Where to Stay In Cascais Portugal – A Guide to the Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Cascais Portugal? If you want to visit the best beaches on the outskirts of Lisbon, visit a medieval historic center, or get to know elegant bistros that serve the best flavors of Portuguese cuisine, a few days in Cascais would be ideal.
Cascais used to be just a fishing village. That is until the 19th century when King Luís I brought this spectacular location to the attention of the rest of the Portuguese.
Today, its trio of golden bays attracts summer crowds and even some locals who work in the capital and live in this which is one of the best coastal towns in Portugal.
This small but cozy destination with only 35 thousand inhabitants is located in front of the sea enchanting its visitors.
It takes less than 30 minutes to get to Lisbon, on a route that can be on the highway or along the pleasant coast, enjoying a beautiful view. For this reason, many travelers prefer to stay in Cascais when visiting the country.
Cascais is also an increasingly common destination for those who want to explore the Portuguese coast without leaving the capital Lisbon.
But not only beautiful beaches and the seaside make up this charming town. Filled with palaces and historical houses, Cascais has more than ten museums.
Some of them still keep intact the architecture from the time when they served as residences for the Portuguese royalty.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the best hotels in Cascais so you can plan your next Portuguese trip.
Where to stay in Cascais | Best neighborhoods in Cascais
✅ Historic Center
The center of Cascais is a delight, full of little and narrow cobblestone streets lined with white buildings that lead down to the sea.
You can start by discovering the charms of Cascais Bay and the main square in town. This is where several events take place throughout the year, such as Christmas markets and music festivals in the summer.
Climbing up the right side of the bay, looking out to sea, you will reach the Citadel of Cascais Portugal. This is where the Marina is found with several stores and restaurants and where sailing events take place.
Those who want to do a lot of sightseeing will find no better place to stay than the historic center, the most touristy part of town!
There, travelers can visit museums with rich collections, historic churches, many gardens, and squares, as well as shops, gastronomic options, and the highest concentration of hotels in Cascais.
The biggest advantage of staying in the historic center is its convenience: you won’t need to use a car for anything, since it is possible to do practically everything on foot, including going to the beach.
Best options in the Historic Center
Where to stay in Cascais Historic Center | Luxury hotel
1. Pestana Cidadela Cascais – Pousada & Art District hotel
The Pestana Cidadela Cascais – Pousada & Art District hotel was built within the walls of the historic Citadel Fortress in the old town.
Its construction is from the 16th century. Want more reasons?
It is a 5-star hotel and belongs to the select group The Leading Hotels of the World.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Historic Center | Mid-range hotel
2. Pergola Guest House
Pergola Guest House is a great lodging option with a privileged location, next to Cascais train station and beaches.
The charming Mediterranean mansion offers rooms exclusively decorated with traditional-style furniture, recreating the authenticity of classic Portuguese day-to-day life.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Historic Center | Budget accommodation
3. The Villa Vasco da Gama
The Villa Vasco da Gama has a slightly larger structure and offers an outdoor heated pool.
Another nice thing is that they lend bicycles for free to guests and this can be an exciting way to complete your list of what to do in Cascais.
All daily rates include breakfast.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
✅ Guincho Beach
Located between Cabo da Roca and Cascais itself, Guincho Beach is the perfect place to stay if you want something a bit calmer and by the beach.
In fact, Praia do Guincho is a sure destination when summer arrives in Portugal.
Although, it is also worth strolling along the beachfront even in the colder seasons.
Although it is a bit further away from the city center, 15 minutes by car, Guincho is still a favorite amongst the locals. And it is not for nothing.
It looks like a scene out of a movie, with the Sintra mountain range facing the sandy beach and going into the sea.
The waves and the wind, often strong there, offer the possibilities for many water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, and bodyboarding championships.
Best options in Praia do Guincho
Where to stay in Cascais Praia do Guincho | Luxury hotel
4. Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho
A classic option is to stay at the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho. Overlooking the sea, this five-star hotel is, as its name suggests, right on the beach.
The fortress gives a cozy atmosphere of luxurious and careful decoration.
With one Michelin star and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the in-house restaurant is simply unmissable.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Praia do Guincho | Mid-range hotel
5. Estalagem Muchaxo
With a great location right by the ocean, Estalagem Muchaxo combines history with modern amenities in a very intimate hotel.
The staff is extremely kind and welcoming, and the outdoor pool has this very cool 60s vibe.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Praia do Guincho | Budget accommodation
6. Parque de Campismo Orbitur Guincho
If there is one thing you should do at least once in your life is camping and Portugal is the ideal place for it.
Parque de Campismo Orbitur Guincho is the perfect example of just how comfortable camping can be while staying close to nature.
Although the campground is not that close to the beach, it has great facilities including a laundry room and a swimming pool.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
✅ Estoril
Just over 12 miles from Lisbon and on the border with Cascais, you will find Estoril.
Popularly known as the “Costa do Sol” and also as the “Portuguese Riviera”, this is a very rich area.
During the Second World War, many famous people, monarchs, and people with money chose the region to live, because of its quietness and because of Portugal’s neutrality in the war.
Much more than being a safe place, the parish was already a paradise, and after that, it stood out even more and started to receive elegant hotels to serve the tourists.
Besides, Estoril has the biggest casino in Europe, the Estoril Casino. So, if you want luxury, this is your place.
Best options in Estoril
Where to stay in Cascais Estoril | Luxury hotel
7. Palacio Estoril Golf & Wellness Hotel
Just a few steps from the beach, Palacio Estoril Golf & Wellness Hotel might be the best place to stay in Estoril.
Charming and palatial only start to describe what awaits you.
Some might even describe it as old-fashioned, but the truth is, you will feel like traveling back in time while also being treated as royalty.
This 5-star hotel features an excellent breakfast buffet, comfortable rooms, and a very relaxing pool.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Estoril | Mid-range hotel
8. Somewhere Guesthouse
To enjoy the ballads at Tamariz Beach, the ideal is to stay at Somewhere Guesthouse in Estoril.
This totally refurbished house offers modern design rooms, with a balcony to enjoy the sea breeze.
It also has a pool and free parking, so you don’t have to worry about where to leave your car.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais Estoril | Budget accommodation
9. Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat
Located near the beach, the Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat offers many leisure activities.
The highlights are the early-morning yoga classes which are very relaxing and an energy booster, all at the same time.
They also offer surfing lessons and a very friendly environment, perfect if you are traveling alone and want to meet people.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com
Best hotels in Cascais overall
Best hotel in Cascais for solo travelers
10. Ljmonade Hostel
Only half a mile from the historic center, the budget lodging option of Ljmonade Hostel has double rooms, some of which even have ocean views.
If you want to save a little more money or want to meet more people, there are also mixed dorms with shared bathrooms.
Besides breakfast being included in the price, you can prepare your other meals in the fully equipped communal kitchen.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Best hotel in Cascais for a romantic escape
11. Albatroz Hotel
Perched on the cliffs of the Estoril Coast, the 5-star Albatroz Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with sea views, outdoor pools, a lounge area for relaxing, a restaurant bar, complimentary wireless internet access, and parking!
The hotel is actually right between Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Rainha and is also close to the Cascais city center.
To make it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, the hotel is not only luxurious, but it features stunning décor and a delicious restaurant, great for date nights.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Best hotel in Cascais for location
12. Kavia Hotel do Largo
The Kavia Hotel do Largo is one of the hotels in Cascais that is close to everything.
Built in a 1779 building, the complex has kept the tradition and added a touch of refinement.
The rooms are comfortable and having only twenty suites makes it a more intimate and private place.
Besides being very close to the old town, the beaches of Ribeira, Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição are also nearby.
This way, Kavia Hotel is also close to famous attractions like Casa das Histórias – Paula Rego Museum, Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress, and Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum – Library.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Best luxury hotel in Cascais
13. The Oitavos
For golf lovers, the best option is to stay at the modern and luxurious hotel of The Oitavos.
This hotel is a true refuge located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
It has at guests’ disposal the award-winning Oitavos Dunes golf course.
It also houses a wonderful swimming pool between the mountains and the sea and is a short drive from Guincho Beach.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Best hotel in Cascais for design
14. Farol Hotel
Rooms signed by famous designers works of art in the gardens, Design Hotels seal, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Portugal.
All this contributes to the Farol Hotel is one of the best hotels in Portugal.
But none of this comes close to its greatest asset: its location.
The hotel is situated on the rocks, very close to the marina and the center of Cascais, overlooking the sea with its outdoor infinity pool being practically an extension of the ocean.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Best hotel with a sea view in the city center of Cascais
15. Hotel Baia
Many of the best hotels in Cascais listed here offer spectacular views but Hotel Baia also needs to be highlighted.
This is one of the largest hotels in Cascais and without a doubt the most photographed.
This is because it is located next to Praia dos Pescadores, the main beach in town.
Next to it is Praça 5 de Outubro, a square that gathers the most beautiful buildings in Cascais.
It has rooms with sea views and a terrace from where the view is even more beautiful.
👉 Check out rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to stay in Cascais FAQ
Where is it better to stay in Cascais?
Cascais is relatively large but gathers its main attractions in a single region: a rich historical center, which houses legacies from different periods of history.
This does not mean, however, that the center is the best place to stay: the most suitable neighborhood for you will depend on what you want out of your trip.
If you are traveling by car, you will have more accommodation options, but you should consider the availability of parking spaces and the chaotic traffic jams on the way to the beach, especially in the summer.
If this is not your case, it is worth investing in lodging in the central region, where the train station that connects Cascais to Lisbon is located.
Is Cascais a walkable city or do I need a car? How to move around?
Portugal is a very small country and as such the distances between cities are short and in one trip you can easily go from the north to the south of the country driving.
The main cities are Lisbon and Porto and these are perhaps the only cities where the car is not essential. If you are only going to stay in Lisbon or only in Porto, it might not be worth renting a car.
And to get to Cascais, for example, you can easily take the train for 1h and visit the Old Town of Cascais on foot.
That said, I highly recommend renting a car if you plan on staying more than a day in Cascais, especially if you want to explore the region a bit better and be more flexible.
And in case you choose not to rent a car, give preference to hotels located in the historic center, as I said before.
This way, you can do everything on foot, you don’t have to worry about finding parking spaces and you can try the many restaurants in the area and taste wines without having to worry about driving.
How many days is enough in Cascais?
It may be tempting to take a round trip from Lisbon, but the experience will not be the same! Cascais is very charming and has a unique atmosphere that cannot be left out.
In Cascais, there are many charming hotels in the town center or overlooking the sea. There are also hostels for the backpackers of course!
If you decide to stay in Cascais, don’t think you are stuck in the city. In fact, you can take the opportunity to explore the whole region and get to know places like Cabo da Roca and Sintra.
What is the best time to visit Cascais?
Along with the Algarve, Cascais and Estoril have the mildest climates in Portugal.
Temperatures don’t drop much in winter (minimum of 45 °F) and there are sunny days in summer, with high temperatures to enjoy the beaches or pools in the region.
Also, despite being a beach destination, there is plenty to do in Cascais, so you can visit the town all year round.
But if your goal is to enjoy the beach, the ideal period is between June and September. This is when temperatures are higher and there is little chance of rain.
This is because in July and August, it rains very little in Cascais and the average temperature during this period is around 77 °F.
One important thing to consider is Cascais’ popularity.
If you want to escape the summer crowds, you might want to choose spring or fall, as the accommodation prices are usually lower and the queues to visit the historical monuments are shorter.
On the other hand, between October and February, the volume of rain increases and the temperature drops, but there is still plenty to do in Cascais, such as visiting museums, the Historical Center, and other attractions.
Is it worth staying in Cascais?
So, overall, should you do a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais or stay in Cascais for a few days?
Many people who stay in Lisbon indeed do a round trip to spend the day in Cascais. But I recommend staying at least 2 days in the coastal town.
The city is very lovely and has many restaurants, beautiful landscapes, and many hotel options.
And with the advantage of having lower prices than in the capital Lisbon.
So, why not get out of the hectic capital for a few days and explore a different side of Portugal, right?!
What do they speak in Portugal?
In Portugal, they speak Portuguese, as the official language but you will find that in most touristy towns, such as Cascais, people would understand and speak English.
Where to stay in Cascais, Portugal final thoughts
Despite being a beach destination, there is plenty to do in Cascais, so you can visit the town all year round.
Temperatures don’t drop much in winter (minimum of 45 °F) and there are sunny days in summer, with high temperatures to enjoy the beaches or pools in the region.
Some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Cascais are Historic City Center, Guincho Beach, and Estoril, just over 12 miles from Lisbon – so there is something for everyone’s preferences!
It’s also an increasingly common destination for those who want to get a feel for authentic Portugal by staying in Cascais.
