Portugal has no shortage of stunning beach towns and while most visitors head to the Algarve one of Portugal’s most charming beach towns is just minutes from downtown Lisbon. When I mentioned my plans to travel to Cascais to a Lisbon local a knowing smile lit his face as he proclaimed “Cascais? Cascais is heaven”. With an incredibly picturesque town square, winding alleys of whitewashed homes and some of the best coastal views in Europe I immediately fell in love and was planning a move to Cascais my first afternoon there. Here are a few reasons why a visit to Cascais, Portugal needs to be on your travel radar.
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Explore Charming Old Town
The Old Town of Cascais features a wavy mosaic square flanked by pastel buildings and palm trees. Spend the better part of an afternoon exploring the narrow alleys that wind throughout town; here you’ll find cute souvenir shops and cafes perfect for a leisurely meal of simply prepared seafood and Portuguese wine.
Check out the Fortress and Museums in Cascais
If you can tear yourself away from the beach Cascais has some great museums to check out. The Cidadela de Cascais is a fort that has been guarding the harbor of Cascais since the 15th century. Nearby the Cidadela Art District is home to galleries, murals and modern sculptures. The Museum Quarter features works from notable Portuguese artists; be sure to stop by the Centro Cultural de Cascais, a 17th century convent that hosts a number of concerts and events. The Castro Guimarães museum is one of the prettiest buildings in Cascais. Originally built in 1902 as the home of a tobacco magnate and later bought by an investment banker, the Castro Guimarães museum features Portuguese and Arabic architectural influences. A stroll along the adjacent Jardim Marechal Carmona gardens, with its fountains and resident white peacocks, is a must for any trip to Cascais.
Hit the Beaches in Cascais
With a prime position on the Atlantic coast Cascais has some fantastic beaches. Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Poça feature golden sand and protected coves where you can take a dip in the sparkling water to escape the heat of the Portuguese sun.
Stroll or Bike along the Coast
One of the best ways to experience Cascais is by bike. Cascais has a fleet of bikes that visitors can borrow and pick up spots can be found throughout town. Take your 2 wheels and head for the Ciclovia, a wide bike path that follows the coast for 5 kilometers offering up stunning seaside views.
Boca do Inferno
Boca do Inferno translates into Hell’s Mouth but the views here can be downright heavenly. Wind, waves and time carved an arch into the limestone cliffs and the turquoise water provides a dramatic contrast to jagged cliffs above. Boca do Inferno is located 2 km west of Cascais and is about a 30 minute walk from town. There are multiple viewing platforms where you can see the rock formation from both sides as well as a few souvenir shops.
Cabo da Roca
The wild, windswept coast of Cabo da Roca is the western most point in all over Europe. Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean from this spot you won’t see land until you reach the Maryland coast in the United States. There are ample hiking trails along the coast as well as a lighthouse and a small cafe. You can reach Cabo da Roca by bus between 9am and 5pm, take bus #403 on the Cascais to Sintra bus route, one way tickets cost €4.05. You can also hire a taxi or take one of the many tours available from Cascais.
How to Get to Cascais From Lisbon
The best way to get to Cascais from Lisbon is by train. Trains depart every 20 minutes from the Cais do Sodre station in Lisbon and can easily be purchased from the station the day of travel ( €2.20/€1.10 adult/child). Be sure to sit on the left side going to Cascais for the best seaside views.
Where to stay in Cascais
Casa Vela Guesthouse
Looking for a peaceful oasis away from the center of town? Then Casa Vela Guesthouse is the place for you. Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood in the Old Quarter of Cascais the Casa Vela Guesthouse is an easy 15 minute walk from the center of town. Spacious rooms, warm service and a generous breakfast make the Casa Vela Guesthouse one of the best values in Cascais.
Farol Hotel
For endless ocean views and unparalleled service rest your head at the Farol Hotel. Once the private mansion of the Count of Cabral the five-star Farol Hotel has re-imagined modern luxury with thoughtful nods to its past.
Jenna says
I’m hoping to go to Portugal next summer, so I’m collecting ideas for where we should go. Cascais looks lovely, and I’d love to stay in that beautiful hotel!
Brianna says
You and your family would love Cascais!
lpnieman says
Cascais looks lovely! Gorgeous pics and great info!
Brianna says
Thank you, I wish I was there now!
Claire says
Portugal is on my list now. Lovely post and amazing pics! Thank you
Brianna says
There are so many beautiful places in Portugal!
sam says
your photos are lovely! Boca do Inferno is where i think i need to go the most, just so striking!
Brianna says
Thank you! Isn’t the coast gorgeous?
Medha Verma says
I have also heard of Algrave but not Cascais so I would also have headed there than to this very cute and charming town had I not come across your post! The fortress as well as cobbled stone streets of the Old Town are absolutely breathtaking. Never heard of this place but its going on my list of places to visit in Portugal. It has everything I love!
Brianna says
And it’s only 30 minutes from Lisbon!
daneonaplane says
This seems like such a beautiful place! Cant believe I never heard of it until now 🙂 Nice post!
Brianna says
Hopefully you’ll get to visit soon!
Kathleen C says
Oh wow. That is just beautiful. Portugal is on my list of places to visit. Maybe I will just be your neighbor. I’m all about the beach, but live the quaintess of Cascais.
Brianna says
The best of both worlds!
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
Cascais sounds absolutely beautiful. It reminds me of San Diego with the coast line. I could imagine the cool breeze blowing through Boca de Inferno and it does sound heavenly.
bye:myself says
I just came back from my Portugal-trip – and, of course, I’ve been to Cascais, too. Unfortunately, I wasn’t driving and visiting just the town and the city beach was not that overwhelming. I think the coast and beaches further north-west must be really impressive. Next time – unfortunately, this time I didn’t have enough time.
Brianna says
The city beach is quaint but the wild beaches to the north are spectacular!
Nisha says
Now I don’t need any reason to visit Cascais. Absolutely loved it, especially that old town with cobbled stones. I am sucker for that! And the fortress is so gorgeous. Didn’t know there are so many activities one could do there. Portugal is high on my list and so is Cascais now.