Cascais, Portugal: A Charming Beach Town
Cascais is one of Portugal’s most beloved coastal destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This elegant beach town sits just west of Lisbon along the Estoril Coast, making it one of the most accessible and popular day trips in the country. With its beautiful beaches, upscale atmosphere, gorgeous tiled streets, and excellent dining and shopping, Cascais has something for everyone.
During our 20-day Portugal trip, my husband and I spent a full day in Cascais, visiting as a day trip from Sintra. Since the two towns are close enough, we simply grabbed an Uber to get there. Cascais itself is small enough, we walked everywhere – the downtown area is pretty centralized.
The streets of Cascais are lined with beautifully tiled facades — one in the shape of waves to match the beachy vibes.
Things to Do in Cascais
Beaches
Cascais has several beaches, each with its own character. We spent some time at Praia da Ribeira de Cascais, one of the more central beaches, to soak up some sun. It’s a lovely spot but gets busy quickly, so if you want a good patch of sand, plan to arrive early. Just a short walk away is Praia da Rainha, another charming beach that’s also popular with locals and visitors alike. These are just two of the many beaches in the area – you could easily spend a few days here just at the various beaches in the area.
Shopping
If you love boutique shopping, you are going to have a great time in Cascais. The town has a wonderful mix of local shops and stylish boutiques carrying unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
We went on a little shopping spree at Be We, a fantastic concept store where we picked up some really unique clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Everything feels carefully curated here, and we left with pieces we love. I highly recommend making a stop here if you want some new items for your wardrobe.
Farol Museu de Santa Marta
We didn’t get a chance to visit the Farol Museu de Santa Marta ourselves, but it’s high on the list for a return trip. This lighthouse museum offers a fascinating look at Portugal’s maritime history, set inside a working lighthouse with beautiful tile panels and sea views. If you like lighthouses, this should be on your list.
Marina de Cascais
A stroll along the Marina de Cascais is a must while you’re in town. The marina is stunning — lined with impressive yachts, waterfront restaurants, and beautiful views. Even if you’re not a boating person, it’s a lovely place to walk around, soak up the atmosphere, and get a real sense of just how upscale Cascais truly is. It’s also a great spot for photos.
Parque Marechal Carmona
For a slower, more peaceful moment in the middle of a busy day, Parque Marechal Carmona is a beautiful green escape right in the heart of Cascais. This charming public park is a lovely place to take a breather, enjoy the gardens, and recharge before heading back out to explore. It’s a nice contrast to the bustling streets and beaches.
Where to Stay in Cascais
Albatroz Hotel
The Albatroz Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay in Cascais. A former royal retreat perched above the sea, it blends historic elegance with modern comfort. Even if you’re visiting Cascais as a day trip like we did, it’s absolutely worth walking by to admire — and of course, booking a table at the restaurant if you can.
Farol Hotel
Another beautiful option is the Farol Hotel, which features stunning rooms and an unforgettable setting right on the waterfront. The design is sleek and contemporary, and the property has a real wow factor.
Villa Cascais
Villa Cascais is a charming boutique guesthouse that offers an intimate and elegant alternative to the larger hotels. With its beautifully appointed rooms and personalized atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home while still delivering a special experience.
Pestana Cidadela Cascais
Pestana Cidadela Cascais is a stunning property set within Bairro dos Museus (Museum Neighborhood), and it’s part of the Pestana Hotel Group, a Portuguese hotel brand that I’ve personally booked twice on this trip with excellent results. Their properties have consistently impressed me, so this one comes with a confident recommendation. The 5- star hotel setting makes it truly luxurious, and it would be an unforgettable place to wake up in Cascais.
Villa Vasco da Gama
Villa Vasco da Gama is another lovely option for those looking for something with character and warmth. This charming property brings a boutique feel to your Cascais stay, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a wonderful base for exploring the town and coastline.
Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa
For a truly grand stay, the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa is as impressive as its name suggests. Set in a stunning historic villa with lush gardens and sea views, this is luxury Cascais at its finest. If you’re looking to splurge and make your stay in Cascais truly unforgettable, this is the one.
The Best Restaurants in Cascais
Cascais has no shortage of excellent dining options, from casual waterfront spots to upscale restaurants. I recommend making reservations, as the Cascais food scene is busy!
Dining with a View at Albatroz Hotel
We didn’t make a reservation — mistake! — but the restaurant inside the Albatroz Hotel came highly recommended by a local, so we really want to try it next time. The setting is stunning and the menu looked incredible. If you’re planning a trip to Cascais, do yourself a favor and book a table in advance. It would make for a truly special meal.
Taberna Clandestina
For lunch, we headed to Taberna Clandestina, and it did not disappoint. This spot came recommended by a local, which is always the best kind of endorsement. The food was very good, and so were the cocktails! If you’re looking for a great lunch stop in Cascais, put this one on your list.
Deck das Rochas at Farol Hotel
Located at Farol Hotel is Deck das Rochas, a romantic outdoor dining and cocktail spot with sweeping views of the ocean and rocky coastline. Whether you’re staying there or just stopping by, it’s a gorgeous place to enjoy a sunset drink.
Lumière Restaurante
We didn’t make it here, but Lumière Restaurante was on our radar and looked very promising. If you have more time in Cascais than we did, try it out!
Holy Wine Cascais
After our little shopping spree, we were ready to sit down somewhere and relax for a bit. So, we stopped into Holy Wine Cascais. This tiny little place has excellent wines and service. I had a glass of orange wine, which was quite refreshing on a hot day. They also do food pairings, but we weren’t quite hungry yet, so we didn’t get to try it out. The food looks great though, so if you’re looking for a nibble and a glass of wine, this is your spot!
Marejos by José Avillez
For a truly special dinner, Marejos by José Avillez is absolutely worth adding to your list. José Avillez is one of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs, and this Cascais outpost brings his signature style to the coast. It’s a restaurant you dress up for — perfect for a memorable evening out.
Porto Santa Maria
Another impressive dinner option is Porto Santa Maria, a well-known seafood restaurant right on the waterfront. With its stunning ocean views and reputation for excellent fresh fish and seafood, it’s a classic Cascais dining experience. If you love seafood and a beautiful setting, this one belongs on your radar.
The Tasting Room
If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss The Tasting Room. It has a great wine selection as well as excellent food. We had lunch here and had a bifana, fried sardines, charcuterie and more. We sat near a window that looked out at the town as people strolled by. It was a great spot and my husband and I would definitely eat there again.
This article is part of my Portugal Series 🇵🇹– read more articles from my Portugal Series to discover additional great places to visit in the country.
