Things To Do
in Caxias
Caxias is a picturesque coastal town located in the municipality of Oeiras, near Lisbon, Portugal. Known for its beautiful waterfront along the Tagus River, it offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The town features a mix of historical architecture, including the charming Caxias Church and various traditional buildings, reflecting its rich heritage.
Additionally, Caxias boasts recreational areas, parks, and a variety of restaurants, providing a vibrant community space for visitors to enjoy.
- "olá" - hello
- "obrigado" - thank you
- "por favor" - please
- "desculpe" - excuse me/sorry
- "até logo" - see you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Praia de Caxias beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore. Grab breakfast at a nearby café and soak in the morning sun.
Visit the historic Parque dos Poetas, a lovely park dedicated to Portuguese poets with scenic views. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by art and nature.
Explore the local dining scene at one of Caxias' renowned seafood restaurants. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the sea breeze.
Begin your day by exploring the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, appreciating its beautiful architecture. Take time to learn about Caxias' rich history.
Visit the nearby Fort of São Juliao da Barra for insightful historical insights and panoramic views. Have lunch at a quaint restaurant nearby.
Enjoy a cultural evening at the Centro Cultural de Belém, catching an art exhibition or a performance. Dine at a local bistro to wrap up the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich in cultural heritage and historical sites
- Beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean
- Friendly and welcoming local community
- Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Portugal
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Public transportation options may be less frequent
- Could be considered less vibrant than larger urban centers
- Access to some amenities may be restricted outside city limits
- Tourism is not as developed as in more popular destinations
Best Activities in Caxias
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic coastal walk that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns along the way.
A lovely park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and watermills. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family day out.
Explore the picturesque hills of Sintra by bike, enjoying the lush landscapes and the historic sites scattered throughout the region.
One of the most popular surfing spots in Portugal, Carcavelos Beach offers great waves and surf schools for all levels.
Visit the historic summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, where you can explore beautiful gardens and outdoor exhibitions.
Discover a variety of hiking trails that showcase the park's unique flora and fauna, as well as stunning vistas of the coastline.
Experience the beauty of the Tagus River by taking a kayaking tour, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and local wildlife.
Famous for its strong winds and waves, Guincho Beach is a great spot for windsurfing and kite surfing, as well as sunbathing.
Places to Visit in Caxias
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful park offering scenic walking paths, lush greenery, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for photography.
This picturesque waterfall is not only a natural beauty but also provides a serene backdrop for stunning photos.
A mountain range with breathtaking panoramas, hiking trails, and various viewpoints suitable for capturing amazing landscape photos.
A viewpoint that overlooks the entire city of Caxias, providing amazing sunset shots and panoramic city views.
A charming beach with golden sands and beautiful ocean views, ideal for coastal photographs, especially at sunrise or sunset.
An architectural gem with a picturesque setting, offering unique angles for photography, especially with the surrounding gardens.
Food in Caxias
Caxias Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Portuguese dish consisting of shredded codfish mixed with onions, thinly sliced fried potatoes, and bound together with scrambled eggs. It's a must-try for seafood lovers.
Must-Try!
A rich and flavorful seafood rice dish cooked with a variety of shellfish, typically shrimp, clams, and mussels, infused with tomato and herbs.
Originally from Porto but enjoyed in many parts of Portugal, this sandwich is loaded with layers of meats, topped with melted cheese, and covered in a spicy tomato sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This local market is the heartbeat of Caxias, offering fresh produce, meats, and seafood from local vendors. It's a great place to sample traditional Portuguese food and buy fresh ingredients.
Throughout the town, street vendors offer delicious Portuguese snacks like pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and bifanas (pork sandwiches). Don't miss the chance to grab a quick bite while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Caxias, a common way to greet someone is with a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact. Close friends and family may greet each other with kisses on both cheeks. Always use polite language and titles, especially in formal situations.
If invited to someone's home for a meal, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or wine. Wait for your host to start the meal and refrain from discussing business at the dinner table. Always keep your hands on the table (but not elbows) during the meal.
Being punctual is appreciated in Caxias, especially for formal meetings and social gatherings. Arriving late may be considered disrespectful. It is advisable to inform your host or meeting organizer if you expect to be delayed.
Safety
Tipping in Caxias
Ensure a smooth experience
In Caxias, Portugal, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip, usually around 5-10% of the total bill, in restaurants if the service has been satisfactory. In cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is also customary. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is less common but can be done if the service is exceptional.
Payment methods in Caxias, Portugal, are diverse, with cash and card being widely accepted. Most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept credit and debit cards. Mobile payment options are also increasingly popular. In some smaller local businesses, cash may be preferred, so it's advisable to carry some euros.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Caxias is mild and pleasant, typically from March to May. Expect blooming flowers, moderate temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F), and occasional rain. It's a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the local gardens.
Summer lasts from June to August, with warm weather and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is peak tourist season, perfect for beach visits and outdoor festivals. Expect lively crowds and long sunny days.
Autumn is from September to November, offering cooler temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F). It's a beautiful time as the leaves change colors, and the weather is generally comfortable. Expect fewer tourists and opportunities for wine tasting.
Winter occurs from December to February, with mild temperatures averaging around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Rain is more frequent, and while it's quieter in Caxias, it's a good time for indoor activities, exploring local cuisine, and experiencing holiday festivities.
Caxias at Night
Hiking in Caxias
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning natural park known for its beautiful coastline, lush greenery, and various hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a mountainous terrain with numerous trails, historical palaces, and lush forests, making it a popular destination for hikers.
Located along the coastline, this park offers panoramic views of the sea, diverse flora, and a variety of trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
This picturesque park in Sintra features a mix of gardens and forested areas, with well-marked hiking trails that lead to the iconic Pena Palace.
A scenic hike leading to the romanticist Palácio Nacional da Pena, featuring trails rich in history and natural beauty.
A beautiful area with trails for hiking amidst diverse flora, perfect for a more tranquil experience close to nature.
Aiports
How to reach Caxias by plane.
Located in Porto, approximately 93 kilometers from Caxias, this international airport is one of the main airports in northern Portugal.
The main airport serving Lisbon, located about 22 kilometers from Caxias. It's the busiest airport in Portugal, connecting to numerous international destinations.
Situated about 277 kilometers from Caxias, this airport serves the Algarve region and offers a variety of international flights.
Located about 177 kilometers from Caxias on Pico Island, this airport provides access to the Azores and serves as a hub for international travelers heading to the islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, comprising native residents of Portugal.
A significant community, due to historical ties and migration patterns.
A growing demographic group, reflecting migration from former Portuguese colonies.
Residents with origins from Cape Verde, another destination of Portuguese emigration.
An increasing number of residents from Romania, often seeking better economic opportunities.
Includes smaller communities from various countries contributing to local diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Caxias, with many local clubs and a strong community following the national league.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity among the youth, with various teams and recreational leagues throughout the area.
Futsal has become increasingly popular in Caxias, especially as an indoor alternative to traditional football, with many tournaments organized locally.
Athletics, including running and track events, is encouraged in schools and has a number of local competitions.
Cycling is a popular activity in Caxias, both as a competitive sport and a recreational pastime, thanks to its scenic routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caxias.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Caxias provide vegetarian options, including salads, grilled vegetables, and traditional dishes made with legumes.
While less common, some cafes like Café Confraria offer vegan-friendly meals, including salads, soups, and desserts made without animal products.
Several restaurants are becoming more aware of gluten-free needs, offering alternatives such as gluten-free bread and pasta. Always consult with staff to find suitable dishes.