Cascais Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum featuring general coastal views and a lighthouse
Cascais is a seaside town located on the sunny Estoril Coast, about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon. Cascais is a cosmopolitan city, known for its picturesque centre, beautiful mansions and its marina, and is considered to be one of the richest areas in Portugal.

History

Back in the Middle Ages, Cascais was a fishing village, but in 1755, the great Lisbon earthquake destroyed most of it. Luckily the Portuguese Royal Family came to spend their summers in Cascais and so Cascais gained the resources needed to redevelop. It was the first city in the country to be installed with electricity. In the 20th Century the nearby town, Estoril, became a luxury holiday destination with a casino and opulent hotels. It also served as a high-class retreat during the Second World War. Many royal families came to live in Cascais such as those from Spain and Italy. Today, although it is a large city, it still has the feel of a small charming village.

Paula Rego Museum

Paula Rego is one of Portugal's most acclaimed artists, known internationally for her paintings based on storybooks and images of young girls with a colourful Portuguese theme. She was born in Lisbon but raised in Cascais, and at the Paula Rego Museum you can admire many of her works.

Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno is a cave carved out of the rock by ocean waves. The name literally translates to the ‘mouth to hell’, as it produces a spectacularly hellish sound effect when the waves crash into the rocks.

Lighthouse/Museu de Santa Marta

The 19th century lighthouse that houses the Museu de Santa Marta is a classic example of a traditional Portuguese lighthouse. The history of lighthouses in maritime Portugal is conveyed through a movie shown at the museum, depicting the oversized Fresnel lenses, and the lighthouse keeper diaries against the beautiful backdrop of sweeping sea views.

Fort of Our Lady

This fort was built to protect the coast of Lisbon and is dedicated to Our Lady of Light. This fortress has a lovely patio, originally built to allow communication between the three bastions.

World Press Cartoon Museum

Cascais has the most prestigious international exhibition of graphic humour, showcased in the World Press Cartoon Museum. This Museum displays an unbeatable selection of humorous sketching, caricature and cartoon themed editorials.

Parque Marechal Carmona

The Parque Marechal Carmona is a grand park with spacious lawns lined with trees, lakes, a picnic area and a playground. It is home to the Municipal Library of Children. Every Saturday the park holds the Biological Market of Cascais, where you can find beautiful fresh organic produce. It’s also home to the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum built in the 20th century, the museum holds a collection of Indo-Portuguese furniture, paintings, a chapel, and a beautiful library.

Guincho Beach

This is large sandy beach, located north of Cascais, is loved by the surfers and windsurfers who come here looking for awesome waves. It’s such an impressive surf location that the World Surfing Championships were once held here.

Food and Drink

In the Luis de Camões Square you’ll find and incredible selection of delectable dining options, ranging from seafood, traditional Portuguese and Italian cuisine, and trendy bars and pubs. Don’t forget to try the delicious butter cakes from Cascais (areias).

Shopping

Cascais is also a great location for a spot of shopping. Frederico Arouca Street has a selection of quaint stalls selling accessories and souvenirs. Casa da Guia is a beautiful 18th century mansion, repurposed to house shops and cafés, surrounded by stunning sea views.

Where to stay in Cascais

Tamariz Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people

Estoril

Estoril is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Estoril Casino or Tamariz Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Estoril
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Carcavelos

Visitors to Carcavelos enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Carcavelos Beach is worth a stop.

Carcavelos
Guincho Beach which includes waves, a beach and tranquil scenes

Praia do Guincho

Unique features of Praia do Guincho include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Guincho Beach or Cresmina Beach while you're exploring the area.

Praia do Guincho
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Parede

Unique features of Parede include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Avencas Beach or Parede Beach while you're exploring the area.

Parede
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Quinta da Marinha

Golf courses, seaside views and spas are some highlights of Quinta da Marinha. Make a stop by Oitavos Dunes Golf Course or Quinta Da Marinha Golf Course while you're exploring.

Quinta da Marinha
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Abuxarda

Though Abuxarda may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Estoril Casino and Tamariz Beach.

Abuxarda
Hotel Lido
Hotel Lido
3 out of 5
Rua do Alentejo 12, Estoril, Cascais
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹5,358 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹5,358
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Cascais. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (379 reviews)
"Nothing bad to point. Excellent for the price i payed."

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2023

Hotel Lido
EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril
EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril
4 out of 5
Avenida Marginal 7034, Estoril, Cascais
The price is ₹12,798 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹12,798
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cascais. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Ribeira Beach and Estoril Racetrack are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Very nice hotel , beautiful room, high quality linens, great people !"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril
Hotel Baia
Hotel Baia
3 out of 5
Passeio D. Luís I, Cascais
The price is ₹9,164 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹9,164
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cascais. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (877 reviews)
"A very central location and modern rooms. Lovely restaurant downstairs."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Hotel Baia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pestana Cascais Ocean & Conference Aparthotel
Pestana Cascais Ocean & Conference Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Av. Manuel Julio Carvalho e Costa 115, Cascais
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Cascais. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (464 reviews)
Best go-to in Cascais, and probably greater Lisboa
"Staff are great, especially front desk - always well staffed, professional, efficient, friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Pool perfectly warmed. Outdoor pool also maintained and usable. Easy stroll to Pingo Doce, farmacia, and endless spectacular coast, including the mouth of hell."

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2024

Pestana Cascais Ocean & Conference Aparthotel
Clube do Lago Hotel
Clube do Lago Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. Saboia 1017, Cascais, Lisboa
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cascais. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 4 beach bars and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay and for certain we will be go back"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2023

Clube do Lago Hotel
Onyria Quinta da Marinha Villas
Onyria Quinta da Marinha Villas
4 out of 5
Rua das Palmeiras, Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, Lisboa
Stay at this 4-star golf apartment in Cascais. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a golf course. Popular attractions Guincho Beach and Ribeira Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
Beautiful spot and spacious villas
"Beautiful property, very spacious units, in fact it could have easily slept quite a few more people. The 2 bedroom unit is actually a 3 bedroom and the 1 bedrooms we saw all had 2 bedrooms. The extra bedroom was small with two twin beds which is maybe why they don’t count it? We loved it and would ..."

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2023

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cascais

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
97
" "5 - Excellent 66.89655172413794%
4 - Good
46
" "4 - Good 31.724137931034484%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 1.3793103448275863%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Lovely town with plenty to do, nice selection of restaurants, great beaches and travel connections to Lisbon and Sintra. Beautiful ocean front hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

MF&TB
4 Jan 2020

I dubbed it 'Lisbon Riviera' ..... I just loved the place! And only 35 mins drive from Lisbon airport!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Dec 2019

Cascais is a lovely town and the surrounding area is beautiful. Lovely walks along the coast.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Nov 2019

A beautiful place and worth visiting. A friendly harbour, with great food and activities

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Oct 2019

Great shops good restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Oct 2019

Beautiful scenery, unbelievable weather for October, I fell in love with it the second i set eyes on it!

Cities near Cascais