13 Amazing Things to do in Cascais Portugal | A complete visitors guide

Cascais, Portugal, is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. In this post, I will tell you all the amazing things I have seen and those I unfortunately missed so that you can plan your own amazing trip.

I arrived in Cascais by car after landing in Lisbon on my way to Nazaré. The pretty town is often included in guided day trips from Lisbon that cover Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. That means that if you prefer traveling on your own, you can still include it in your day trip from Lisbon.

However, if you are anything like me and you love to take it slow and stroll around, sit in cafes, and visit museums, a day will absolutely not be enough. So if you have the chance, I would recommend at least 2 nights, with one full day and some more time,

I got to Cascais around 4 PM and immediately searched for a hotel since I hadn’t booked one in advance. After securing a place to stay, I started exploring the town while looking for a spot to eat.

Since my hotel was in the historical center, I left my car parked there and walked around, feeling completely safe. The next day, I had to check out by noon, so I left my belongings in the room and went for a walk.

When it was time for checkout, I packed my bags into the car’s trunk, ensuring they were out of sight, and moved the car to another part of town, allowing me to continue my exploration for the rest of the afternoon.

This approach worked well, though there are a few things I would have done differently had I read this post beforehand. 😆 So, be sure to check out the following tips before your trip!

Important Tips about traveling to Cascais that you should know when planning

1. If you get there by car, there are a lot of parking garages or street parking. If you use the latter you need to pay at the machine scattered around the area. Some of them don’t accept cards, so make sure you have some Euro Coins with you. I didn’t and I got a fine while I was going to find an ATM and a cafe’ to buy something and get some change.
2. Even if you have your own car, Cascais offers amazing long walks, and you can get all the way to Estoril and then go back by BOLT if you are tired or in a hurry to visit other things in Cascais. Bolt is cheaper than Uber, and Google Maps suggests it by default. You can download the app and add your card or Paypal or just choose to pay cash. It’s very convenient.
3. If you want to splurge, I would suggest staying at the Farol Hotel, for its great location on the ocean, offering spectacular views of the waves crashing over the rocky coastline, especially at high tide.
4. If you are looking for cheap accommodation, I stayed at Art 4 you Suitesand loved it. Only 50 Euro (1 person), which includes a delicious breakfast.
5. If you only have 1 day, I would prioritize a walk to Estoril, A visit to the Museum da Villa, about the traditional local homes. A visit to the Marina and walking all the way to the Boca do Inferno, stopping by the beautiful viewpoints along the way, including the farol Santa Maria, view and visit the museum. Also make time for a stop to Boca da Roca.

Keep reading this post for more things to do in Cascais, travel tips, and where to stay.

Map of the Things to Do in Cascais and Places to Visit

Top Things to Do in Cascais

1. Explore the Beautiful Beaches

Cascais is famous for its stunning coastline, and here are some of the best beaches in Cascais:

I have included them all in my map (at the end of this post). The majority of these beaches have restaurants and bathroom facilities and easy access to the town and car parks.

• Praia da Rainha: A small, picturesque beach with golden sand and clear waters.
• Praia do Guincho: Perfect for surfing and wind sports, offering dramatic landscapes.
• Praia da Conceição: A popular beach near the town center, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Praia do Tamariz: Located in Estoril, this beach has calm waters and a promenade with restaurants and shops.

2. Visit Boca do Inferno

One of the most famous natural attractions in Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a dramatic cliff formation where the Atlantic waves crash into caves, creating a spectacular view. It’s an excellent spot for photography and sunset watching.

I would recommend checking the tide schedule and visiting during high tide for a more exciting experience with higher waves.

There is a parking spot and bars and restaurant facilities. I had an amazing local gelato. Yes, Portuguese people know how to make gelato, too; take it from an Italian. 🙂

You can also walk there from Cascais town; it’s a short and pleasant walk along the coastline, with other stops and views. See below.

3. Find the Picture-Postcard View of Santa Maria Lighthouse

Enjoy one of the most iconic views in Cascais, featuring the picturesque Santa Maria Lighthouse against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

You can get there by walking from the city, right after the marina, on the way to Boca Do Infierno. You can also stop by the museum right after catching a view of the lighthouse on Camera and see the lighthouse from a different perspective besides learning about its history.

There is also a nice cafe with tables on a terrace overlooking the Marina. If you get there at the right time, you can get amazing views of the waves crashing over the pier. It’s spectacular.

4. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego – One of the Best Things to Do in Cascais for Art Lovers

Visit this modern art museum showcasing the works of the celebrated Portuguese artist Paula Rego.

The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, designed by renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, is a striking museum that blends contemporary design with elements of the region’s historical architecture. Recognizable by its two pyramidal structures and red-pigmented concrete, the building reflects the vision of Paula Rego, who personally selected the architect.

The museum’s layout features four interconnected wings leading to a central volume housing temporary exhibitions. Inside, neutral tones and blue Cascais marble flooring create an elegant backdrop for the 750 m² exhibition space, which showcases Rego’s work.

Visitors can also enjoy a bookshop, café with a terrace overlooking a lush garden, and a 200-seat auditorium. The museum harmoniously integrates with the surrounding landscape, preserving the natural beauty of the pre-existing trees.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: 5 Euro

All museums in Cascais cost about 5 Euro, but you can get a daily ticket to visit all facilities valid for 1 day – €15* or 3 days – €25*. You can check out the Cascais Museum official site for more info.

5. Eat at Some of the Many Excellent Restaurants (Especially for Seafood)

Cascais is known for its outstanding seafood restaurants, offering fresh fish, grilled sardines, and the famous “arroz de marisco.” I didn’t try them because I was rushing around to see as much as possible but these are what the Tourist Office Suggested.

Marisco Na Praça – Somos um Regalo – Belinha.

I also found the House of Wonder, which looked amazing, but it was too late when I found it. Don’t miss this, if you can.

6. Stroll Through the Colourful Streets – One of the Best Free Things to Do in Cascais

Enjoy the charming atmosphere of Cascais by wandering through its vibrant streets filled with historic architecture and boutique shops, nice coffee shops, and the famous Calzada Portuguesa.

In Cascais, the calçada portuguesa (Portuguese pavement) is a prominent feature that enhances the town’s coastal charm. This traditional pavement technique involves arranging small, typically black and white, limestone stones into intricate patterns and designs, creating mosaic-like artworks underfoot. In Cascais, these designs often reflect maritime themes, such as waves and sea motifs, paying homage to the town’s rich seafaring history. Strolling through the streets and squares of Cascais, visitors can admire these artistic pavements that not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the aesthetic appeal of this picturesque seaside town. In the restaurant district you can also find giant bright yellow fishes painted on the streets, probably to supply the lack of the usual cobblestones.

7. Browse the Food and Drink at Mercado da Vila

Visit the lively Mercado da Vila Cascais, a bustling market offering fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Portuguese delicacies.

8. Explore the Cidadela Art District – One of the Best Things to Do in Cascais if You love arti

This historic fortress area now has an artistic district featuring galleries, exhibitions, and unique souvenirs. It’s managed by the luxury hotel Pestana, a real treat if you are ready to splurge.

9. Get the Bus to Cabo da Roca, the Most Western Point in Europe

Take a short bus ride or drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean.

This stop is usually included in the guided tours from Lisbon as well.

10. Enjoy the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

Explore this historic museum housed in a grand mansion, featuring beautiful gardens and an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Nestled in a small cove, this architectural gem sits so close to the sea that waves reach its walls at high tide. The museum’s setting is as remarkable as its collection, which features an impressive art selection, rare Indo-Portuguese furniture, prehistoric archaeological finds, and a library housing a 1505 illuminated manuscript and richly bound 17th-century volumes.

Built in 1897 by Jorge O’Neill, the palace was designed by Luigi Magnini, known for neo-Manueline revivalist works like the Bussaco Palace Hotel and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Francisco Vilaça, a renowned painter and architect, later expanded the building.

A walk through the nearby Marechal Carmona Park leads to a small chapel stunning azulejo tilework, but I would avoid the zoo just because I’m against all sorts of animal caging and exploiting.

If you don’t have time to visit, you can still admire the beautiful building from the bridge opposite the Lighthouse.

11. Parque Marechal Carmona – One of the Best Things to Do in Cascais to Escape the Sun

The park surrounds the above-mentioned Palácio dos Condes de Castro Guimarães,

It features sprawling lawns, meandering pathways, and a mix of towering trees, including pine, palm, and eucalyptus, creating a refreshing, cool environment. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors looking to escape the heat while enjoying nature.

One of its highlights is the beautifully landscaped gardens, where vibrant flowers and manicured hedges add to the park’s charm. There’s also a small lake where ducks and swans glide across the water, making it an idyllic setting for a quiet afternoon.

12. Try the Traditional Biscuits/Cakes from Cascais

Don’t miss out on local pastries like Areias de Cascais, delicious shortbread cookies that are a must-try treat.

13. Go for an Easy Walk Along the Promenade to Estoril

I have included it for last but it was one of my favorite things to do in Cascais. The walk starts in the historical center by the panoramic wheel and takes you all the way to Estoril along the ocean.

The views are spectacular, especially if you are a photographer, and you can enjoy nice cafes and restaurants, beautiful historical buildings, and people exercising or taking their dogs out.

It’s a beautiful atmosphere that made me want to move to Cascais for some time. You can walk back and forth or, if you are in a rush, you can take a BOLT ride back and continue your visit.

Where to Stay: Best Cascais Hotels

Cascais offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels. Some of the best hotels in Cascais include:

• Farol Hotel Cascais: A stylish boutique hotel with stunning ocean views located near Boca do Inferno.
• Pestana Cascais – a high-end hotel in the citadela
• Art4you Suites – a budget option in the heart of the historical center

Getting to Cascais

Cascais is easily accessible from Lisbon:

• By train: A scenic 40-minute ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station.
• By car: A short drive along the coastline via the N6 road.
• By bus: Regular buses connect Lisbon and Cascais, making it a convenient day-trip destination.

Best Time to Visit Cascais

Cascais is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

• Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes.
• Summer (June to August): Ideal for beach lovers, with warm weather and lively events. However, it’s also the busiest season. so in this case you should book way in advance, expect bigger crowds and higher prices.
• Fall (September to November): Still warm enough for beach activities, but with fewer tourists and therefore lower prices.
• Winter (December to February): A quieter time to explore Cascais, though temperatures can be cool and some attractions may have reduced hours. I visited in Winter, and I loved the warm temperature and windy sceneries.

Is Cascais Worth Visiting?

If you are wondering, yes, Cascais is definitely worth visiting. If you are a history buff, you can find some interesting museums; if your preferences lean towards outdoor activities, I enjoyed my morning stroll to Estoril along the beach promenade.

It was spectacular, even with some random showers along the way. If you have all day you can opt for a lunch break or coffee in one of the restaurants and cafes along the way.

If it’s summer, you can enjoy some beach time. I was there at the end of January, and I was in my T-shirt for a while. After spending the previous month in Norway and then Northern Italy, I assure you it was a kind and warm surprise.

Final Thoughts

From its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage, Cascais offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the best beaches in Cascais, staying at top Cascais hotels like Farol Hotel Cascais, or discovering the town’s historic sites, there’s always something exciting to do. Plan your trip accordingly and enjoy everything this beautiful coastal town has to offer!