Things to Do in Cascais

Cascais is Lisbon’s seaside escape: a pretty former fishing town with sheltered beaches, a marina, a lively old centre, dramatic coastline and wild Atlantic beaches just up the road. It’s about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train. Here are the best things to do in Cascais.

Quick answer: swim at the town beaches (Rainha, Conceição, Duquesa), walk or cycle the coast to Boca do Inferno, explore the Cidadela arts district and the old town, stroll the seafront promenade to Estoril, and head to wild Guincho and Cabo da Roca (now a ticketed visitor area). Trains from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré take about 40 minutes.

In town

• The beaches: Praia da Rainha (a tiny cove), Conceição and Duquesa (sheltered, family-friendly) are right in town.
• The old town: cobbled lanes, wave-patterned pavements and the main square.
• The Cidadela: the old citadel, now a hotel and art district with galleries and studios. Free to wander.
• The marina: restaurants and boat trips.
• Museums: the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, the Santa Marta lighthouse museum and the Condes de Castro Guimarães palace, all small and close together. Check opening times before you go.
• Parque Marechal Carmona: a shady park with peacocks and ducks. Great with kids.
• The market: the Mercado da Vila sells fresh produce, with extra stalls on market days.

Along the coast

• Boca do Inferno: “Hell’s Mouth”, a sea cave where waves crash through the rocks, a 20-minute walk west of town. Free.
• The promenade to Estoril: a 3km seafront walk past beaches and cafés.
• Guincho: a wild, windy beach for surfers and kitesurfers, by bike or car. Too rough for most swimmers.
• Cabo da Roca: the westernmost point of mainland Europe, now with a ticketed visitor area run by Parques de Sintra (from €5).
• Cycling: a cycle path runs along the coast road towards Guincho; rent a bike in town.

Nearby

• Sintra: 30 minutes by bus or car. See Sintra in one day.
• Estoril: the famous casino and its gardens.
• Carcavelos: a big surf beach on the train line. See surfing in Portugal.

Getting there

Trains run from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Cascais about every 20 minutes, taking about 40 minutes along the coast. Pay with a navegante card. See Lisbon public transport.

Where to stay

See where to stay in Cascais or browse Cascais stays. More: our Cascais day trip and the best beaches near Lisbon.

Is Cascais worth visiting?

Yes, as a day trip from Lisbon (about 40 minutes by train) or a relaxed seaside base. Enjoy the beaches, the old town, the promenade to Estoril and the coast road to Guincho. The downsides: it’s pricey, busy on summer weekends, and the town beaches are small.

Why it’s worth it

• Beaches: see the best beaches near Cascais.
• The old town and the citadel.
• The coast: Boca do Inferno, Guincho and Cabo da Roca. See Guincho.
• Easy access: trains from Lisbon run along the coast.

The downsides

• Price: one of the more expensive areas near Lisbon.
• Crowds: summer weekends are busy.
• Less local: more international and upmarket.

Plan your visit

See the Cascais day trip, where to stay in Cascais and Cascais vs Lisbon.

From our sister blog: 20 things to do in Cascais, a couple’s guide on Sunset Travellers.

See also: Guincho beach.

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