- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Cascais
Cascais's rich history is evident in its architecture. The Citadel Palace, once a royal summer residence, exemplifies 19th-century grandeur. Exploring the historic Bairro dos Pescadores reveals traditional tiled houses. This showcases what is Cascais famous for: a blend of royal heritage and local charm.
Cascais offers diverse natural beauty, from the wild cliffs of Boca do Inferno to the calm Praia da Rainha. Marechal Carmona Park, home to peacocks, provides green respite. For an authentic evening, watch the fishing boats return at sunset from the marina, one of the top attractions in Cascais.
Savor Cascais's culinary scene, a highlight among the best reasons to visit Cascais. Fresh seafood is paramount. Try 'percebes' (goose barnacles), a local delicacy. Beyond the mainstream, seek out small tascas for authentic 'arroz de marisco', a rich seafood rice dish, enjoyed by locals.
- CascaisPortugal
- CascaisPortugal
- CascaisPortugal
- CascaisPortugal
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Aughot, peak season
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimsuit
- #LightJacket
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #Camera
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Portuguese
- English often spoken in tourist areas
- #CascaisMarina
- #BocaDoInferno
- #PraiaDaRainha
- #PalácioDaCidadela
- #MuseuCondesDeCastilho
- #CentroHistórico
- Explore the coastal walk
- Taste local seafood
- Visit Guincho Beach
- Wander through Cascais market
- Try windsurfing
Recommended Hotels in Cascais by Experience
Things to do in Cascais
Discover
Explore what to see in Cascais, including the charming Old Town, the stunning Boca do Inferno cliffs, and the renowned Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. These iconic Cascais attractions offer a mix of history and natural beauty.
Experience
Dive into things to experience in Cascais through outdoor activities, such as hiking along the coastline, participating in seasonal festivals, and enjoying cultural events like concerts and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Old Town
Charming historic area with cobbled streets.
Boca do Inferno
Stunning cliffs with breathtaking seaviews.
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
Museum showcasing works of Paula Rego.
Praia do Guincho
Popular beach known for surf and wind sports.
Cascais Cultural Center
Hub for exhibits and performing arts events.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Cascais, fly Lisbon Airport (LIS). From there, take Metro to Cais do Sodré. The train to Cascais takes 40 min, costing €2.45. Taxis from LIS cost about €40-50 for a 30-40 min ride. The train to Cascais offers coastal views.
Getting Around
Public transport in Cascais mainly relies on local Scotturb buses. Walking is best for the town center. Rent bikes for coastal paths to Guincho. Use the reusable Navegante Ocasional card for buses (buy at train stations).
Local Essentials
Cascais travel tips for first-timers: Guard valuables in crowds. Driving in Cascais old town is restricted; use perimeter parking. Cards accepted, but carry small cash for cafes. Use the free MobiCascais bikes for coastal paths.
Where to Stay in Cascais
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Traditional food in Cascais feature fresh seafood, caldo verde (green soup), and pastel de nata (custard tart). Enjoy late dinners and the vibrant café culture synonymous with local cuisine in Cascais.
Enjoy
Taste local flavors at Restaurante Mar do Inferno, famous for its seafood and warm atmosphere; reserve ahead. At Bar do Fundo, enjoy cocktails with ocean views. For coffee lovers, Café Galeria offers a relaxed vibe; open daily.
Restaurante Mar do Inferno
Delicious seafood with stunning views, best to reserve.
Furnas do Guincho
Fine dining with modern takes on Portuguese fish.
Marisco na Praca
Fresh seafood and warm atmosphere.
5 Sentidos
Mediterranean seafood with gluten-free options available.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Cascais cultural activities connect deeply with tradition. During São João in June, locals celebrate with bonfires and music. The Festa do Senhor dos Navegantes honors maritime history. These events are a must-see for understanding Cascais's soul.
Enjoy
Exploring Cascais reveals a modern cultural scene. Expect summer concerts at Estoril Conference Centre and diverse art exhibitions at Centro Cultural de Cascais. These showcase contemporary creativity.
Carnaval de Cascais
February parades and parties celebrating carnival traditions.
Festa do Senhor dos Navegantes
August maritime procession and festivities honoring sailors.
Cascais Jazz
Summer festival featuring international and Portuguese jazz artists.
Festival Marés Vivas
July music festival with rock, pop, and indie performers.
Christmas Village
December festive market with lights, ice skating, and Santa.
Perfect little coastal town for a spring escape
Cascais is exactly what I needed after a long winter. The seafront promenade is lovely for a stroll and the pastéis de nata from the local bakeries are dangerously good. Everything feels relaxed and easy-going here.
Great base for exploring the Lisbon coast
Stayed a few days and used Cascais as a base to see the whole coastline. Boca do Inferno blew me away - the waves crashing against those rocks are seriously dramatic. Town itself is walkable and full of good seafood restaurants. Way less crowded than Lisbon too.
Lovely place, highly recommend the old town area
The old town with its cobbled streets and colourful tiles is genuinely beautiful. Not too busy in winter which made it even nicer. The local restaurants around Rua Frederico Arouca served some of the freshest fish I've had in years. A real gem on the Portuguese coast.
Best beach town I've visited in a long time
Praia de Cascais is stunning - clean water, golden sand, and not overcrowded even in summer. The whole town has a really easy-going feel. Rented a bike and cycled along the coast which was absolutely worth it. Food was great and affordable compared to what I expected.
Gorgeous and surprisingly easy to get around
Took the train from Lisbon and it was super straightforward. Cascais town centre is compact and very walkable. The marina area is lovely in the evening and the grilled sea bass I had at a small local spot was one of the best meals of my trip. Really enjoyed it here.
Charming town with a great festive feel
Visited in December and the Christmas decorations around the town square were so pretty. Quieter than in summer which suited us perfectly. The Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is worth a look - really beautiful building right by the water. A great little getaway.