Cascais - Discovering Portugal

Travelling to Cascais

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Cascais, a pretty good destination in Portugal (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Cascais and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Cascais, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Portugal, here's everything to know about Cascais for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Cascais

Cascais is a coastal town and popular tourist destination located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, Portugal. It is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, and rich history. In the past, it was a fishing village and a popular summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but now it has become a vibrant center for tourism, culture, and sports. Cascais has a mild climate throughout the year and offers visitors a wide range of activities, from water sports to golfing to horseback riding. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodations to choose from, making it an excellent place to explore and enjoy.

What to visit in Cascais

Here are some tourist attractions in Cascais, Portugal along with some information for each: 1. Boca do Inferno: This offers a breathtaking view of the sea and a natural rock formation that resembles a gaping mouth. The strong waves of the sea hit the rocks with immense force, making it a great spot for photography.
2. Cascais Marina: This scenic marina is an ideal destination to enjoy sea view, watch colorful boats, and dine at the waterfront restaurants. You can take a walk along the dock or book a boating trip to explore the dazzling coastline.
3. Guincho Beach: This is a popular sandy beach among the surfers as it has high waves with long stretch of golden sand. It is a great place to sunbath and has some good seafood restaurants.
4. The Palace of Cascais: This stately building was once a summer residence of the royal family. One can visit the palace and imagine the aristocratic life lived by the kings in the past.
5. Sea Museum: Located beside the marina, this museum shares Cascais's maritime history through interactive exhibits and boat models. It's a great place to learn something new about the city's seafaring past. 6. Cascais Hippodrome: A recreational center for horse racing, the Cascais Hippodrome offers options for betting on the races with a chance to win big prizes. 7. Pena Park: Located just outside of Cascais, this park is a vast area of lush greenery, gardens, and walking paths. It is an ideal spot for picnics and to admire the scenic beauty of the Sintra region. Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Cascais!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Portugal, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Cascais.

When to go on holiday to Cascais

The best time to visit Cascais is between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. However, the peak season is in July and August, when the town can get quite crowded and expensive. If you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, visit during the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October, as the temperatures are still warm and the crowds are less. The winter months (December-March) tend to be cooler and rainy, but Cascais can still be a pleasant destination for activities like hiking and exploring the historic sites.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Cascais

Cascais is a beautiful destination in Portugal and it can be reached through various transportation modes. Here is how: 1. By Train: The easiest and the most affordable way to travel from Lisbon to Cascais is by train. You can take the Lisbon-Cascais line that connects both the cities. Trains run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes. There is also an option to buy a ticket that allows unlimited use of trains and buses in the region.
2. By Bus: If you prefer taking a bus, you can take the Praia das Maçãs bus from Lisbon to Cascais. Buses run twice a day and the journey takes around 1 hour.
3. By Taxi: Taxis are available at Lisbon airport and they can take you to Cascais as well. The ride takes around 30-45 minutes and costs around 35-40 euros.
4. By Car: If you prefer driving, you can take the A5 highway from Lisbon to Cascais. The journey takes around 30 minutes. There are several car rental companies available at Lisbon airport.
I hope this information is helpful. Enjoy your trip to Cascais!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Cascais, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Cascais

Sure, here are some typical foods of Cascais, Portugal with a brief description of each: 1. Seafood Cataplana - A flavorful seafood stew made with a variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, and spices.
2. Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato - A dish made of clams cooked in garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine.
3. Prego no Pão - A beef sandwich with juicy steak, typically cooked with garlic and served on a Portuguese bread called "papo seco." 4. Sardinha Assada - Grilled sardines marinated with salt and olive oil, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
5. Feijocada - A hearty stew made with white beans, vegetables, and meats such as pork, chorizo, and bacon.
6. Bacalhau à Brás - A dish made of salted codfish, potato shavings, onions, and eggs, sautéed together and served with olives and parsley.
7. Arroz de Marisco - A seafood rice dish made with a medley of shellfish, tomato, onion, garlic, and rice cooked in fish broth.
These are just a few of the delicious and traditional dishes you can find in Cascais, Portugal.
You can find general info about typical foods in Portugal here.

Is Cascais an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other destinations in Portugal, Cascais can be considered more expensive due to its popularity among tourists and its prime location on the coast near Lisbon. However, there are still many affordable options for accommodations, dining, and activities in the area. It is recommended to research and compare prices before booking to find the best deals.

Where to find accomodation in Cascais

It is recommended to stay in areas near the Cascais city center such as Cascais Marina, Cascais Bay, Monte Estoril, or the historic center of Cascais. These areas offer easy access to the beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and tourist attractions in Cascais. Additionally, Estoril, a nearby town, is also a good option to find accommodation as it is located just a few kilometers from Cascais and offers a range of hotels, resorts, and apartments to choose from.
You can check hotel prices at Cascais here:
Booking.com

Is Cascais a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Cascais is generally considered a safe place for tourists. It is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign visitors, and the local authorities take great care to maintain a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. Visitors should always take standard precautionary measures such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding walking alone in isolated or unfamiliar areas at night. However, overall, Cascais is a safe destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Portugal here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Cascais.

What type of travelers will enjoy Cascais the most?

Cascais (Portugal) is a versatile destination that can satisfy many different types of travelers. Couples looking for a relaxing and romantic holiday will enjoy the charming coastal town of Cascais, with its picturesque streets, sandy beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Young people looking for adventure and fun will also enjoy what Cascais has to offer, from surfing and water sports to nightlife and cultural activities.
Families will appreciate the town's family-friendly beaches and parks, as well as the many activities and attractions available for children, including the Cascais Aquarium and the Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth) cliff formations.
Overall, Cascais is a destination suitable for all types of travelers, whether you are looking for a peaceful escape, an exciting adventure or a family-friendly vacation.

How to get around Cascais

Cascais (Portugal) is a relatively small town, so it is easy to move around on foot or by bike. However, if you prefer using public transportation, there are several options: - Buses: The bus system in Cascais is operated by ScottUrb and covers many of the town's main destinations. You can buy tickets on board the bus or at any of the authorized vendors, such as kiosks and train stations.
- Trains: Cascais is also served by a train line, which connects it to Lisbon and other cities along the coast. The train station is located in the center of town, making it convenient for visitors who want to explore other areas.
- Taxis: Taxis are easy to find in Cascais and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app. They are a practical option for short distances or to get to places with limited public transportation access.
- Car Rental: If you prefer renting a car, there are several rental companies operating in Cascais, where you can hire a vehicle to explore the town and the surrounding areas at your leisure.

What to see around Cascais

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Cascais: 1. Sintra: located just 20 minutes away from Cascais, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gorgeous palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors.
2. Cabo da Roca: this is the westernmost point of Europe and is just a 30-minute drive from Cascais. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular spot for sunset-watching.
3. Obidos: a charming medieval town located an hour away from Cascais, with perfectly preserved walls and a romantic atmosphere. You can walk through the narrow streets, taste the famous ginjinha liquor, and admire the colorful houses.
4. Mafra: around 45 minutes away from Cascais, this small town is home to the imposing Palace-Convent of Mafra, one of the largest historical buildings in Portugal. You can also visit the adjacent park and the Tapada Nacional de Mafra wildlife reserve.
5. Arrabida Natural Park: located about an hour away from Cascais, this park offers breathtaking views of the Sado River and the Atlantic, as well as beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and even dolphin watching. It's a great spot for nature lovers.
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