Cascais- 10 alluring sights to discover in the seaside town near Lisbon

The enchanting vibes of Cascais belong to its gorgeous parks, beaches, laidback atmosphere and Portuguese spirit. Cascais is a perfect day trip from Lisbon, very popular all year, particularly in summer. Just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, Cascais will offer a retreating shine from the busy city.

Once a fishermen’s village, Cascais now enjoys the royal family’s presence. It’s a fantastic place to treat yourself with Portuguese delicacies and admire the slow rhythm. You’ll have also plenty of reasons to adore Cascais thanks to the traditional tiles.

Among various day trips from Lisbon, Cascais charmingly blends coastal elegance and relaxing inspiration. Visiting Cascais is worth more than a day trip, but if you’re short on time it will deliciously retreat you.

Get the impressive insights of Cascais in my Instagram reel.

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Shortly about the history of Cascais

Nestled between Sintra and Lisbon, Cascais was during its foundation in the 12th century under the administration of Sintra. As a summer residence of the royal family, Cascais enjoyed its popularity. It helped electricity to flourish in the city starting in 1878.

Not only the Portuguese kings enjoyed the allure of Cascais but also the English King Edward VIII, King Umberto II of Italy, king Juan Carlos of Spain.

King Carlos II installed the first Oceanographic laboratory in Portugal here. Cascais became of a home of the numerous Portuguese aristocrats who built their villas here.

Awesome beaches in Cascais

As you enter Cascais from the train station, it’s a short walk to the lovely Praia da Rainha.

Beautifully seen from the viewpoint above, you’ll enjoy having your first postcard from Cascais here. Among the wonderful beaches of Cascais Praia da Rainha deserves the crown. Pouring the relaxing vibes, enjoy the seaside magic before exploring the town.

Once a private beach of Queen Amelia in 1880, it becomes very crowded during summer.

Unveiling the view to the mountains of Sintra lies one of the prettiest beaches in the region, Guincho Beach. Being completely natural, the dune system evolved into this stunning beach. You can even see the cliffs of Cabo da Roca in the background, inspiring you to surf here.

Close to Praia do Rainha lies an old beach for fishing boats, Praia da Ribeira.

Following the coast a bit further you’ll see Praia de Duquesa that follows the so-called seaside pools.

Visit the Old town of Cascais

Cascais is a charming town and you can admire it wandering on the route to the castle and Lighthouse. After exploring the lovely shops be ready to try the local seafood restaurants.

The vibrant atmosphere blends with the royal history as you stroll this picturesque town. At the typical calçada portuguesa at its cobblestone streets you’ll notice the fantastically designed wavy patterns.

Such a perfect place to enjoy the local delicacies and seafood, Cascais will completely allure you.

Condes de Castro Museum

Though small, this marvelous museum unveils the prettiest tiles I have seen. Surrounded by the charming park, having a refreshment in Cascais starts here.

Visiting the Castro Guimarães Museum is possibly the highlight of Cascais with the fascinating world of artwork. This includes authentic furniture and an incredible interior.

In the past, it was the home of the wealthy family of the Count de Castro Guimaraes.

Escaping the Sun feels so cozy in the Parque Marechal Carmona, just next to the Museum. Seeing the beautiful tiles is inevitable and you might even meet the lovely peacocks and ducks.

Check Conde de Castro Museum further in my Instagram reel.

Santa Maria lighthouse

Perfect to have a Cascais postcard, pondering into relaxing moment goes well here. Once an old fort, now it’s a small museum to learn about the history of Portuguese lighthouses.

Taking roots back in 1868 thanks to the Portuguese Navy, you’ll have a unique opportunity to learn about the lighthouses.

Capturing Santa Maria lighthouse’s blue and white stripes would be the best from the little bay across. It’s the closest to the Museum Condes de Caistro, rather than taking the photos directly onsite.

Casa de Santa Maria is a beautiful villa from 1902 and now a small museum, just next to the lighthouses. Being the home of many royal families, it doesn’t lack stunning Portuguese tiles.

Explore Marina & Citadel

Following an amazing Citadel, soak up the boat views at Marina where you can wander around its shops and restaurants.

Can you imagine a fortress which also a hotel and Art Center? If it sounds inspiring to visit, you’ll learn about the royal history of Cascais and enjoy the enchanting design.

Plenty of art galleries and charming shops, I wish that I visited it myself. Buying some souvenirs here will be your unique travel gift to bring home.

Boca de Inferno

It’s a bit of walk from the central Cascais where you can admire the stunning cliff formations. Witnessing the wonders of nature will bring you to this incredible archway and accompanying seaside views.

Casa de Guia & lighthouse

At the outskirts of Cascais hides the wonderful mansion with excellent shops and restaurants. Of course, you’ll not miss the incredible Portuguese tiles and fascinating seaside views.

Casa da Guia offers delicious meals, including Amazonian flavours and awesome acai bowls. THe picturesque lighthouse de Guia will enrich your experiences , particularly during the sunset.

Cresmina Dunes hiking

If you’re staying for several days in Cascais, your hiking adventures perfectly blend with the Portuguese spirit. Within the Cresmina Dunes you’ll find the wooden footpath as you unveil the desert vibes.

Stretching over 66 hectars, Cresmina Dunes offers more than Cascais. At the visitor center stop in a small cafe and relax on the beautiful terrace. Close to Guincho Beach, take a chance to soak up its waters.

Cabo da Roca

Staying few days in Cascais will reveal another epic destination in Portugal- Cabo da Roca. The most western point in Europe is just a 40-minute bus ride from Cascais.

With the bus 403 you can enjoy scenic ride and reach the stunning cliffs. Admiring the view along the charming lighthouse is an impressive experience and you shouldn’t miss it.

Just to warn you, the wind is pretty strong so dress accordingly.

Praia da Ursa is a secluded beach offering a 45-minute hike from Cabo da Roca.  

Oreiras- a lovely town with beautiful villas

Oreiras is not so stylish and fascinating like Cascais, but it’s worth visiting due to its amazing villas and parks. I was lucky to visit Cascais in off-season so visiting my friends in Oreiras was cherry on the top.

Palace Marque de Plombal with its enchanting garden is completely free of charge and such a gem near Lisbon.

Visiting Parque de las Poetas unveils the awesome names of Portuguese poetry. Such a stunning oasis of relaxation is not actually in Oreiras, but in Paco de Arcos (one train station before).

You can easily visit Oreiras on the same train that leads to Cascais.

Where to stay

Ljmonade– the stunning hostel in the heart of Cascais with beautiful murals and plenty of activities.

Casa Vela Boutique House– with charming garden including lake and waterfalls in central Cascais you can also enjoy the spa

BCascais Boutique House by Apt In Cascais Center– cozy rooms and lovely garden near the central beach

Villa Bicuda Resort– a gorgeous and affordable place 3 km from the center with outdoor pools and onsite bakery.

Cascais in a one-day

Visiting Cascais is one day is a wonderful retreat from Lisbon, especially in the off-season. You can easily visit all the main sights in a cozy way and enjoy a lovely meal.

Of course, if you’re into swimming and hiking around I would recommend staying a few days .Why not let yourself absorb the incredible royal vibes and experience Cascais more than a surface?

Final thoughts

Portugal will easily pour its magic to you and choosing Cascais will bring awesome coastal vibes. Together with the fairy-tale Sintra, Cascais is the most stunning day trip from Lisbon. Though the Algarve with its hidden beauties offers the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cascais has a special royal charm. Don’t hesitate to visit Cascais and even stay a few days to include scenic hiking in your itinerary.

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