What to do in Cascais Portugal (26+ things to do in Cascais!)

If you’re visiting Lisbon, chances are you’ll have either spotted Cascais on a map or have seen it come up in what to do in Lisbon travel guides.

There’s a good reason for that.

Cascais, Portugal is a pretty town on the Atlantic Ocean coast, just a short distance from Lisbon.

It’s the perfect destination for a day trip since there are so many things to do in Cascais from stunning beaches to cute streets lined with shops and restaurants. It can be either a relaxing beach day outside of Lisbon, or a continuation of the history and culture that visiting downtown Lisbon offers.

During my recent trip to Lisbon, I had the pleasure of spending a day exploring all that Cascais has to offer.

From getting off the train in Cascais, I loved every bit of the town’s colourful buildings, mosaic streets, waterfront bars and beautiful coastal scenery.

If you’re looking for things to do in Lisbon or day trips from Lisbon, then be sure to check out the town of Cascais. A day trip to Cascais is a great way to spend a day and below I’m sharing my top recommendations of things you should to there.

How to get to Cascais from Lisbon

Cascais is about a 40-minute train ride west of Lisbon in Portugal.

It’s super easy to get there with most travellers to Lisbon choosing to get there via train since it’s cheap, easy (and means you can have a few beers by the beach without needing to worry 😉 ).

On our recent day trip to Cascais, we took the train from Oeiras where we were staying which only took about 20 minutes. It’s the same train line from Lisbon to Cascais.

Lisbon to Cascais train

The best way to get to Cascais from Lisbon is by train.

From Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre train station there are regular trains departing to Cascais where the train terminates.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours. The cost of a one-way ticket is around €2.25.

Top tip: If you’re visiting Lisbon, get a VivaViagem travel card for €0.50 and top it up during your stay. These cards can be used on the buses, trams, trains and ferries around Lisbon including to Cascais and Sintra.

Bus from Lisbon to Cascais

Another option for getting to Cascais from Lisbon is by bus.

There are several bus companies that operate services between the two cities, including Rede Expressos, Scotturb, and Citi Express.

Buses depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios Bus Station and take around 45 minutes to reach Cascais. The cost of a one-way ticket is approximately €4.

Driving Lisbon – Cascais

There are several routes you can take when driving from Cascais to Lisbon depending on your starting point in Lisbon.

The most direct route is via the A5 motorway, which takes around 30 minutes to reach Cascais.

However, be aware that parking in Cascais can be difficult, especially during peak tourist season, and there are often parking fees to pay.

If you need to rent a car, you can do so in Lisbon.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Just remember that certain countries will need an international driver’s license in order to rent a car.

Best things to do in Cascais Lisbon

Click the map below to access my Lisbon and surrounding areas travel map. It includes all the places mentioned in my Lisbon travel guides as well as the list of what to do in Cascais and Sintra.

When it comes to what to do in Cascais in a day, you can tick off pretty much all of these as long as you plan a full day in Cascais, not a half day.

1. Visit some of the best Cascais beaches

One thing you must do in Cascais is visit the beaches.

There are some beautiful Cascais beaches including Praia da Rainha and Praia da Ribeira de Cascais.

Praia da Rainha, or Queen’s Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Cascais.

It’s a small, sheltered beach located in a cove near the centre of town. Named after Queen Amelia, who used to enjoy bathing there in the 19th century, the beach has calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

It’s also surrounded by restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Praia da Ribeira de Cascais is a wide, sandy beach located just a short walk from the centre of Cascais. The beach is popular with families and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach games.

There’s also Praia da Duquesa which is near the cool open pool, Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano and Praia da Rata towards Estoril.

2. Walk through the Old Town of Cascais

Walking through the Cascais old town is another top thing to do in Cascais.

The narrow streets are lined with colourful buildings with traditional Portuguese tiles, which makes it super pretty to walk through the town. There are plenty of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, as well as traditional restaurants serving up delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Don’t forget to notice the pavements which are paved with calçada Portuguesa; mosaics in various patterns.

3. Rua Amarela

Rua Amarela is a picturesque street in the centre of Cascais, Portugal, that’s famous for its colourful buildings and good bars making it a worthwhile item on a list of things to see in Cascais.

The yellow street, much like Lisbon’s Pink Street, is not only pretty but has some of the best restaurants and places to eat in Cascais If you’re hungry, head here!

4. Castro Guimarãres Museum

The Castro Guimarães Museum in Cascais is a bit like a castle and dates back to the 1900s.

The building style is often referred to as “summer architecture” and you’ll find a Revivalist palace with Manueline-style mouldings and an imposing Gothic revival stone tower.

The estate was left to Cascais in the will of Manuel Inácio de Castro Guimarães and is now a museum with paintings, Indo-Portuguese furniture, jewellery and findings from nearby caves.

The library at the museum houses 25,000 books with some that date all the way back to the 1600s!

Around the building is Parque Marechal Carmona which is a great place to relax.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 1 pm & 2 – 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am – 12:30 pm & 2 pm to 6 pm. Closed Mondays.

5. See Palácio Seixas

Not far from the Cascais train station and the old town, Palácio Seixas is a 19th-century palace that’s considered one of the town’s most important buildings. It’s a beautiful building that features a unique blend of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, and Romantic architectural styles.

Originally a private residence for the wealthy Seixas family, the palace was later converted into a luxury hotel in the early 20th century and now it’s a venue for events such as weddings.

Though you can’t go inside, you can view the building from the outside and it’s right by a nice beach too.

6. Take a jeep and e-bike tour of Cascais, Sintra and Cabo da Roca

Embark on an unforgettable tour of Cascais that will take you through its charming cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, and our towards the Atlantic Ocean.

With an e-bike, you’ll effortlessly pedal past iconic landmarks such as the Cascais Marina with its luxury yachts, Boca do Inferno, and more while feeling the refreshing Atlantic breeze.

Afterwards, you’ll venture to the majestic Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, where you can soak in the views and explore off-grid routes.

Recharge your batteries with a delightful local lunch in the picturesque village of Almocageme, before continuing the adventure to Sintra.

There, you’ll marvel at the enchanting monuments, including the renowned Pena Palace, and indulge in a wine tasting at a local winery.

Book this Cascais, Sintra and Cabo da Roca tour here

7. Walk the Paredão de Cascais

To soak in the pretty views around Cascais, you should take a walk along Paredão de Cascais.

The paved walkway is great for walking, running and biking and connects Cascais with Estoril to the east.

You’ll get great views the entire way and it makes for a nice easy walking route.

8. Cidadela de Cascais

Cidadela de Cascais is a 15th century near the harbour in Cascais, it’s worthwchile planning your wandering around Cascais to walk around this area as it takes you to a cool arts district full of colourful murals and sculptures.

9. Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais

In the same areas as Cidadela de Cascais, Fortress Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais which dates back to the 17th century was built to protect the town from attacks.

These days, the fortress is a museum showcasing the history of Cascais and the surrounding region.

During your visit to Cascais, you can explore the fortress and its exhibits, which include weapons, artefacts, and information about the history of the fortress.

There’s also a luxury hotel in the fortress which would be a very cool place to stay in Cascais!

10. Try surfing in Cascais

Hit the waves by taking a surfing lesson, one of the top activities in Cascais.

You’ll be taken out to a surfing beach nearby and then guided through some surf theory and practice, covering everything from paddling and board positioning to safety and balance.

With all surfing equipment provided, including wetsuits, you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Then, you’ll hit the water and put your newfound skills to the test, with personalised feedback and guidance from your instructors.

Immerse yourself in the thrill of catching waves in one of Europe’s best surf areas, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery!

Book a Cascais surfing lesson here.

11. Santa Maria House Museum

The Casa de Santa Maria in Cascais is a grand 19th-century stately home with a prime coastal location.

Originally built by an Irish millionaire who made his fortune in the tobacco industry, it was once the most luxurious private residence in Cascais.

The house blends various architectural styles, including Moorish influences, and you can go inside to take a look at this beautiful house and its gardens for a small fee of a few euros.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 5 pm. Closed Mondays

12. Parque Marechal Carmona

We spent a couple of hours chilling out under a tree in Parque Marechal Carmona. This beautiful park near the centre of Cascais has lots of grassy areas, a play area, a cool rocky hill fort thing you can climb up, a cafe and a few ponds full of turtles!

It’s perfect if you need somewhere to relax for a bit while exploring Cascais.

13. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

This unique-looking museum, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, is dedicated to the work of Portuguese artist Paula Rego.

The modern, pyramid-type building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Eduardo Souto de Moura and you can’t miss it as you wander around Cascais.

The museum offers a look into Rego’s life and artistic process with exhibitions showcasing his artworks. Descriptions of them are given in both English and Portuguese so you won’t be left guessing!

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, closed Mondays

14. Walk or Cycle Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália

One of the best things to do on a Cascais day trip is to walk, scoot or cycle along Avenida Rei Humberto II de Italia towards Boca do Inferno.

There’s a cycle path the entire way and loads of great viewpoints you can stop off at for a while including the Cascais marina which is a great place to grab a drink.

For bikes, you can use the Cascais bike sharing scheme or there are electric scooters too. You just need to app on your phone and you’ll pay by the minute.

The walk from the centre of town to Boca do Inferno actually takes you most of the top things to do in Cascais on this list so if you only do one thing, do this!

If you want to extend your walk or cycle then you can continue on the bike path to Guincho where there is another beautiful beach, an old fort and more things to see.

15. Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno is a super interesting cliff formation not far from the centre of Cascais and is one of the best free things to do in Cascais.

It literally translates to “Mouth of Hell,” which refers to the roar of the waves crashing against the rocks, which can be heard from a distance.

This interesting formation was created by sea erosion and you can walk down from the clifftop to get a closer look (but not too close) at the viewpoints provided.

By Boca do Inferno you’ll also find some restaurants and bars where you can get a drink or some food before heading back to the centre of Cascais after visiting this Cascais must see. There’s also a marketplace selling various Portuguese souvenirs and postcards too.

16. Casa da Guia

After Boca do Inferno you’ll find the pretty yellow building of Casa da Guia which has been converted into a shopping and dining destination.

Inside the building, you’ll find everything from souvenirs to designer clothing. There’s also a variety of restaurants and cafes, serving up a range of food.

The building itself is beautiful, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its terrace and it looks somewhat like Pena Palace in Sintra National Park!

It’s a worthwhile stop as you walk or cycle along the Cascais cycle route.

17. Farol da Guia

Next, you’ll come across Farol da Guia which is a historic lighthouse from the 19th century.

It’s been well-preserved and is worth taking a photo of as you make your way to Guincho.

18. Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos

Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos is a historic fortress just outside of Cascais.

Built between 1642 and 1648, it interestingly has 5 unequal sides so that it could fit on the cliffside it was built on.

Since 2001 it’s been open to the public as a museum and it costs a couple of euros to enter.

The exhibition is divided into two sections. “Core I” focuses on the Tagus bar’s defensive line, Cascais’ fortifications, and the history of the Fort of São Jorge de Oitavos while “Core II” showcases the history of artillery and garrisons.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm

19. Farol do Cabo Raso

Farol do Cabo Raso is another pretty historic lighthouse near Cascais with stunning views of the town and the sea.

It’s a great place to stop and enjoy the views of the ocean as you make your way to or from Guincho.

20. Visit Guincho beach

If you’ve decided to travel up to Guincho from Cascais by bike (which I recommend) then be sure to check out Praia do Guincho.

This beautiful beach has golden sand dunes and clear blue water.

It’s a popular spot with surfers and you can rent surfboards and wetsuits from the surf school nearby, or simply enjoy watching those who are already out in the water.

There are a few beach bars at Guincho so it’s a great place to get a refreshment before heading back to Cascais.

Book a Cascais surfing lesson here.

21. Fort of Guincho

While you’re at Praia do Guincho, don’t miss the Fort of Guincho.

The fort was built during the 1640s as part of a group of fortifications along the Cascais coast and used to be a strategic point to watch for ships and protect Guincho.

Today it’s pretty decayed but is still worth checking out for the views you get from it if nothing else.

22. Visit the Cresmina Dunes

For a unique thing to see near Cascais, check out the Cresmina Dunes.

Right next to Guincho Beach, these dunes cover 66 hectares and form part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

To explore the dunes, you can use the boardwalk which offers a way to enjoy the scenery while protecting the dunes at the same time.

23. Get ice cream

Before you get the train back to Lisbon, be sure to grab an ice cream in Cascais.

One of the most popular places to get ice cream is Gelados Santini, which often has long lines outside of its two locations. However, if you’re not up for waiting in line, there are other great options to choose from.

The one I ended up getting ice cream from was Gelateria Italiana Fabio Lupi which had some interesting flavours and was totally delicious!

24. Mirador Casa de Santa María

Mirador Casa de Santa María is the main thing people want to tick off when they travel to Cascais and is at the top of many people’s lists of what to see in Cascais.

This viewpoint has impressive views of the ocean and Casa de Santa Maria, a historic villa that was built in the early 20th century.

The Mediterranean-style villa was built as a summer home for royalty and is next to a cute blue and white lighthouse, creating a super pretty view that’s best seen from the adjoining stone bridge.

This area is popular throughout the day for photo opportunities, but especially at sunset!

From the bridge, you’ll get a great view of the building and the ocean or you can walk down some stairs, or go into Parque Marechal Carmona to get to the beach area where you can swim in the sea below.

25. Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum

For a look into the history of Cascais, visit the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum and get up close to the historic Cascais lighthouse that has been guiding ships in and out of the Tagus Estuary since the 19th century.

When I visited Cascais, the lighthouse itself was undergoing repairs so you couldn’t climb to the top. However, there was a small museum with information about different types of lighthouses and the history of the area, that was free to enter.

In peak season there may be a fee for this but it’s usually only a couple of euros and it’s one of the top places when it comes to what to visit in Cascais.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Mondays

26. Try rock climbing in Cascais

Get ready for an exhilarating rock climbing experience in Cascais!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, an expert instructor will guide you through the fundamentals of safe climbing, including knot tying, equipment usage, and belaying.

Then you’ll head out for an unforgettable climbing adventure!

Cascais offers a variety of rock climbing routes suitable for all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy it and all your equipment will be provided.

Book a climbing lesson in Cascais

Where to eat in Cascais

When it comes to dining in Cascais, here are a few specific restaurants worth mentioning:

Mar do Inferno: This renowned seafood restaurant offers a picturesque location near Boca do Inferno. Indulge in their fresh seafood dishes while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

House of Wonders: Known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic vibe, this café offers vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a variety of healthy and organic options.

Furnas do Guincho: Near Guincho Beach, this restaurant specialises in Portuguese seafood and is a bit more luxurious. It’s the perfect choice for a special dining experience.

Porto de Santa Maria: Overlooking Cascais Marina, this restaurant offers a romantic ambience and a menu featuring a variety of fresh fish and shellfish dishes.

Where to stay in Cascais

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Cascais, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a range of accommodations from luxurious beachfront resorts to cosy guesthouses. Below I’ve picked out some of my top recommendations on the best places to stay in Cascais Portugal.

• Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa: Indulge in luxury at the Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, offering an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a spa and a health club. With stylish rooms featuring marble bathrooms and stunning views, this 5-star hotel provides the perfect retreat in Cascais.
• The Albatroz Hotel: Perched on the cliffs of the Estoril Coast, The Albatroz Hotel offers breathtaking views of Cascais Bay, a sea-view swimming pool, and individually themed rooms. With convenient amenities and a great location, it’s the ideal choice for a memorable stay in Cascais.
• Westlight Cascais Chalet: Enjoy a beachfront retreat at Westlight Cascais Chalet, offering comfortable rooms, a continental breakfast, and a terrace. With a convenient location, it’s the perfect choice for a memorable stay in Cascais.

Final thoughts on what to do in Cascais

Cascais is a beautiful seaside town in Portugal not far from Lisbon making it the perfect Lisbon day trip. If you’re wondering what to see in Cascais in one day this list should help.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to have a lazy beach day, are interested in learning about local history, or want to enjoy some delicious seafood with a view, you’ll find it all in Cascais.

While there isn’t much to do in Cascais when it rains, since this is such an outdoor destination, it, fortunately, doesn’t rain much and, if it does, there are plenty of museums and historical sights to check out indoors.

FAQs about visiting Cascais Portugal

Last Updated on July 10, 2023 by Hannah