Perfect Day in Cascais: Easy Day Trip from Lisbon
Cascais is a coastal resort town in Portugal, just west of Lisbon. It’s known for its sandy beaches and busy marina. The old town is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat. Nearby is the whitewashed Nossa Senhora da Assunção church, with glazed azulejo tiles. Paula Rego House of Stories shows the Portuguese artist’s paintings in a modern building. ― Google
Cascais has quickly become a popular day trip from Lisbon for travelors looking for the perfect Portuguese beach day, to soak in a beautiful coastal town, seeking flat and easy to navigate walking and bike routes, or to take in unmatched coastal views.
Easily accessible from Lisbon by train or car, Cascais is an easy full or half day trip from Lisbon.
Here I will cover how to seamlessly get to Cascais, the best beaches, what to see there, and some of the best restaurants this coastal town in Lisbon has to offer.
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How to Get to Cascais
Just about an hour from Lisbon by train, or 30 minutes by car, Cascais offers a quick and easy day trip from Lisbon you can easily plan and execute on your own.
🚂How to Get to Cascais from Lisbon by Train
🗺️From Lisbon, take the Cascais bound train from Cais do Sodre
🎟️Get a Navegente Card (2,45 € each way)
There are numerous self-service ticket machines in the station that accept cash and card.
⭐Pro tip - the machines closest to the train entrance get very crowded, but there is another set of machines on the other side that rarely have a line
There is also a ticket window with agents as well, who can offer any assistance you may need.
⭐This line is also sometimes shorter than that machines
🪙Budget travel tip: If you are going straight to the beach, stop at the Pingo Doce in Cas do Sodre to pick up snacks, drinks, etc.
️There is a Pingo Doce in the Cascais station but it is always packed and SLOW
Entering the Train
Tap your card to enter.
️Keep your card handy in case the conductor comes around to check.
⭐You will also need your card to tap out when you arrive in Cascais.
If the train is crowded, walk down to the far end for better chance of seats (you need to push the button to open the door).
🚗How to Get to Cascais by Car
Cascais is just about 30 minutes from Lisbon by car, making it a quick and easy drive or Uber ride.
Driving to Cascais
🪙Tolls between Lisbon and Cascais
Along A5, the main route between Lisbon and Casacis, are tolls costing between €1,50 and €3,00.
🅿️Parking in Cascais
Is there parking in Cascais? Yes.
But it can be very challenging, especially in the summer months, to find parking.
There several parking lots in central Cascais, but they have limited spaces, fill up fast and are not free. Daily parking rates in Cascais range from €12-19.
The two main car parks in Cascais are
📍Largo da Estação car park - R. Dra. Iracy Doyle, 2750-427 Cascais, Portugal
📍Plátano Car park - Rua Capitão Leitão, 344
If you are driving to Cascais during peak times, it is highly recommended to arrive early, and/or pre-book parking. Telpark is a great option for pre-booking parking in Cascais, and throughout Portugal.
Uber or Bolt to Cascais
Uber and Bolt are both readily available and an easy and efficient way to get to Cascais from Lisbon.
Fares will vary depending on time and demand, but on average an Uber or Bolt from Central Lisbon to Cascais will cost around €30-€35 each way.
What to Do in Cascais
While Cascais is best known as being a beach town, boasting some stunning beaches, it is also home to historical sights, beautiful bike and walking paths, and breathtaking coastal viewpoints.
These are some of the highlights worth taking in while visiting this beautiful beach town near Lisbon.
Cascais Town Center
Immediately upon exciting the train, you will find yourself entering Cascais Town Center.
This vibrant coastal town features cute souvenir shops, colorful houses and buildings, eateries, cafes, vibrant art spaces, historic statues, and intricate Calçada Portuguesa. Be sure to take some time to wander through the narrow pedestrian streets of this Lisbon beach town to take in all the energy, art, and aroma before heading off to the beach or to enjoy Cascais’s top sites.
Cidadela de Cascais
The Citadel of Cascais is a set of fortifications built between the 15th and 17th centuries to defend the Cascais coastline and River Tagus estuary and to protect against attacks on the capital of Portugal, Lisbon
🗺️Av. Dom Carlos I 246, 2750-310 Cascais, Portugal
💶Citadel: free, Palace €4
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-1p, 2p-6p, Mon-closed
The citadel is the perfect place to get some amazing views and snap some photos as you start your visit to Cascais.
I have not been to the palace yet, but it looks beautiful and is on my “must see” list for the next time I go to Cascais.
Condes de Castro Guimarães
🗺️Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, 2750-319 Cascais, Portugal
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-1p, 2p-6p, Mon-Closed
🌐Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimarães
The art collections, Indo-Portuguese china and archaeological finds make this museum different.
Climb the tower of São Sebastião and admire this remarkable piece of Romantic architecture.
Beside the sea, with a fantastic park around it, a visit to this museum in Cascais will make your morning or afternoon unforgettable.
In all of my trips to Cascais, I am yet to go inside the Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimarães, but it is definitely on my list and looks absolutely beautiful and worth a visit. Even if you don’t make it inside the museum, the architecture and outside of Condes de Castro Guimarães is a sight in itself, and one not to miss.
Santa Marta Lighthouse & Museum
🗺️ Rua do Farol de Santa Marta, 2750-341, Cascais
🕰️Tues–Sun, 10a–1p, 2p–6p, Mon-closed
💶€3 for the museum only, €5 for museum and lighthouse
🌐Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum
I initially only wanted to go up the lighthouse and take in the view but ended up also visiting the museum and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The views from the lighthouse are beautiful and on a clear day offer sweeping views of much of the Cascais coast and ocean, well worth the climb and few euro entry fee.
The museum is small, but well executed and informative.
Boca do Inferno - Devil’s Mouth
Boca do Inferno is a chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to the Portuguese city of Cascais, in the District of Lisbon. The seawater has access to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously strikes its rocky walls, making it a popular tourist attraction.
🗺️Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália 642, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal
One of the most popular sites in Cascais, Boco do Inferno is a sight to behold. This epic natural wonder is not only unique, but will have you questioning Mother’s Nature’s design and plan.
Set a bit away from Cascais center, Boco do Inferno can be reached by uber or bolt, by bicycle or walking via the beautiful, designated walking and biking paths (the direct walk from the city center takes about 25 minutes).
⭐Food/Drinks Near Boco do Inferno
If you are looking for a bite or drink (or toilet) before or after visiting Boco do Inferno, there is a small collection of restaurants ranging from higher end (Mar do Inferno) to a lowkey burger spot and bar/snack bar (Rocha do Inferno) just a short walk away.
This is not only a great spot to stop for a bite and/or drink, but also an incredible vantage point to take in additional coastal views and enjoy a light sea breeze.
Here you will also find Mercadinho Boca do Inferno selling gifts and souvenirs.
For the Active Traveler
While Cascais offers amazing beaches to relax, sights to take in at a leisurely pace, and cafes and restaurants to enjoy slow meals (with great people watching), it is also an active traveler’s dream with paved (mostly flat!) biking and running/walking trails.
🚲Biking in Cascais
There are several options for bike rentals in Cascais, as well as some fantastic guided tours that take you throughout the town to see all the highlights and views, like these top-rated options.
🏄🏽Cascais Surfing
Cascais is also a popular beach area for beginner surfers and surf lessons, as well as beginner and more advanced windsurfers.
If you are looking to take a surf lesson, or sign the kids up for one while in Lisbon, Cascais is the perfect place to do it! These are some great, highly rated options.
🥾Hiking in Cascais
Cascais offers from beautiful hiking, including routes to/from Sintra for the more avid hiker, and light to moderate coastal trails for those seeking a bit of nature with a view without the challenge.
These are some of the most popular walks and hikes in Cascais
👟Cascais-Estoril Promenade is a 3 km flat, paved walkway along the seaside connecting Cascais center to São João do Estoril. With designated biking and walking lanes, this is the perfect path for anyone looking for a light and easy stroll while taking in breathtaking coastal views.
👟Ciclovia do Guincho is a highly popular paved path for walking or biking along the dramatic coastline, connecting Cascais center to Guincho Beach. This is a great option for anyone looking for a light walk with amazing views.
👟Boca do Inferno Trail offers a scenic walk from the Marina to the dramatic Boca do Inferno chasm. This easy 2km walk takes you along the coast and past several of the main attractions in Cascais, and (in my opinion) is the best way to see much of what of Cascais has to offer, ending at the stunning Boca do Inferno.
🥾Sintra-Cascais Natural Park Trails offer moderate to challenging trails for more advanced hikers with routes traversing the foothills of Sintra towards the coast. These trails offer incredible vistas, especially near the Sanctuary of Peninha.
🥾Cascais: Atlantic Coastline Wild Hike this 5-10km wild (but accessible) hike starts near Cabo da Roca or Guincho and s moderate to challenging trek taking approximately 4-5hrs. The trails feature dramatic sea cliffs, dunes, and hidden, secluded beaches.
⭐While this trail is accessible, it is not clearly marked and can be difficult to follow, especially for less experienced hikers, but luckily there are several guided hike options making it more widely accessible.
For more information and options for self-guided hikes in Cascais, check out AllTrails.
Best Beaches in Cascais
As much as I love the historic sites and charming downtown of Cascais, the main draw for me is the beautiful beaches within close proximity to Lisbon.
There is nothing better than a late Spring or mid-summer day on one of Portugal’s gorgeous beaches, and Cascais offers some of the best beaches near Lisbon, all easily accessible within an hour.
⭐Pro tips:
Cascais beaches get VERY crowded, especially during peak season. Arriving early (around 10a, no later than noon) is the best way to assure a comfortable spot and not have tiptoe through corwds.
There are beach bars and restaurants, but they can be quite pricey. For a budget friendly beach day, grab some snacks and drinks at a grocery store prior to heading to the beach.
These are some of the best, and most accessible beaches in Cascais.
🏖️Praia da Ribeira
Praia da Ribeira de Cascais is one of the most popular beaches in Cascais, as it is located in the heart of town, next to the marina and a very short walk from the train station.
This is a popular beach for both locals and tourists due to it’s easy access to the train station, cafes, and grocery stores, which also makes it very crowded during peak times.
This is one of the more “no frills” beaches in Cascais and lacks facilities and amenities like beach chair and umbrella rental, which also makes it a very chill and fun place to enjoy a beach day with a more lowkey crowd.
🏖️Praia da Conceição/Duquesa
Technically two separate beaches, Conceição and Duquesa are adjacent beaches separated by Chalet Faial. During low tide they merge into a single, lively stretch of coast renowned for calm, clear waters.
While expansive, Praia da Conceição/Duquesa are the most accessible from the train station, which makes them very convenient, but also very crowded during summer months.
Ammenities:
Both beaches offer sunshade rentals, sunbeds, showers, and cafes/terraces (during summer season)
🏖️Praia da Rainha
🗺️2750-482, Portugal (Rua Frederico Arouca in the old town center of Cascais)
As it is also known as “Queen's Beach”, it is no surprise this is my preferred beach in Cascais. This small beach with calm waters, surrounding rocks, and convenient access to town facilities Praia da Rainha makes for the perfect beach, but does get very crowded.
I highly recommend getting here early if visiting in the summer, as the smaller expanse of beach does fill up quickly.
It is located a bit further than Praia da Conceição Praia da Duquesa, but is well worth the short walk from the train station of public parking lots.
Amenities:
Beach bar/taberna, chair/parasol rentals, and nearby restaurants.
Where to Eat in Cascais
Admittedly, my culinary experience in Cascais is usually grab-and-go grocery store food and Super Bok on the beach and the occasional quick, casual bite so I called in the experts to help create this list of must try restaurants in Cascais.
These recommendations come from trusted foodie friends and family, Cascais locals and tour guides, so they won’t steer you wrong.
Mâide
🗺️R. Joaquim Ereira 1543 loja B, 2750-392 Cascais, Portugal
💶€€
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-10p, Mon-Closed
🥬Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly
Highly recommended for breakfast and brunch, Mâide has a cozy-chic aesthetic with a robust menu featuring fresh, healthy options. From juices and smoothie bowls to delicious savory dishes, meat and fish to vegan, this favorite Cascais casual eatery has something for everyone.
Taberna Clandestina Cascais
Restaurant and Bar, with Portuguese and Italian snacks, a must-see for locals and explorers!
Relaxed service but very attentive!
Whether it's the house iced tea or a personalized cocktail, the important thing is to order, and enjoy the street life, if you want to date or talk business, we have three interior rooms where you can take refuge!
🗺️R. Afonso Sanches 36, 2750-281 Cascais, Portugal
🕰️Daily 12p-11p
💶€€
I LOVE this place!
If you are looking for lowkey, casual, fun vibes with great drinks and tasty bites, this is the place for you.
In a beach town that has a modern, touristic feel, this casual restaurant in Cascais maintains old world charm and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Visconde da Luz
Visconde da Luz is a traditional Portuguese cuisine restaurant, located in the heart of the quiet village of Cascais. Since our beginnings in 1976, we have been creating an unparalleled dining experience, steeped in tradition and charm. Our restaurant sits proudly in the middle of a lush garden, offering a serene haven and the best Portuguese flavors near the blue embrace of the sea.
Visit our restaurant, where culinary heritage meets coastal bliss, and each bite tells a story of tradition, dedication and the soul of Cascais
🗺️S/N, Jardim Visconde da Luz, 2750-416 Cascais, Portugal
💶€€€
🕰️Tues-Sun 12:30p-3:30p, 7p-11p, Mon-Closed
🐟 Seafood
For an amazing seafood experience, Visconde da Luz is well worth the splurge. My cousin and his wife had their anniversary dinner here and absolutely raved about it.
Highlights they noted was the freshness of the food, portion sizes, and impeccable service. My cousin’s wife loved the traditional decor and commented on how it was one of the only places they visited in Cascais that felt “truly Portuguese, and not just ‘beach town’”.
Furnas do Guincho
Furnas do Guincho overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
The terraces and interior spaces have been designed and decorated so that you can enjoy a welcoming, quiet and discreet experience. The privileged location over the sea and the fish and seafood of impeccable quality and freshness compete for the prominence of this restaurant, located in one of the most beloved places in Cascais – Estrada do Guincho.
🗺️Estrada do Guincho, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal
🕰️Daily 12:30p-12a (kitchen hours: 12:30p–6:30 p, 7:30p-10p)
💶€€€
🐟 Seafood
Views on top of views, with amazing food, and exceptional service, what could be better?
My friend went here on a date and still talks about the meal she had and how amazing the overall experience was (even though the guy was a dud). While the food was incredible, she also gave a shout out to the cocktails and suggested going for just cocktails and lite-bites to take in the view if a full dining experience is out of budget.
Restaurante Monte Mar
The restaurant combines its privileged location on Guincho Road with flavours straight from the sea.
From hake fillets with cockle rice to seafood cataplana, as well as the fantastic iscas à Portuguesa, all dishes are rich in flavour and freshness, served in a peaceful and familiar environment.
🗺️Avenida Nossa Senhora Do Cabo, 2750-004 Guincho, Portugal
🌟Can also be found at Lisbon Time Out Market
🕰️Tues-Sun 12p-5p, 7p-11p Mon-closed
💶€€€
🐟 Seafood
My friend took me here several years ago as our last dinner splurge when she came to visit and we had an incredible seafood feast. We both loved the “elevated casual” vibe that made the experience feel special but not stuffy and the views were the icing the cake for this Cascais seafood restaurant.
We ordered a couple of starters and two entrees to share and were not disappointed in a single bite.
Entráguas
I spend most of my time
here in the restaurant...
So, I tried to create an environment where I feel at home.
-Maria Ana PintoOwner
🗺️Av. da República, 2750-331 Cascais, Portugal
🕰️Tues-Sun 12:30p-3:30p, 7p-10:30p, Mon-Closed
💶€€€
🚺Woman owned
🐟Seafood
This Cascais seafood restaurant has come highly recommended by numerous locals and tour guides, and has made its way to the top of my list for the next time I am in Cascais with friends or family.
The menu offers an incredible selection of fish and shellfish, as well as meat, desert, and a dreamy Portuguese wine list.
Sen
🗺️Av. Marginal 5579 Piso 0, 2765-603 Estoril, Portugal
🕰️Daily 12:30p-2:30p, 6:30p-10:30p
💶€€
🥬Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly
🍜Vietnamese
If you are not a seafood lover, or just looking for something different while in Cascais, SEN Vietnamese is one of the best Asian restaurants in the area, if not in all of Portugal.
Featuring a traditional menu with fresh ingredients and a broad range of options from meat-forward to vegan, this is the perfect place for anyone from solo diners to a group.
Porto Santa Maria
Fortaleza do Guincho (Michelin ⭐)
Originally with a classic ´cuisine´ have Portuguese products and traditions been gaining more and more prominence at Fortaleza do Guincho. Our philosophy is based and inspired by our surroundings including the Atlantic, the background setting of the Hotel.
🗺️Estrada do Guincho 2413, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal
💶€€€€
🍽️Fine Dining - tasting menus
🌐Restaurants - Fortaleza do Guincho
📧reservations@guinchotel.pt - for reservations
Located in a 17th century fortification, now converted into a hotel, the Fortaleza do Guincho hotel restaurant is a bit of a trek, but absolutely worth it.
Featuring a one-of-a-kind tasting menu, curated from fresh local ingredients, I have been told this is “not just a meal, but an entire experience”, and one I hope to personally enjoy in the near future.
Where to Stay in Cascais
While Cascais is often a day, or half day, trip from Lisbon, it is also an ideal place to spend a night of two while visiting Portugal if you are looking to slow down and enjoy some beach town vibes.
Whether you are looking for a solo retreat, family friendly beach stay, romantic getaway, or group trip fun, Cascais has something for everyone.
These are some of the top recommended hotels in Cascais that I gathered from friends and family, local guides and residents, and visiting myself to utilize amenities and cafes.
Hotel Baia
🗺️Passeio D. Luís I, Cascais, 2754-509
🅿️Self parking (€12/day)
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏻👦🏻 Family Friendly
🛗Elevator
🍳Breakfast included
🏖️2 minute walk to beach
🏊🏽♂️Indoor Pool
🚫🐶Pets not allowed
🧺Laundry service available (for a fee)
If you are seeking a luxe stay, without the luxury price point, Hotel Baia is an ideal choice. With comfortable rooms, highly rated service and incredible beach views, this Cascais hotel is a top choice for travelers.
featuring one of the most incredible rooftop terraces in Cascais, this four stay Cascais hotel is just steps from 2 of Cascais’s most popular beaches and is within short walking distance of all the historic town center has to offer.
For availability and booking, click here!
Luxury Hotels in Cascais
ARTSY Cascais
Elegant retreat in central Cascais
Cascais' historic park frames the rooftop pool, a quiet oasis for afternoon relaxation. The restaurant offers exquisite cuisine with 5-star service. Mornings feature a delectable à la carte breakfast with homemade sourdough, all minutes from the beach and town center.
🗺️Av. Dom Carlos I, 246, Cascais, Lisboa, 2750-310
🅿️Valet on-site parking (€22/nt)
✈️24 hr airport shuttle (for a fee)
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏻👦🏻 Family Friendly
🍽️On-site bar/lounge and restaurant
🏊🏽♂️Seasonal outdoor pool (May 01 - Oct 31)
🛗Elevator
🚫🐶Pets not allowed
🧺Laundry service available (for a fee)
My cousin and his wife spent a night at this five-star Cascais hotel and said their only regret was not staying longer.
They loved the “luxury, but not pretentious vibe” of the hotel and raved about the service and location. While they enjoyed a romantic night away at ARTSY Cascais, they also said their teenage kids would have loved it.
For availably and booking info, click here!
The Albatroz Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗺️R. Frederico Arouca 100, 2750-353 Cascais, Portugal
🅿️Free on-site parking (self and valet)
✈️24 hr airport shuttle (for a fee)
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏻👦🏻 Family Friendly - child care services, cribs, roll away beds available
🍳Breakfast included
🏖️Direct beach access
🏊🏽♂️Outdoor Pool
🛗Elevator
🐶Pets allowed (fee applies)
🧺Laundry service available (for a fee)
When it comes to beachfront luxury, The Albatroz Hotel, is unmatched in the greater Lisbon area. This luxury cliffside hotel is the perfect escape for any couple, family, or solo traveler looking to slow down and sink into coastal life.
With endless amenities, stunning coastline views, easy access to the beach and town center this Cascais hotel is everything you could dream of for the perfect beach stay.
For availably and booking info, click here!
Interactive Map of Cascais Attractions & Restaurants
Use the below map of Cascais attractions, beaches, and restaurants to help plan your perfect day trip from Lisbon to Cascais!
I came to Portugal 4 years ago & fell in love.
Since then, I spend half the year in Portugal, exploring the country like both a local & a curious traveler—sharing insights on popular spots, gems, & where to eat, wander, & soak in the magic of everyday Portuguese life.
Follow all of my adventures on Instagram & Facebook!
