Just a 40-minute drive west of Lisbon, Cascais is a sun-drenched coastal gem tucked into the Lisbon District of Portugal.
Once a fishing village and a favourite summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, Cascais is now a hotspot for creatives and digital nomads seeking the beach, the waves and the epic brunch spots.
There are so many beautiful towns in Portugal but Cascais is just brimming with charm and character. Because of their close proximity, you could combine a few days in Cascais with a few days in Lisbon, to me, and get a wholesome dose of both city and coastal living.
With the dramatic Atlantic coastline on one side and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on the other, Cascais offers itself as the perfect hub for beach life, nature, and laid-back urban vibes. It’s also only 35 minutes from Ericeira – another gorgeous west coast surf town you could add on to your trip!
If you’re searching for a complete guide to Cascais, Portugal, filled with outdoor adventures, surf spots, breathtaking viewpoints, and the best places to eat and grab coffee, you’re in the right place.
This guide has been created for the traveller who loves staying active, catching waves, discovering scenic trails, and indulging in delicious brunches along the way.
Let’s tuck in, shall we?
How to Get to Cascais, Where to Stay & When to Visit
Getting to Cascais:
Flying into Lisbon is the easiest option, with Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) welcoming international flights daily. From Lisbon, Cascais is a breezy 40-minute journey by train from Cais do Sodré station (with stunning views along the way), or just a 30–40-minute drive if you’ve rented a car for a Portugal road trip (around €25 Uber otherwise).
Where to Stay in Cascais:
If you’re just wanting to spend your time exploring the town, stay in the historic town centre. That way you can be close to beaches, shops, and cafes. You could also choose a boutique stay in Monte Estoril for a quieter vibe.
When to Visit Cascais:
The best time to visit Cascais is from April to October. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds, sunshine, and great surf conditions. Summer (June–August) brings beach vibes, music festivals, and long days, but expect it to be busy. Winter is quieter, with mild weather perfect for hikes and exploring without the tourist rush.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Hang out on one of the town beaches
Cascais is super cool in that you can be exploring the town one minute and then relaxing at the beach the next. You have 5 gorgeous beaches walking distance from the town centre upon which you can put your bags down and soak up some of the Portuguese sun.
Beaches to check out:
- Praia da Conceição
- Praia da Duquesa
- Praia da Rainha
- Praia da Ribeira
- Praia da Rata
One of the best things to do in Cascais is spend the day at the beach and if you’re feeling super active you can take the coastal path and check out them all!
Hire a Bike and Cycle to Guincho Beach
An option for the active travellers out there… Hire a bike in town and cruise the dedicated coastal bike path down to Praia do Guincho. It’s one of the best things to do in Cascais on a sunny day or at sunset!
The 9km route hugs the coast, passing scenic coves and viewpoints and will give you a healthy dose of salty air. Once you reach Guincho, you could grab a snack at the beach bar, watch the surfers, or tuck into a packed lunch you’ve packed in a backpack!
Most bike rentals places in town offer hourly or day-long options so you can carve out an adventure that suits you!
Surf the Legendary Waves at Guincho Beach
Praia do Guincho is one of the most famous surf beaches in Portugal and is an absolute must-visit if you’re into surfing / watching the surf. Below you can see Guincho on a windier day, filled with kite surfers.
Guincho beach gets consistent swells and should there be a sunset swell, I’d highly recommend going down during golden hour. The dramatic cliffs behind the beach make for a gorgeous view. So during your stay in Cascais, make sure you pop down – it’s only 10 minutes from town.
Day trip to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Sintra National Park, officially known as Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, is a stunning protected area just 30 minutes from Cascais.
It is here that lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and historic palaces collide. This UNESCO-listed region stretches from the hills of Sintra all the way to the Atlantic coast. A day trip here is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Cascais.
The park covers over 14,500 hectares and is home to diverse ecosystems, epic hikes, viewpoints across the coast and lots of history.
The best things to do here include:
- exploring the fairytale-like Pena Palace
- hiking through the forested trails of the Serra de Sintra
- visiting the mystical Quinta da Regaleira
- soaking up the views from Moorish Castle ruins
- visiting Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe
- dramatic cliffs and surf at Praia da Ursa and Guincho Beach.
Explore the Charming Cascais Old Town
Wandering the cobbled streets of the old town is one of the best things to do in Cascais. It’s seriously stunning and very photogenic.
Grab a coffee at Euphoria Specialty Coffee or an ice cream at Santini and take an afternoon to just soak it all in.
Expect colourful tiled houses, palm-lined plazas, boutique shops, and loads of great places to eat in Cascais. Check out my Best Brunch Spots In Cascais, Portugal if you want an epic feed or latte.
Make sure to stop by the Cascais Market for local flavours and fresh produce. Mercado Saloio, is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Forest Bathing in the Fairytale Forests of Sintra
Just 30 minutes from Cascais, the forests of Sintra are pure magic.
Think mossy trees, misty trails, and hidden ruins. If you’re looking to switch up the coastal living or perhaps theres no surf during your stay, this is one of the most enchanting day trips you can take from the coast.
Go for a peaceful walk around Quinta da Regaleira or hike the forest paths of Parque da Pena. It’s the perfect place to unplug, slow down, and connect with nature.
Wander Around Azenhas do Mar Village
Okay this place looks stunning but I ran out of time to visit it personally.
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque cliffside village just north of Cascais and features whitewashed houses perched on the cliffs, a natural ocean pool, and incredible sea views.
It’s postcard-perfect and well worth a road trip to, a photo stop at or a stop off along your hiking route. Come at golden hour for those magical lighting vibes.
Discover Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
One of the most dramatic natural attractions and most iconic viewpoints in Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a sea-carved cliff and blowhole where the Atlantic crashes with serious force. It’s a short walk or cycle from the town centre and perfect for sunset. There’s a small café nearby too, so grab a coffee and soak in the views.
Grab a lazy brunch or coffee in town
There are so many amazing places to eat in Cascais and there is some seriously good coffee knocking about too.
Try Unity coffee roasters for some of the smoothest espresso in town, Honest Greens for colourful plates that are packed with fresh, creative and seasonal ingredients or Nicolau Cascais for pancake stacks, granola bowls, poached eggs and green smoothies.
If you want a full list of the best places to eat brunch in Cascais check out my decicated guide here.
Taste-Test Your Way Through the Best Bakeries in Cascais
For a proper Portuguese bakery fix, head to Bijou de Cascais for traditional custard tarts (pastéis de nata) or Padaria da Vila for crusty bread and local cakes.
There’s nothing quite like a morning coffee in Cascais with a fresh soft inside pastel de nata! I think I had one most days haha! Thats what holidays are for, right?
Explore the Coastal Bike Path to Estoril
For an extended adventure that ventures out of Cascais town, why not rent a bike and cruise the coastal path from Cascais to Estoril.
The route is flat, scenic, and hugs the Atlantic all the way, passing hidden coves, seaside cafés, and small beaches. Stop for a dip or a cocktail along the way and make a day of it. This is one of the best things to do in Cascais if you’re after something active but chill.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Visit the Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum
This gorgeous lighthouse sits right by the marina and is one of the most picturesque spots in town. Climb the tower for views over the coastline and pop into the attached museum for a quick cultural fix. A great spot to combine with a stroll around the historic centre or a waterfront lunch nearby.
Catch the Sunset at Cabo da Roca
Technically just outside Cascais, Cabo da Roca is a jaw-dropping viewpoint where the land quite literally ends. It’s the westernmost point of continental Europe, and the views from the cliffs are pretty special.
You can drive or complete a hike to get there. It’s a popular spot, so go early to grab a good perch.
Travel Tips and FAQ’s for visiting Cascais
- Should you rent a car for Cascais? It’s worth it if you’re planning to hit up Guincho, Cabo da Roca, or go deeper into Sintra. Parking in town can be tight in summer, so choose accommodation with free parking if possible. If you’re only planning to do one day trip I would say just use Ubers, it will work out cheaper and less faffy.
- Pack layers – even in summer, the wind off the Atlantic can be cool, especially in the evening.
- Bring your surf gear or rent locally; most surf schools offer affordable daily rentals and group lessons.
- Explore early to beat the crowds at popular spots like Boca do Inferno or the historic centre.
I hope you can feel the magic of Cascais from this travel guide. Seriously, add it to your Portugal itinerary – you won’t be disappointed.
Have you been to Cascais?
What are the best things to do in Cascais? Anything you’d add to this Cascais bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…Â
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
