You’ve decided to visit beautiful Cascais and are looking for more information on some of the best things to do and see! We have walked the boardwalk, visited the main attractions, and ate at the delicious restaurants. Yet, we didn’t know about any of these amazing places until we went ourselves. For that reason, we have put together the Ultimate Cascais Travel Guide so you can make the most of your trip!
This Cascais Travel Guide is going to take you through when the best time to visit is, what your transportation options are, the best places to eat and stay, and of course, the top things to do in Cascais.
About Cascais
Pronounced cajj-kaiijj, this coastal town is located 19 miles (31 km) to the west of Lisbon. This charming, Portuguese village, is a must-visit if you have a few days in Lisbon. There’s plenty to eat, drink, and explore during a day trip or a weeklong vacation to Cascais.
Cascais is one of the wealthiest communities in Portugal and one of the most expensive areas in terms of real estate and cost of living. This is because in the 1870s, King Luis I of Portugal and the Portuguese royal family made Cascais their summer home. Since then, many other kings and royal families have called Cascais home, and therefore, the cost of living and real estate values have increased.
What Does Cascais Mean?
The direct translation of Cascais from Portuguese to English means cascades. It’s believed that the name was derived from the 1200s when fish production had expanded to Lisbon. The name came from monte de cascas, meaning mountain of shells, referring to the volume of mollusks harvested from the waters around Cascais.
When to Visit Cascais
Cascais is typically a warm, moderate climate. The warmest months are July-August, which is also the busiest. If you’re looking to spend a lot of time at the beach, you’re best to visit anywhere from mid-May until the end of September. We recommend going during the off-peak times in either May or September.
In general, the weather in Portugal is moderate, especially in comparison to the rest of Europe – long hot summers, warm spring/fall months, and a mild winter.
Cascais hosts several festivals including Festas dos Santos Populares, Estoril Handicraft Fair, Festival of the Sea. These take place during the summer months, so keep in mind if you’re planning to visit then, the city will be busier and more expensive to stay.
Cascais Weather
These are the average temperatures and rainfall in Cascais during each month of the year.
| Month | Average Temperature | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12˚C | 54˚F | 108mm | 4.25″ |
| Feb | 13˚C | 55˚F | 109mm | 4.29″ |
| Mar | 14˚C | 57˚F | 66mm | 2.59″ |
| Apr | 15˚C | 59˚F | 65mm | 2.55″ |
| May | 18˚C | 64˚F | 38mm | 1.49″ |
| June | 21˚C | 70˚F | 20mm | 0.78″ |
| July | 23˚C | 73˚F | 5mm | 0.19″ |
| Aug | 23˚C | 73˚F | 6mm | 0.23″ |
| Sept | 22˚C | 72˚F | 26mm | 1.02″ |
| Oct | 19˚C | 66˚F | 80mm | 3.14″ |
| Nov | 15˚C | 59˚F | 114mm | 4.48″ |
| Dec | 12˚C | 54˚F | 108mm | 4.25″ |
How to Get Around Cascais
Once you get to Cascais, the easiest way to get around is by walking or cycling. Within the town, most streets are free of vehicles, with cobblestone walkways. Where there are vehicles, there are clearly marked paths and sidewalks. On the main roads, there is a system of bicycle lanes, which makes it very safe to get around on a bicycle. It’s unnecessary to have and/or use a car to get around Cascais.
Should you wish to use a bicycle, you can rent them for free. You must be over 16 and have a photo ID. There are a few collection points around the town: across from Cascais Train Station, in front of the Cidadela, and at the roundabout near Guincho beach. They are open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. In the busy summer months, we recommend going as early as possible to ensure you can get a bicycle. Also, it’s important to note that the cycling paths are quite busy in the summer and on weekends.
Where to Stay | Cascais Travel Guide
If you are looking for some great places to stay in Cascais, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of popular places if you’re looking to spend the night (or week) in Cascais.
- Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa
- The Albatroz Hotel
- Farol Hotel
- Pestana Cidadela Cascais
- Hotel Cascais Miragem
Where to Eat | Cascais Travel Guide
There is no shortage of excellent places to eat in Cascais! Here are some popular restaurants and cafés in Cascais.
- 5 Sentidos – Casa do Largo
- Mar do Inferno
- Café Galeria House of Wonders
- HÃfen
- Restaurant Armazem 22
- The Tasting Room
Things to Do in Cascais
This Cascais Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without a list of things to do while visiting this breathtaking town!
Boca do Inferno
The reason for our trip to Cascais was to see Boca do Inferno and boy it didn’t disappoint! After seeing photos of these iconic rock formations along the coast, we knew we had to see them for ourselves. Boca do Inferno is Portuguese for Hell’s Mouth. The name was given because of the rock’s unique formation along the coast, where when the ocean is rough, the waves crash against the rocks, spraying angrily.
Get Active
If you like to keep active, Cascais is the spot for you! At many of the beaches, you can rent and take lessons in kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, and kite-surfing. Golf is also a popular activity in Cascais. There are several golf courses, but we recommend the Estoril Golf Club at Hotel Palácio Estoril. And of course, as we mentioned before, rent a bike and cycle around Cascais!
Cycle to Praia do Guincho
One of the popular spots to cycle is along the 6.2 mile (10 km) stretch from Cascais to Praia do Guincho. There is a paved bike path which makes for an enjoyable trip. However, it’s important to note that the bike path is open and right along the coast, so it can get quite windy. If you are planning to check out Boca do Inferno, it is right along the way. Praia do Guincho itself, is home to a great surfing/kite surfing beach and some delicious restaurants, including Mar do Guincho.
Walking Tour of Cascais
Another way to keep moving while in Cascais is to go on a free walking tour of the town. Outside the train station, you will find several people offering free walking tours. These are completely legitimate, and we would recommend going on one of these tours! There are no strings attached and it’s a great way to see this unique village while keeping active.
Walk the Beachfront Promenade to Estoril
If you aren’t walked out yet or looking for something a bit easier to do, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll along this 2 mile (3 km) path from Cascais to Estoril. The promenade follows the sea walls and defenses that line the beach. The path is flat and accessible for people of all ages and abilities!
Casino Estoril
Even if Casinos aren’t your cup-of-tea, we recommend visiting the Estoril Casino. It’s one of the largest working casinos in all of Europe and the largest in Portugal. During World War II, it was said to be a gathering place for spies, royals, and wartime adventurers. Because of this, it was the inspiration for James Bond’s Casino Royale. If you are looking to gamble a few Euros, their gaming room is complete with tables and slot machines.
Visit a Cascais Beach
When it comes to beaches, Cascais offers the best of both worlds. To the north, along the coast, are wild and rugged surfing beaches. Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach) is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal. In Cascais, and to the east, are several other beaches, including Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa, Praia do Estoril, and Praia de São Pedro. These beaches are popular among tourists and locals. The water in these areas is clean, safe, and much calmer for swimming and relaxing. However, it is important to note that the water temperature at all of these beaches is always quite cool. In the hottest of summer months, the water still may only reach 70°F (21°C).
Visit a Cascais Museum
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
One of the most recognizable palaces of Portugal, this museum is home to the work of Paula Rego. The building was designed to be in line with Rego’s work – fun, lively, and also a bit mischievous. Even if you are not a fan of visiting museums/art galleries, we would still recommend checking this one out!
Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum
The Santa Marta Lighthouse opened to the public in 2007. The lighthouse, and now museum, were built on the grounds of the Santa Marta Fort, dating back to the 1600s. The intention of this fort was to prevent enemies from getting to the Cascais area.
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
This museum was built in 1900 and is an example of classic summer architecture. The collections here include important national and international artwork, furniture, and jewelry.
The best part? The museums in Cascais are free – there is no admission fee!
Map: Cascais Travel Guide
Day Trip from Cascais to Sintra
If you have a few days in Lisbon or Cascais, we recommend visiting Sintra, known for its castles. Sintra is located 10.5 miles (17 km) from Cascais and is connected by rail and road. However, to get there by train, you have to take two different routes, so we suggest taking the bus as it is direct (routes 403 and 417). Depending on which bus route you decide on, it will take 30-60 minutes.
There is so much to see and do in Sintra, but make sure you save time for Palácio da Pena (Pena Palace). To get there, take bus 434 from the Sintra Train Station. While it is possible to walk, the roads are steep and winding, so we recommend the bus as it is only 25-30 minutes. From Pena Palace, you’ll also want to head to High Cross to get the perfect shot of the palace!
Be prepared though; the town can be very crowded in the summer, so we suggest going as early in the day as possible!
Travel from Lisbon to Cascais
The best way to get from Lisbon to Cascais is by train. Aside from the beautiful view traveling alongside the coast of Portugal, the train is quick, frequent, and affordable. In Lisbon, the train departs from Cais do Sodré train station. Once in Cascais, the train will arrive at Cascais station, just steps from the main village. A one-way ticket from Lisbon to Cascais by train is €2.25 (adult; or €1.15 for a child). Trains run from 5:30 am until 1:30 am daily, taking anywhere from 30-40 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Lisbon airport to Cascais. It will cost around €40-60 and can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
Read More
Lisbon to Cascais by Train | Getting Around Easily
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- Boca do Inferno
- Santa Marta Lighthouse
- Cabo da Roca
- On the beach
- The “wavy” Portuguese streets
- Along Centro de Cascais
- In front of a mural (the one in the photo is on Rua Nova da Alfarrobeira/Tv. Navegantes)
Why Take a Holiday to Cascais?
Cascais is the perfect place to go on vacation. It is one of the most accessible vacation destinations to get to from Lisbon. English is also widely spoken in Cascais. Because of the royal history, Cascais has a wealthy appeal, for a reasonable cost. The beaches are clean, safe, and the waters are calm. Whether you are traveling with your family or significant other; for adventure or relaxation, Cascais is the perfect place to have a holiday.
We hope you enjoyed our Cascais Travel Guide! Let us know in the comments if you think we’re missing anything!
