One of the best issues to do in Cascais, Portugal

Only a 40-minute drive west of Lisbon, Cascais is a sun-drenched coastal gem tucked into the Lisbon District of Portugal.

As soon as a fishing village and a favorite summer time retreat for Portuguese royalty, Cascais is now a hotspot for creatives and digital nomads searching for the seaside, the waves and the epic brunch spots.

There are such a lot of stunning cities in Portugal however Cascais is simply brimming with appeal and character. Due to their shut proximity, you might mix a number of days in Cascais with a number of days in Lisbon, to me, and get a healthful dose of each metropolis and coastal residing.

With the dramatic Atlantic shoreline on one facet and the Sintra-Cascais Pure Park on the opposite, Cascais affords itself as the proper hub for seaside life, nature, and laid-back city vibes. It’s additionally solely 35 minutes from Ericeira – one other attractive west coast surf city you might add on to your journey!

When you’re looking for a whole information to Cascais, Portugal, crammed with outside adventures, surf spots, breathtaking viewpoints, and the very best locations to eat and seize espresso, you’re in the precise place.

This information has been created for the traveller who loves staying energetic, catching waves, discovering scenic trails, and indulging in scrumptious brunches alongside the way in which.

Let’s tuck in, we could?

Learn how to Get to Cascais, The place to Keep & When to Go to

Attending to Cascais:
Flying into Lisbon is the best choice, with Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) welcoming worldwide flights every day. From Lisbon, Cascais is a breezy 40-minute journey by prepare from Cais do Sodré station (with gorgeous views alongside the way in which), or only a 30–40-minute drive when you’ve rented a automotive for a Portugal street journey (round €25 Uber in any other case).

The place to Keep in Cascais:
When you’re simply desirous to spend your time exploring the city, keep within the historic city centre. That approach you may be near seashores, retailers, and cafes. You could possibly additionally select a boutique keep in Monte Estoril for a quieter vibe.

When to Go to Cascais:
One of the best time to go to Cascais is from April to October. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds, sunshine, and nice surf circumstances. Summer time (June–August) brings seaside vibes, music festivals, and lengthy days, however count on it to be busy. Winter is quieter, with delicate climate excellent for hikes and exploring with out the vacationer rush.

Hang around on one of many city seashores

Cascais is tremendous cool in which you can be exploring the city one minute after which enjoyable on the seaside the subsequent. You have got 5 attractive seashores strolling distance from the city centre upon which you’ll put your baggage down and take in a few of the Portuguese solar.

Seashores to take a look at:

• Praia da Conceição
• Praia da Duquesa
• Praia da Rainha
• Praia da Ribeira
• Praia da Rata

Among the finest issues to do in Cascais is spend the day on the seaside and when you’re feeling tremendous energetic you’ll be able to take the coastal path and take a look at all of them!

Rent a Bike and Cycle to Guincho Seaside

An choice for the energetic travellers on the market… Rent a motorcycle on the town and cruise the devoted coastal bike path all the way down to Praia do Guincho. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Cascais on a sunny day or at sundown!

The 9km route hugs the coast, passing scenic coves and viewpoints and will provide you with a wholesome dose of salty air. When you attain Guincho, you might seize a snack on the seaside bar, watch the surfers, or tuck right into a packed lunch you’ve packed in a backpack!

Most bike leases locations on the town provide hourly or day-long choices so you’ll be able to carve out an journey that fits you!

Surf the Legendary Waves at Guincho Seaside

Praia do Guincho is without doubt one of the most well-known surf seashores in Portugal and is an absolute must-visit when you’re into browsing / watching the surf. Under you’ll be able to see Guincho on a windier day, crammed with kite surfers.

Guincho seaside will get constant swells and will there be a sundown swell, I’d extremely suggest happening throughout golden hour. The dramatic cliffs behind the seaside make for a stunning view. So throughout your keep in Cascais, ensure you pop down – it’s solely 10 minutes from city.

Day journey to Sintra-Cascais Pure Park

Sintra Nationwide Park, formally often known as Parque Pure de Sintra-Cascais, is a shocking protected space simply half-hour from Cascais.

It’s right here that lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and historic palaces collide. This UNESCO-listed area stretches from the hills of Sintra all the way in which to the Atlantic coast. A day journey right here is no doubt top-of-the-line issues to do in Cascais.

The park covers over 14,500 hectares and is dwelling to numerous ecosystems, epic hikes, viewpoints throughout the coast and plenty of historical past.

One of the best issues to do right here embody:

• exploring the fairytale-like Pena Palace
• climbing by the forested trails of the Serra de Sintra
• visiting the magical Quinta da Regaleira
• absorbing the views from Moorish Fort ruins
• visiting Cabo da Roca – the westernmost level of mainland Europe
• dramatic cliffs and surf at Praia da Ursa and Guincho Seaside.

Discover the Charming Cascais Previous City

Wandering the cobbled streets of the previous city is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Cascais. It’s critically gorgeous and really photogenic.

Seize a espresso at Euphoria Specialty Espresso or an ice cream at Santini and take a day to only soak all of it in.

Count on vibrant tiled homes, palm-lined plazas, boutique retailers, and a great deal of nice locations to eat in Cascais. Try my Greatest Brunch Spots In Cascais, Portugal if you would like an epic feed or latte.

Be certain that to cease by the Cascais Market for native flavours and recent produce. Mercado Saloio, is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Forest Bathing within the Fairytale Forests of Sintra

Simply half-hour from Cascais, the forests of Sintra are pure magic.

Assume mossy timber, misty trails, and hidden ruins. When you’re seeking to change up the coastal residing or maybe theres no surf throughout your keep, this is without doubt one of the most enchanting day journeys you’ll be able to take from the coast.

Go for a peaceable stroll round Quinta da Regaleira or hike the forest paths of Parque da Pena. It’s the proper place to unplug, decelerate, and join with nature.

Wander Round Azenhas do Mar Village

Okay this place seems to be gorgeous however I ran out of time to go to it personally.

Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque cliffside village simply north of Cascais and options whitewashed homes perched on the cliffs, a pure ocean pool, and unbelievable sea views.

It’s postcard-perfect and properly price a street journey to, a photograph cease at or a cease off alongside your climbing route. Come at golden hour for these magical lighting vibes.

Uncover Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)

One of the dramatic pure points of interest and most iconic viewpoints in Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a sea-carved cliff and blowhole the place the Atlantic crashes with severe power. It’s a brief stroll or cycle from the city centre and ideal for sundown. There’s a small café close by too, so seize a espresso and soak within the views.

Seize a lazy brunch or espresso on the town

There are such a lot of superb locations to eat in Cascais and there may be some critically good espresso knocking about too.

Attempt Unity espresso roasters for a few of the smoothest espresso on the town, Trustworthy Greens for vibrant plates which are full of recent, artistic and seasonal substances or Nicolau Cascais for pancake stacks, granola bowls, poached eggs and inexperienced smoothies.

If you need a full record of the very best locations to eat brunch in Cascais take a look at my decicated information right here.

Style-Take a look at Your Manner By means of the Greatest Bakeries in Cascais

For a correct Portuguese bakery repair, head to Bijou de Cascais for conventional custard tarts (pastéis de nata) or Padaria da Vila for crusty bread and native muffins.

There’s nothing fairly like a morning espresso in Cascais with a recent comfortable inside pastel de nata! I believe I had one most days haha! Thats what holidays are for, proper?

Discover the Coastal Bike Path to Estoril

For an prolonged journey that ventures out of Cascais city, why not hire a motorcycle and cruise the coastal path from Cascais to Estoril.

The route is flat, scenic, and hugs the Atlantic all the way in which, passing hidden coves, seaside cafés, and small seashores. Cease for a dip or a cocktail alongside the way in which and make a day of it. This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Cascais when you’re after one thing energetic however chill.

Go to the Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum

This attractive lighthouse sits proper by the marina and is without doubt one of the most picturesque spots on the town. Climb the tower for views over the shoreline and pop into the connected museum for a fast cultural repair. An awesome spot to mix with a stroll across the historic centre or a waterfront lunch close by.

Catch the Sundown at Cabo da Roca

Technically simply outdoors Cascais, Cabo da Roca is a jaw-dropping viewpoint the place the land fairly actually ends. It’s the westernmost level of continental Europe, and the views from the cliffs are fairly particular.

You possibly can drive or full a hike to get there. It’s a well-liked spot, so go early to seize perch.

Journey Ideas and FAQ’s for visiting Cascais

• Do you have to hire a automotive for Cascais? It’s price it when you’re planning to hit up Guincho, Cabo da Roca, or go deeper into Sintra. Parking on the town may be tight in summer time, so select lodging with free parking if doable. When you’re solely planning on doing in the future journey I’d say simply use Ubers, it would work out cheaper and fewer faffy.
• Pack layers – even in summer time, the wind off the Atlantic may be cool, particularly within the night.
• Carry your surf gear or hire regionally; most surf faculties provide inexpensive every day leases and group classes.
• Discover early to beat the crowds at fashionable spots like Boca do Inferno or the historic centre.

I hope you’ll be able to really feel the magic of Cascais from this journey information. Significantly, add it to your Portugal itinerary – you received’t be upset.

Have you ever been to Cascais?

What are the very best issues to do in Cascais? Something you’d add to this Cascais bucket record?

Love as at all times and blissful adventuring…