Cascais, Portugal
My first visit to Cascais was on a day-trip from Lisbon. I was instantly captivated by the combination of the historic centre’s old-world charm, the beautiful sun-soaked beaches, and the dramatic coastline. One day was just not enough time to fully enjoy this beautiful town! Fast forward two years, and we included a week long stay in Cascais on our return visit to Portugal.
If a trip to Portugal is on your to-do travel list, I definitely recommend including a visit to Cascais on your itinerary!
Cascais is located just up the coast from Lisbon in what’s known as the Portuguese Riviera. It’s proximity to Lisbon makes Cascais a popular destination for a day trip from Lisbon or to use as a base for a longer beachside holiday.
The best way to travel to Cascais is via the direct train leaving from Cais de Sodre Train Station in Lisbon. The 40-minute train ride hugs the coastline along the way, making for a pleasant scenic trip.
Historic Centre
The historic centre is absolutely charming, with pretty mosaic patterned walkways, pastel hued store fronts and wrought iron window boxes simply overflowing with flowers. Explore the cobbled laneways, while browsing the shops and take a break for lunch or dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants offering impeccably fresh seafood.
The Beaches
Right in the heart of Cascais lie the golden sand, and azure waters of Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Poça. Their bays are protected from ocean waves making them child friendly, and perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.
Enjoy a stroll along the scenic promenade that follows the seawall, extending from Cascais to Estoril. The promenade passes many of the area’s best beaches as well as historical buildings, and outdoor cafes.
Mercado da Vila Cascais
Always a must for me is a visit to the local farmer’s market, and Cascais has a beautiful one.
Open daily from 8am – 2pm, the Cascais municipal market is home to a delicious array of local produce, seafood, cheese, and breads. In addition to the daily market, on weekends there are theme-based events, promoting local and traditional products.
The market complex includes an inviting outdoor plaza and terrace, surrounded by restaurants, bars and gourmet takeaway stalls. An ideal place to relax and enjoy a coffee or grab a light meal and a drink and watch the world go by.
Coastal Bike Path
Cascais boasts an ocean-front bike path that begins just outside town past the marina on Avenida Rei Humberto II de Italia and hugs the coast for five kilometres taking you past the Boca do Inferno all the way to the Guincho beaches.
The scenery is stunning, so be prepared to sop frequently for photo ops. The bike ride itself is pretty easy thanks to the well maintained path. Fair warning though the wind can be quite strong in spots the closer you get to Guincho beach. We hit a couple spots where the gusty wind made it feel like we were riding in place!
Bikes can be borrowed for free from multiple pick-up spots, including the main tourist office in the town centre.
Boca do Inferno
Located 3km out of the town is the Boca do Inferno (‘mouth of hell’), a must see when you visit Cascais. This spectacular natural phenomenon was created by the sea and spray hammering into the rock, carving an archway out of a collapsed cave. Worth a visit for the gorgeous scenery alone, if you are lucky, and time it right, you’ll catch the spectacular blowhole that occurs at certain points of the tide.
Praia do Guincho
Further along the coast, on the western edge of the Serra da Sintra National park lies Praia do Guincho. Guincho is a popular beach for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. With it’s near constant breeze, and powerful hidden currents it’s not so great for a day at the beach for families and sun worshippers, but it’s worth a visit for its dramatic beauty. While in the Guincho area explore the trail of the Guincho-Cresima dune field which offers stunning views of the beach and surrounding area.
Fun fact, Praia Guincho played a cameo role in the 1969 James Bond Movie On her Majesty’s Secret Service. In the pre-titles sequence of the movie 007, played by George Lazenby, prevents the suicide of Diana Riggs character, and fights off two attackers in the surf.
Other points of interest
For those who enjoy a bit of history and culture, Cascais is home to several interesting historical sites, museums, as well as a modern art district.
Guarding Cascais’ picturesque harbour is 15th century fort the Cidadela de Cascais a favourite spot for photographers and history buffs.
From the Cidadela head into the modern art district, a sun-soaked plaza with scattered sculptures and colourful murals against white-washed walls.
The Parque do Marechal Carmona provides a shady retreat from the crowds. Stroll through the extensive and beautiful gardens, or simply relax at one of the tables. Great for families, the park has a children’s play area and even a small petting zoo.
Within the park grounds is the Museu do Conde de Castro Guimarães, a whimsical early-19th-century mansion complete with castle turrets and Arabic cloister. The museum is home to a fine collection of artefacts and collectables from the 18th and 19th centuries including Indo-Portuguese furniture, 350-year-old azulejos, and an outstanding library.
Finally, your visit would not be complete without at least one hostoric church!
The Nossa Senhora da Assunção church includes a 16th century altar, 18th century hand painted tiles collection of paintings by the 17th century artist Josefa d’Óbidos.
