waterfront restaurants.
Here are some of the spots we hit!
Casual Meals
If you’re spending a day on the beach at Praia da Ribiera, I highly recommend getting lunch at Emma. Walk ins are possible but in high season I’d recommend making a reservation on the Fork in advance. We knew the place was good based on how buzzing and crowded it was even at 2pm.
We were starving and ordered a full table of food just for the two of us, including a beef croquette, a shrimp salad to share, two delicious sandwiches and washed it down with a refreshing bottle of rosé from the Douro valley. All delicious!
We had a great seat for people watching in the shade, just steps from the beach.
Dining
For dinner, we dined at Cantinho do Avillez on Palm Street by one of my favorite chefs, José Avillez. I’ve been to his restaurants in Lisbon before, and they never disappoint. This was no exception.
First, get the espresso martinis made by the mixologist, they were really good.
Everything looked good on the menu so no wrong choices when it comes to ordering. The food was delicious. We split a few traditional local entrees; the beef with patatas fritas, and Alentejo pork with beans.
Portuguese Pastries
Be sure to try the famous Portuguese custard tarts, known as pastéis de nata, which are a perfect way to end a delicious meal. I also like to start my day with one at breakfast :) Another favorite treat of mine is a bolo do arroz, a sweet little rice cake.
Gelados
Lastly, you can’t miss out on a gelado at Santini. It’s the most well known shop in Portugal and the ice cream stores have been around for over 70 years.
The town is absolutely buzzing at night, particularly up the hills a little further from the beach. We wandered through the narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful houses and browse the boutique shops, traditional cafés, and lively markets that capture the essence of Portuguese culture.
4. Be Blown Away, by Boca do Inferno
It translates to the Mouth of Hell. And once you visit you’ll see why. This rock formation along the coast looks enticing and innocent from a distance. But once you get closer you’ll see why it’s such an attraction.
Like a blowhole, the water sucks downward into a deep chasm, and then shoots it back up.
5. Tap into Art & History in the Museum District
It may not seem like a beach town would have a well known arts and cultural history to it. But Cascais really has a little bit of everything.
Don't miss a visit to the imposing Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais and the 17th-century Citadel Palace, which now houses a museum showcasing the town's history.
This is a pretty walk along the water toward the marina.
Another stop on any trip to Cascais should be the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum. Everything in view of this cove is beautiful, from the lighthouse, to the museum, and the rocks along the cove that hug the glistening blue water.
It’s at least worth taking in the view from the mirador (or viewpoint) on the stone bridge above the cove.
A great nearby museum is also Casada Historias Paula Rego - if anything for its beautiful coral building.
6. Azeñhos do Mar
One of my favorite miradouro’s (or viewpoints) along the coast is a cliff across from the town of Azeñhos do Mar. It’s a perfect spot to view the Mediterranean looking buildings perched on a cliff above the sea.
There is a long staircase that descends towards the water, and you can see the beautiful sparkling seawater pool along the beach below.
One more great spot on a trip along the coast of Cascais and Sintra National Park is a stop at Bar do Guincho by the beach. Just 25 minutes south of Azeñhos do Mar you’ll find Praia da Guincho, with a beautiful beach bar overlooking the ocean. This is a favorite spot beloved by locals.
There are several nice beaches along the Western coast like Praia Grande with a sea water pool that looks like Australia’s Bondi Beach, or Praia da Adraga that resembles the rock formations of the Algarve.
And if you’re looking for more than just beaches, remember that nearby are the most beautiful palaces of Sintra, nestled within a lush green National Park. And just 30 minutes away is the buzzing Capital of Lisbon. This whole region is rich in culture, and history, and wonders to be explored.
So, after all these recs are you ready to book a trip that includes Cascais?
Want more information on Portugal, continue reading some of my other posts!
Thanks for stopping by :)
Xx Gab
Learn about the beautiful beaches of the Portuguese Riviera, the picturesque beach town of Cascais.