Looking for some great ideas on how to spend a day in Cascais?
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A short 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais appears as a charming coastal town that once served as a summer resort for King Luís I of Portugal in 1870. Its glory era witnessed plenty of nobles and royal descendants for vacations.
Despite its small size, Cascais is easily walkable from the train station. You can easily kick start the trip early in the morning on a rental bike and traverse the coastal road to Praia de Guincho by afternoon, passing through Boca do Inferno.
The biggest hook of Cascais is the Old Quarter, filled with charming cobblestone streets, flowers, and great beaches. It’s a weekend getaway for Lisbon locals and travelers alike.
Read More: A Half-Day Guide To Belém, Lisbon: Transportation, Monuments, Egg Tart, And More
How To Get To Cascais From Lisbon?
The train is the best way to reach Cascais from Lisbon.
- Departure station: Cais do Sodré.
- Line: Linha de Cascais
- Arrival station: Cascais Station (last stop).
- Frequency: every 10 to 20 minutes.
- Duration: 30 to 40 minutes.
Tickets are available for sale at the station or valid for Viva Viagem Card holders at a discounted rate and free for Lisbon Card holders.
For more details on the timetable and updated fares, visit the official website of the Portuguese National Railway here.
Hit The Beaches
Cascais boasts plenty of scenic beaches with a wide array of water sports such as sunbathing and paddleboarding. Central beaches with the closest proximity to the Old Quarter are the most crowded as they have milder waves and a huge assortment of bars, food spots, and nightlife.
Some of the most visited beaches in this area are Praia da Rainha, Praia da Ribeira, and Praia da Tamariz.
For a less-busy call, check out the Queen’s Beach next to Praia da Conceição at the back of Hotel Albatroz Cascais.
Enjoy A Scenic Stroll Around Cascais Old Quarter
Cascais’s picturesque heritage town is perfect to linger at the end of your beach visit. The town is blanketed by a myriad of beautiful lanes and narrow cobblestoned streets looking out to the ocean.
Though crowded during the high season, Cascais Old Quarter is steeped in a pleasant, casual feel to submerge yourself in the local lifestyle.
Cascais Old Quarter is also home to a bustling shopping hub where you can bring home little keepsakes from the coastal town.
Take A Glimpse Into History At the Citadel of Cascais
Perched above the marina, the Citadel of Cascais has been going strong since it was first constructed in the mid-1500s. Sitting on a former tower ground, the citadel showcases typical military architecture, featuring a fort and a palace where the royal family enjoyed warmer September and October days.
Other than the ancient fort, the stunning sun-kissed courtyard keeps me hooked the most. There is also a gallery, a tavern, a bookstore, sitting areas, and impressive sculptures found on the front and back sides of the building.
Marvel At The Quirky Headland Of Boca do Inferno
About 20 minutes walking south of the old quarter, Boca do Inferno serves as a whimsical viewpoint pressed against the fierce ocean waves crashing on the side of the cliff.
The waves penetrate a cave system, creating a spectacular spray from an opening above.
The best time to hit Boca do Inferno is sunset when the glory of the sun casts its reflection on the sparkling waters, resulting in a jaw-dropping vista with the caves and open holes in the cliffs stealing the show.
The dramatic coastline, shaped by storms and erosion, adds to its spectacular allure.
Indulge In A Feast At Fortaleza do Guincho Restaurant
No visit to Cascais is complete without a mouthwatering meal. If you’re not on a shoestring, make sure to check out Fortaleza do Guincho which is hands down one of the most visited restaurants in town.
Situated on Estrada do Guincho in Cascais, this high-end eating hole is the gastronomic counterpart of the namesake hotel, serving classical French cuisine under the reign of Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira.
With a strong Atlantic Ocean flare, Fortaleza do Guincho promotes the finest Portuguese ingredients such as Scarlet prawns freshly caught from the Algarve.
Cascais is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural features, making it a great day trip from Lisbon. If you’re not short on time, an overnight stay at either Albatroz Hotel or Legasea Guesthouse will complete your trip on a high note.