Things To Do
in Cascais
Located on Portugal's Lisbon Coast at 38.7, -9.4167, Cascais is a picturesque town famed for its marina, cliffs, and sandy beaches. Once a royal summer retreat, it blends historic palaces with a modern, cosmopolitan waterfront. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with seafood taverns, boutiques, and gelaterias, creating a lively seaside vibe.
The area serves as a gateway to Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, offering easy day trips to palaces, forests, and dramatic coastlines.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cascais by train from Lisbon and feel the salty breeze as you step onto Praça 5 de Outubro. Enjoy a pastel de nata and espresso at a local pastelaria while watching fishermen unload fresh catch. Wander along the tiled promenade, admiring coastal sculptures and colorful street art under a bright sky.
Check into your boutique hotel then head to the Santa Marta lighthouse and museum for sweeping views of the bay. Stroll the Marina de Cascais, eyeing sleek yachts and bobbing fishing boats before stopping at a seaside café for grilled sardines and vinho verde. Pause on the quayside to savor the gentle sway of the water and the distant cries of seagulls.
Witness the dramatic waves at Boca do Inferno as the sun dips toward the horizon. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, sampling seafood rice and tender octopus with lemon and herbs. Conclude your evening with a moonlit stroll down lantern-lit streets, stopping for gelato at a charming gelataria.
Start at the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães to admire its 19th-century architecture and eclectic art collection. Sip a strong espresso in Largo da Câmara while locals set up their market stalls. Meander through narrow lanes lined with pastel-colored facades, azulejo tiles, and blooming bougainvillea.
Head to the Mercado da Vila to sample regional cheeses, olives, and artisanal breads. Wander to Casa das Histórias Paula Rego and explore Paula Rego’s surreal and evocative paintings in a striking modernist building. Rest in a sunlit courtyard with a glass of crisp white vinho verde before continuing your stroll.
Immerse yourself in a Fado performance at a cozy tavern, letting soulful melodies convey stories of longing and saudade. Savor a warming bowl of caldo verde soup and slices of pão de Deus as live music drifts through candlelit tables. Drift back along cobblestone streets, lantern reflections dancing on the pavement.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🛍️Souvenir/shopping | $10-40 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚌Public transit day pass | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coast and beaches
- Compact town easy to explore on foot
- Excellent seafood and restaurant options
- Proximity to Sintra and Lisbon makes day trips easy
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Prices can be higher near the coast and in tourist areas
- Some hills and stairs may be challenging for travelers with mobility issues
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Cascais
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic cliffside sea gorge where waves crash against rock formations, offering dynamic seascapes especially at sunset.
Colorful boats, glassy reflections, and pastel harbor-side architecture ideal for early-morning or golden-hour shots.
Compact beaches framed by white-washed buildings and fishing-town charm, perfect for coastal photography.
Historic fortress with sea views, bastions, and courtyard angles great for architectural photography.
Coastal fort with commanding views and seaside silhouettes ideal for dramatic landscape images.
Food in Cascais
Cascais Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded cod with fried potatoes, eggs, and onions, folded together with olives and parsley.
Must-Try!
A rich seafood rice dish featuring shrimp, mussels, clams, and saffron-flavored rice.
Grilled sardines typically served with potatoes, salad, and olive oil.
Seafood stew cooked in a traditional clam-shaped copper cataplana, often with tomatoes and herbs.
Creamy custard tart dusted with cinnamon, a Portugal-wide favorite found in many cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market near the old town offering fresh fish, produce, cheeses, and regional specialties.
Daily market with seafood stalls, fruit and vegetables, and local snacks—great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; maintain polite tones and avoid loud conversations in quiet spaces. Dress is typically smart-casual for many venues.
Portuguese meals are social events; meals can be long. Expect a relaxed pace, share plates where appropriate, and wait for the server to take orders where possible.
Safety
Tipping in Cascais
Ensure a smooth experience
In Portugal, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small purchases and markets. Some small spots may require a minimum for card payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures (around 15-20°C) with blooming gardens; excellent for walking, hiking, and outdoor cafes.
Warm and sunny with peak crowds; ideal for beaches, water sports, and sunset terraces, but expect higher prices.
Pleasant, cooler days and fewer crowds; perfect for coastal hikes and relaxed sightseeing.
Milder than inland Portugal, but cooler and wetter; some seasonal beach facilities may be closed.
Cascais at Night
Hiking in Cascais
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cliff-top path offering dramatic ocean vistas from Cascais toward Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.
Forest and hill trails with viewpoints, cascading landscapes, and diverse flora.
Coastal forest paths with viewpoints along the Guincho–Cascais stretch.
Airports
How to reach Cascais by plane.
Main international gateway; about 30-40 minutes by car or fast train from Cascais.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of longtime locals and a growing expatriate community.
Seasonal visitors attracted by beaches, culture, and day trips to Sintra.
Many families visit Cascais for beaches, parks, and kid-friendly activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular on Guincho Beach with surf schools and rentals available.
Multiple coastal courses around Cascais, including Estoril and nearby Sintra region.
Cascais Marina offers sailing trips and day tours along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cascais.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most places; look for salads, grilled vegetables, cheese plates, and egg-based dishes. Communicate clearly about avoiding meat and seafood if needed; many kitchens can adapt pasta, risotto, or rice dishes.