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.
This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.
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. Â
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.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
I’ve been to Lisbon but have not visited the beach. Looks like I need to travel there again in the future. Hehehe…
Yes, I’ve also been several times and love POrtuguese vibes, always something new to choose
Every time I hear about Lisbon I instantly think of a small dirty town in Ohio, but this is way nicer than that little town LOL Looks wonderful!
Thanks but Cascais is another town, a true coastal gem close to Lisbon. It’s wonderful you have some Portuguese and Lisbon vibes in Ohio
I am so glad I stumbled across this blog as I am heading to Cascais in in June and I’ll be using your tips as reference on where to go and what to see. The photos look absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing all this info!
so very glad for your beautiful comment, you’ll love Cascais
Those seaside cliffs are mesmerizing! What a great hidden gem.
Cascais is one of our favorite places to stay while in the Lisbon area. Sunset near Casa da Guia is wonderful, biking out to Guincho Beach and enjoying lunch at Bar do Guincho are on our list for every visit.
You seem to be traveling all the time. Lucky you. This is another lovely place to add to my bucket list.
The beaches and architecture are amazing. Great suggestions.
Love this Cascais guide, Gabi! Your post makes me want to expand beyond my usual French spots! That bit about Queen Amelia’s private beach made me smile – royal perks, right? Those tiles at Castro Guimarães Museum look incredible – similar to southern Spain but with that distinctive Portuguese character.
What strikes me is how Cascais blends royal history with natural beauty. We have glamorous coastal towns in France too, but those dramatic cliffs at Boca do Inferno look unique! I’ve done Lisbon before but clearly missed out by skipping that 40-minute train ride. Your post convinces me Cascais deserves more than just a day trip. Bookmarking this for my next adventure!
Ohh wow, this looks like such an amazing place to visit. I’m surprised it isn’t talked about more because it sounds like it has it all there. Definitely a hidden gem!
I definitely need to visit Cascais next time I travel to Portugal. I didn’t have time on my last trip. I would like to see the Condes de Castro Museum! It looks pretty impressive.
I just recently went to Cascais and I really loved it. I’m hoping to revisit because it was really overcast the day I went, but I was still in awe of its beauty. I also had the opportunity to sample the delicious seafood.
Wonderfully inspiring post.
Caascais looks like a hidden gem in Portugal. I would love to enjoy the palace and scenic views there. It would be nice to hike down that boardwalk. Your blog post has given me tips on what to do as I am headed to Portugal soon.