What to Do and See in Cascais: A Complete Guide
Cascais, a charming coastal town just 30 km from Lisbon, is one of Portugal’s most beautiful and vibrant destinations. Once a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, today it attracts visitors with its stunning beaches, historical sites, scenic landscapes, and fantastic cuisine. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip from Lisbon or staying longer, Cascais offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.
In this complete guide, we will explore the best attractions, activities, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Explore Cascais’ Historic Center
The Historic Center of Cascais is a delightful mix of cobbled streets, colorful buildings, lively squares, and charming shops. Wandering through its streets is the best way to soak in the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights of the Historic Center:
Praça 5 de Outubro: The town’s main square, featuring the Town Hall and beautiful sea views.
Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção: A stunning Baroque-style church with historic paintings and tilework.
Rua Frederico Arouca: A lively street filled with souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants.
📍 Tip: Be sure to try the famous Santini gelato, considered one of the best ice creams in Portugal.
2. Relax at Ribeira Beach (Praia dos Pescadores)
Located right in the heart of the town, Ribeira Beach, also known as Praia dos Pescadores, is one of Cascais’ most iconic spots. Small and picturesque, it was traditionally used by local fishermen. Today, it’s a great place to relax, admire the colorful fishing boats, or take a quick swim.
📍 Tip: If you’re looking for larger and less crowded beaches, check out Praia do Guincho or Praia da Rainha.
3. Visit Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
One of Cascais’ most famous natural attractions, Boca do Inferno is an impressive cliff formation where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the rocks, creating a spectacular display. The name (“Hell’s Mouth”) comes from the roaring sound of the waves as they enter the caves.
📍 Tip: Visit at sunset for breathtaking views and the perfect photo opportunity.
4. Stroll Through Cascais Marina
The Marina of Cascais is one of the town’s most sophisticated spots, home to luxury yachts, trendy bars, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a great place for a relaxing walk, dining with a view, or even setting off on a boat trip.
What to Do at the Marina:
Walk along the pier and admire the boats.
Enjoy dinner with a scenic sea view.
Rent a boat or take a sailing tour along the coast.
📍 Tip: If you love seafood, this is a great spot to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.
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5. Discover the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum
History and architecture lovers should not miss the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, housed in a stunning early 20th-century palace. The museum features an impressive collection of art, antique furniture, and a library with rare books.
📍 Tip: The museum’s gardens are open to the public and offer a beautiful sea view.
6. Visit the Paula Rego House of Stories
Dedicated to the famous Portuguese artist Paula Rego, this museum is a must-see for art lovers. Designed by renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the building itself is a masterpiece, with its red-colored façade and pyramid-shaped towers. Inside, you’ll find a collection of paintings and drawings by Paula Rego.
📍 Tip: Even if you’re not familiar with Paula Rego’s work, the museum’s unique architecture makes it worth a visit.
7. Walk Along the Cascais-Estoril Promenade (Paredão de Cascais)
One of the best ways to enjoy Cascais’ coastline is by walking along the Paredão de Cascais, a scenic seaside promenade that connects Cascais to Estoril. The 3-km route passes by several beaches and offers fantastic ocean views.
Highlights Along the Promenade:
Praia da Rainha: One of the most charming beaches in Cascais.
Praia do Tamariz: A popular beach in Estoril with an elegant atmosphere.
Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz: A historic coastal defense structure.
📍 Tip: The sunset views from the promenade are truly unforgettable.
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8. Explore the Cascais Village
The Cascais Citadel is a historic military complex that once served as a royal residence and a fortress protecting the town from invasions. Today, it houses a luxury hotel, art galleries, and cultural spaces.
📍 Tip: Don’t miss the temporary art exhibitions inside the citadel.
9. Surf or Relax at Guincho Beach
For surf lovers and nature enthusiasts, Guincho Beach is one of the best destinations in the region. Located about 10 km from central Cascais, this beach is famous for its strong waves and wild beauty.
What to Do at Guincho Beach:
Surfing and kitesurfing.
Walking along the sand dunes and coastal trails.
Enjoying a seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
📍 Tip: Bring a light jacket—Guincho is known for its strong winds.
10. Visit Cabo da Roca
Although technically in the Sintra region, Cabo da Roca is close to Cascais and well worth a visit. It’s the westernmost point of continental Europe, offering stunning ocean views from dramatic cliffs.
📍 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to experience one of the most spectacular sunsets in Portugal.
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11. Try Your Luck at Casino Estoril
If you’re looking for a fun nightlife experience, Casino Estoril, located just minutes from Cascais, is a great option. It’s the largest casino in Europe and offers a mix of gaming, live shows, and fine dining.
📍 Tip: Even if you don’t gamble, the casino’s entertainment and dining options make it worth a visit.
12. Enjoy Cascais’ Local Cuisine
Cascais is known for its rich culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood dishes. Here are some must-try foods:
Traditional Dishes:
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams cooked with garlic, coriander, and olive oil.
Grilled Sardines: A classic Portuguese dish.
Arroz de Marisco: A flavorful seafood rice dish.
Best Restaurants in Cascais:
Mar do Inferno: Famous for its seafood and ocean views.
Hemingway Cascais: A stylish restaurant at the marina.
Taberna da Praça: A cozy place serving traditional Portuguese dishes.
📍 Tip: For a sweet treat, try Travesseiros de Sintra, a delicious puff pastry filled with almond cream.
13. Go on a Bike Ride or Hike
Cascais is perfect for outdoor activities, with plenty of cycling and hiking trails that offer breathtaking scenery.
Popular Routes:
Cascais-Guincho Bike Path: A scenic route along the coast.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: A great area for hiking with trails leading to Cabo da Roca.
📍 Tip: Cascais offers free bike rentals through the BiCas service—take advantage of them!
Conclusion
Cascais is a versatile destination that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, dive into history and culture, or explore stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone.
If you have just one day, focus on the historic center, Boca do Inferno, and some of the beaches. But if you can stay longer, take your time to explore the town’s hidden gems and nearby attractions.
📍 Now, start planning your visit and enjoy everything Cascais has to offer! 🚀