Only a 40-minute drive west of Lisbon, Cascais is a sun-drenched coastal gem tucked into the Lisbon District of Portugal.
As soon as a fishing village and a favorite summer time retreat for Portuguese royalty, Cascais is now a hotspot for creatives and digital nomads looking for the seaside, the waves and the epic brunch spots.
There are such a lot of stunning cities in Portugal however Cascais is simply brimming with attraction and character. Due to their shut proximity, you can mix just a few days in Cascais with just a few days in Lisbon, to me, and get a healthful dose of each metropolis and coastal dwelling.
With the dramatic Atlantic shoreline on one aspect and the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park on the opposite, Cascais gives itself as the proper hub for seaside life, nature, and laid-back city vibes. It’s additionally solely 35 minutes from Ericeira – one other attractive west coast surf city you can add on to your journey!
Should you’re looking out for a whole information to Cascais, Portugal, crammed with out of doors adventures, surf spots, breathtaking viewpoints, and one of the best locations to eat and seize espresso, you’re in the best place.
This information has been created for the traveller who loves staying lively, catching waves, discovering scenic trails, and indulging in scrumptious brunches alongside the best way.
Let’s tuck in, lets?
Easy methods to Get to Cascais, The place to Keep & When to Go to
Attending to Cascais:
Flying into Lisbon is the simplest choice, with Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) welcoming worldwide flights day by day. From Lisbon, Cascais is a breezy 40-minute journey by prepare from Cais do Sodré station (with beautiful views alongside the best way), or only a 30–40-minute drive should you’ve rented a automotive for a Portugal highway journey (round €25 Uber in any other case).
The place to Keep in Cascais:
Should you’re simply desirous to spend your time exploring the city, keep within the historic city centre. That method you will be near seashores, retailers, and cafes. You could possibly additionally select a boutique keep in Monte Estoril for a quieter vibe.
When to Go to Cascais:
The perfect time to go to Cascais is from April to October. Spring and autumn supply fewer crowds, sunshine, and nice surf situations. Summer time (June–August) brings seaside vibes, music festivals, and lengthy days, however anticipate it to be busy. Winter is quieter, with gentle climate good for hikes and exploring with out the vacationer rush.
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Hang around on one of many city seashores
Cascais is tremendous cool in which you could be exploring the city one minute after which enjoyable on the seaside the subsequent. You could have 5 attractive seashores strolling distance from the city centre upon which you’ll be able to put your luggage down and absorb a number of the Portuguese solar.
Seashores to take a look at:
- Praia da Conceição
- Praia da Duquesa
- Praia da Rainha
- Praia da Ribeira
- Praia da Rata
Among the finest issues to do in Cascais is spend the day on the seaside and should you’re feeling tremendous lively you’ll be able to take the coastal path and take a look at all of them!
Rent a Bike and Cycle to Guincho Seashore
An choice for the lively travellers on the market… Rent a motorbike on the town and cruise the devoted coastal bike path all the way down to Praia do Guincho. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Cascais on a sunny day or at sundown!
The 9km route hugs the coast, passing scenic coves and viewpoints and offers you a wholesome dose of salty air. When you attain Guincho, you can seize a snack on the seaside bar, watch the surfers, or tuck right into a packed lunch you’ve packed in a backpack!
Most bike leases locations on the town supply hourly or day-long choices so you’ll be able to carve out an journey that fits you!
Surf the Legendary Waves at Guincho Seashore
Praia do Guincho is likely one of the most well-known surf seashores in Portugal and is an absolute must-visit should you’re into browsing / watching the surf. Beneath you’ll be able to see Guincho on a windier day, crammed with kite surfers.
Guincho seaside will get constant swells and may there be a sundown swell, I’d extremely advocate happening throughout golden hour. The dramatic cliffs behind the seaside make for a beautiful view. So throughout your keep in Cascais, be sure you pop down – it’s solely 10 minutes from city.
Day journey to Sintra-Cascais Pure Park
Sintra Nationwide Park, formally referred to as Parque Pure de Sintra-Cascais, is a shocking protected space simply half-hour from Cascais.
It’s right here that lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and historic palaces collide. This UNESCO-listed area stretches from the hills of Sintra all the best way to the Atlantic coast. A day journey right here is certainly top-of-the-line issues to do in Cascais.
The park covers over 14,500 hectares and is house to various ecosystems, epic hikes, viewpoints throughout the coast and plenty of historical past.
The perfect issues to do right here embrace:
- exploring the fairytale-like Pena Palace
- mountaineering by the forested trails of the Serra de Sintra
- visiting the magical Quinta da Regaleira
- absorbing the views from Moorish Citadel ruins
- visiting Cabo da Roca – the westernmost level of mainland Europe
- dramatic cliffs and surf at Praia da Ursa and Guincho Seashore.
Discover the Charming Cascais Outdated City
Wandering the cobbled streets of the outdated city is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Cascais. It’s critically beautiful and really photogenic.
Seize a espresso at Euphoria Specialty Espresso or an ice cream at Santini and take a day to only soak all of it in.
Count on vibrant tiled homes, palm-lined plazas, boutique retailers, and a great deal of nice locations to eat in Cascais. Try my Finest Brunch Spots In Cascais, Portugal if you would like an epic feed or latte.
Make certain to cease by the Cascais Market for native flavours and recent produce. Mercado Saloio, is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Forest Bathing within the Fairytale Forests of Sintra
Simply half-hour from Cascais, the forests of Sintra are pure magic.
Suppose mossy timber, misty trails, and hidden ruins. Should you’re seeking to swap up the coastal dwelling or maybe theres no surf throughout your keep, this is likely one of the most enchanting day journeys you’ll be able to take from the coast.
Go for a peaceable stroll round Quinta da Regaleira or hike the forest paths of Parque da Pena. It’s the proper place to unplug, decelerate, and join with nature.
Wander Round Azenhas do Mar Village
Okay this place seems to be beautiful however I ran out of time to go to it personally.
Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque cliffside village simply north of Cascais and options whitewashed homes perched on the cliffs, a pure ocean pool, and unbelievable sea views.
It’s postcard-perfect and nicely value a highway journey to, a photograph cease at or a cease off alongside your mountaineering route. Come at golden hour for these magical lighting vibes.
Uncover Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)
One of the vital dramatic pure sights and most iconic viewpoints in Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a sea-carved cliff and blowhole the place the Atlantic crashes with critical power. It’s a brief stroll or cycle from the city centre and ideal for sundown. There’s a small café close by too, so seize a espresso and soak within the views.
Seize a lazy brunch or espresso on the town
There are such a lot of wonderful locations to eat in Cascais and there may be some critically good espresso knocking about too.
Strive Unity espresso roasters for a number of the smoothest espresso on the town, Sincere Greens for vibrant plates which are full of recent, artistic and seasonal substances or Nicolau Cascais for pancake stacks, granola bowls, poached eggs and inexperienced smoothies.
In order for you a full listing of one of the best locations to eat brunch in Cascais take a look at my decicated information right here.
Style-Check Your Means Via the Finest Bakeries in Cascais
For a correct Portuguese bakery repair, head to Bijou de Cascais for conventional custard tarts (pastéis de nata) or Padaria da Vila for crusty bread and native desserts.
There’s nothing fairly like a morning espresso in Cascais with a recent delicate inside pastel de nata! I believe I had one most days haha! Thats what holidays are for, proper?
Discover the Coastal Bike Path to Estoril
For an prolonged journey that ventures out of Cascais city, why not lease a motorbike and cruise the coastal path from Cascais to Estoril.
The route is flat, scenic, and hugs the Atlantic all the best way, passing hidden coves, seaside cafés, and small seashores. Cease for a dip or a cocktail alongside the best way and make a day of it. This is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Cascais should you’re after one thing lively however chill.
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Go to the Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum
This attractive lighthouse sits proper by the marina and is likely one of the most picturesque spots on the town. Climb the tower for views over the shoreline and pop into the connected museum for a fast cultural repair. An awesome spot to mix with a stroll across the historic centre or a waterfront lunch close by.
Catch the Sundown at Cabo da Roca
Technically simply exterior Cascais, Cabo da Roca is a jaw-dropping viewpoint the place the land fairly actually ends. It’s the westernmost level of continental Europe, and the views from the cliffs are fairly particular.
You may drive or full a hike to get there. It’s a preferred spot, so go early to seize perch.
Journey Suggestions and FAQ’s for visiting Cascais
- Do you have to lease a automotive for Cascais? It’s value it should you’re planning to hit up Guincho, Cabo da Roca, or go deeper into Sintra. Parking on the town will be tight in summer time, so select lodging with free parking if potential. Should you’re solely planning on doing someday journey I’d say simply use Ubers, it’ll work out cheaper and fewer faffy.
- Pack layers – even in summer time, the wind off the Atlantic will be cool, particularly within the night.
- Deliver your surf gear or lease regionally; most surf faculties supply reasonably priced day by day leases and group classes.
- Discover early to beat the crowds at standard spots like Boca do Inferno or the historic centre.
I hope you’ll be able to really feel the magic of Cascais from this journey information. Severely, add it to your Portugal itinerary – you gained’t be disenchanted.
Have you ever been to Cascais?
What are one of the best issues to do in Cascais? Something you’d add to this Cascais bucket listing?
Love as at all times and comfortable adventuring…Â
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
