Things To Do
in Cascais
Cascais is a charming coastal town located near Lisbon, Portugal. The town boasts beautiful beaches, quaint cobblestone streets, and a picturesque marina. Cascais is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
Visitors can also explore historic sites like the Fortress of Cascais and the Santa Marta Lighthouse.
- "olá" - hello
- "obrigado" - thank you
- "por favor" - please
- "desculpe" - excuse me/sorry
- "até logo" - see you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Praia da Rainha, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. Grab a coffee from a local café to energize yourself for a beach day.
Head to Praia da Conceição for swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood.
Stroll along the beach as the sun sets, taking in the stunning views. Finish the day with dinner at a seaside eatery, savoring traditional Portuguese dishes.
Visit the iconic Boca do Inferno to see the dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. Explore the town’s historical sites, including the Cascais Citadel.
Take a guided tour of the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães to admire its unique architecture and art pieces. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café featuring local delicacies.
Explore the charming streets of Cascais, filled with shops and artisanal markets. Dine at a cozy restaurant, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Mild Mediterranean climate
- Rich cultural and historical heritage
- Vibrant dining and nightlife options
- Proximity to Lisbon, offering easy access to a major city
- Appealing for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports
- Tourist crowds during peak season can be overwhelming
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Portugal
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Public transportation options may be less frequent outside of peak times
- Some areas can be quite hilly, which may be challenging for some residents
Best Activities in Cascais
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Cascais is known for its excellent surfing beaches, such as Guincho Beach, where you can enjoy the waves and the beautiful coastal scenery.
Explore the picturesque coastal roads and countryside around Cascais on a bike, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views.
Take a scenic coastal walk along the cliffs of Cascais, exploring the rugged coastline and enjoying the ocean vistas.
Experience the calm waters of Cascais by trying out stand-up paddleboarding, a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the sea.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cascais with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cascais
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning natural rock formation with crashing waves and beautiful coastal views.
Offers picturesque views of the harbor, yachts, and colorful buildings.
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A popular surfing beach with scenic views of the dunes and ocean.
Food in Cascais
Cascais Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This is a must-try dish, featuring shredded salt cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes, all bound together with eggs. It's a delicious blend of flavors and textures that can be found at O Pescador, a traditional restaurant with stunning sea views.
Must-Try!
Grilled sardines, a Portuguese classic, are a delicious and simple delight that can be found at Taberna da Praça, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Portuguese dishes.
For a sweet treat, indulge in Pastéis de Nata, delectable custard tarts with a crispy pastry, at Fabrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas. These are a delightful Portuguese specialty not to be missed.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cascais better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the Mercado da Vila, an indoor food market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local crafts, as well as a selection of street food stalls serving traditional Portuguese snacks such as bifanas (pork sandwiches) and pasteis de bacalhau (codfish cakes).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to greet people with a handshake, and close friends and family may exchange kisses on the cheek.
Portuguese people generally appreciate personal space, so it's important to maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
When dining out, it's polite to wait for the host or hostess to indicate where you should sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table during the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cascais with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cascais
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cascais, Portugal, tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service. A 5-10% tip at restaurants is common if the service is not already included in the bill. Tipping is also practiced in bars, taxis, and for other services, but it is not a strict custom.
Payment in Cascais, Portugal is primarily done using cash or credit/debit cards. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular, and mobile payment apps are also gaining traction in the area.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cascais.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Cascais as the weather is mild and pleasant. The flowers are in bloom, and the coastal town comes alive with outdoor activities and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Cascais. Expect warm and sunny weather, perfect for enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor cafes. The town is bustling with life and water sports are popular during this time.
Autumn brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit Cascais. The sea is still warm for swimming, and the surrounding countryside is filled with vibrant autumn colors.
Winter in Cascais is mild, with occasional rainy days. The town takes on a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, and it's a great time to explore local museums, historic sites, and cozy up in the charming cafes.
Cascais at Night
Hiking in Cascais
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca offers stunning cliffs and panoramic ocean views, with several hiking trails along the coastline.
A large protected area featuring picturesque landscapes, historic palaces, and diverse flora and fauna. There are numerous trails for hiking, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes.
A popular hiking area near Cascais that features various trails through scenic landscapes, including forests and breathtaking views of the coastline.
Known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning beauty, this beach features hiking trails that offer a picturesque approach to its secluded sands.
Located near the Sintra mountains, Colares has several hiking paths that take you through vineyards and coastal views, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cascais through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cascais by plane.
The main international airport serving Lisbon, located approximately 30 km from Cascais, providing a wide range of international and domestic flights.
An international airport located in Faro, around 270 km from Cascais, serving the Algarve region and offering international flights mainly during the tourist season.
Located approximately 310 km north of Cascais, it is the second-largest airport in Portugal, serving both domestic and international flights.
A major international airport located in Madrid, Spain, approximately 600 km from Cascais, serving as a key hub for international flights in southern Europe.
Located about 550 km from Cascais, this airport connects the Andalusia region of Spain with international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, including both native and long-term residents.
A significant number of residents from various European countries, particularly from the UK, France, and Germany.
A growing community of Brazilian nationals who have moved to Cascais, often due to cultural and historical ties.
Includes individuals from former Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, such as Angola and Mozambique.
A smaller but notable group of residents from countries like India and China.
While not permanent residents, tourists from various countries frequent Cascais, especially during peak seasons.
The Soul of Cascais
Discover the essence of Cascais through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts. The waves attract both beginners and experienced surfers.
Cascais is home to several prestigious golf courses, making it a favored location for golf lovers and hosting various tournaments.
Tennis is a popular sport in Cascais, with numerous clubs and facilities available for both recreational players and competitive athletes.
Given its coastal location, sailing is a favored activity in Cascais, with many events and clubs dedicated to the sport.
The scenic routes around Cascais make cycling a popular sport, with both casual rides and competitive races taking place.
Football is widely played and followed in Cascais, with local clubs and teams participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cascais.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Portuguese cuisine often features meat and fish, many restaurants in Cascais are accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, offering creative and delicious plant-based dishes. Options like Maritaca do Guincho and House of Wonders are excellent choices for those seeking vegetarian and vegan options.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary requirements will find that many restaurants and cafes in Cascais offer gluten-free options and are attentive to dietary restrictions. House of Wonders, in particular, is known for its gluten-free offerings, from baked goods to main dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Cascais with these cultural adventures.
