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    Cascais

    Portugal

    Cascais

    City

    Cascais is located about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Portugal
    7. Lisbon Metropolitan Area
    9. Cascais
    Cascais is located about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast. The former fishing village became a summer residence for the royal family in the 19th century and is now a popular beach resort and residential town with an old town, a marina, small city beaches, and a rocky coast that stretches west to Cabo da Roca.

    Sights in Cascais

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Boca do Inferno
    Attraction

    1Boca do Inferno

    A collapsed sea cave in the cliffs west of Cascais, into which the Atlantic Ocean crashes through a rock arch. In rough seas, water sprays meters high; in calm seas, it appears rather unspectacular. From the viewing platform on the coastal road, you look into the bay; the rocks are slippery when wet.
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    Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

    2Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

    An early 20th-century villa on a small bay next to Marechal Carmona Park, now a museum. It showcases the original furnishings, furniture, porcelain, and art of the former owner, as well as a large historical library.
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    Cidadela de Cascais

    3Cidadela de Cascais

    The harbourside fortress, built from the 16th and 17th centuries, protected the Tagus estuary. From 1870, King Luís I used it as a summer residence. Today it houses a hotel, studios, and galleries; the courtyard is freely accessible. The Presidential Palace inside can be visited on guided tours.
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    Farol Museu de Santa Marta

    4Farol Museu de Santa Marta

    The lighthouse, adorned with blue-and-white tiles, was built in 1868 on a small fortress at the harbour entrance. Since 2007, it has served as a museum dedicated to the history of Portuguese lighthouses, showcasing lenses, lamps, and signalling technology; the tower itself can be climbed.
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    Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção
    Church

    5Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

    The Parish Church at Largo da Assunção has a simple exterior, but its interior features Azulejo walls, gilded altars, and 17th and 18th-century paintings.
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    Praia do Guincho
    Beach

    6Praia do Guincho

    Long sandy beach in front of the dunes of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, about eight kilometers west of Cascais. The beach is openly exposed to wind and surf, making it a spot for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. For swimming, it's only moderately suitable due to currents and cold water; observe lifeguard flags.
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    City walks in Cascais

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Cliffs, Delicacies and Royal Residences in Cascais

    This walk takes you off the beaten track, from lively local markets and historic palaces to the dramatic cliffs and secret coves of Cascais' western coast. Experience a different side of this charming town, far from the central bustle.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafés

    Mar do Inferno

    Located directly at Boca do Inferno, this restaurant offers spectacular views and the freshest fish and seafood of the very highest quality. Enjoy exquisite Portuguese cuisine in an upscale ambiance, while the sound of the waves creates a truly perfect backdrop. A culinary experience that you simply cannot afford to miss.
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    Dom Dinis Restaurante

    In the heart of Cascais, you'll find Dom Dinis, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Portuguese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Here, try traditional dishes like Arroz de Marisco or Bacalhau à Brás, prepared with fresh local ingredients. An ideal place to experience the true flavors of Portugal in a relaxed and welcoming ambiance.
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    House of Wonders

    If you’re looking for something different, the House of Wonders is a fantastic choice. This colorful and artistic café-restaurant offers an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh juices, and homemade cakes. Its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and beautiful courtyard make it a perfect spot for a healthy lunch or a cozy afternoon coffee.
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    Taberna Clandestina Cascais

    Fleischplatten, Focaccia-Sandwiches und Pasta sowie Cocktails in einer trendigen Taverne mit Terrasse.
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    Food & Beverages

    The gastronomy of Cascais is strongly influenced by the sea, with fresh fish and seafood dominating the menus. Here you'll find both traditional Portuguese cuisine in establishments like Dom Dinis Restaurante, as well as upscale fish restaurants such as the renowned Mar do Inferno.

    Fish on the Grill

    Many restaurants along the harbor and coastal road serve the daily catch by weight, grilled with potatoes and salad.

    Arroz de marisco

    Juicy seafood rice, served in a pot, usually for two people.

    Santini

    A gelateria, founded in 1949 in Estoril by an Italian family, now with a branch in Cascais' Old Town.

    History & Character

    From Fishing Village to Seaside ResortFor centuries, Cascais was a fishing village, fortified at the Tejo estuary entrance. From 1870, King Luís I summered in the Citadel, drawing nobility and wealthy citizens who built coastal villas. With the 1889 Lisbon railway opening, the town evolved into a seaside resort. In the 20th century, Cascais and Estoril hosted many exiled monarchs and refugees.Art and MuseumsAround Marechal Carmona Park lie several museums, including the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, dedicated to the Portuguese-born painter, and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, in a seaside villa. Today, the Citadel houses a hotel, studios, and galleries.

    Nightlife

    In Cascais, nightlife is more about relaxed evenings and social gatherings, with a selection of bars and occasional clubs open until the early morning hours. The center offers cozy spots for a drink, while venues such as the SOLO CLUB Cascais also provide opportunities for dancing.
    1

    Hífen

    Bar in Av. Dom Carlos I 48.
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    2

    Crow Bar

    Bar in Tv. da Misericórdia 1.
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    3

    Cascais Jazz Club

    Bar in Largo Cidade de Vitória 36.
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    Getting There & Around

    By Train and On FootThe Linha de Cascais departs from Lisbon-Cais do Sodré along the coast via Oeiras and Estoril to Cascais; the journey takes around 40 minutes. The Navegante card is valid. Old town, port, and city beaches are within walking distance of the station.To Boca do Inferno, walk from the center along the coast for about 20 minutes.To Praia do Guincho and Sintra, buses depart from the bus station at the shopping center next to the train station.A cycle path connects Cascais with Guincho.The seafront promenade to Estoril is about three kilometers long and flat.

    Accommodations in Cascais

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    Campgrounds in Cascais

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      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
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      • 1Boca do Inferno3 days
      • 2Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães4 days
      • 3Cidadela de Cascais5 days
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    Nearby

    Sintra

    Sintra

    Sintra is located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Lisbon on the slopes of the forested Sintra Mountains. For centuries a summer residence for kings and nobility, the small town is today known for its palaces, castles, and parks, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage as a cultural landscape since 1995.
    Belém

    Belém

    Belém lies six kilometres west of the Old Town on the Tagus, the departure point for discovery voyages in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside museums, parks, and the pastry shop where Pastéis de Belém have been baked since 1837.
    Bairro Alto

    Bairro Alto

    The Bairro Alto is located on a hill west of Baixa and was laid out in a grid in the 16th century. By day, a quiet residential area with small shops and studios, the narrow streets fill up from late evening with people standing outside tiny bars. On its edge lie Chiado and two of the city's most famous viewpoints.
    Baixa Pombalina

    Baixa Pombalina

    The Baixa Pombalina is the lower town located between Rossio and Tejo. After the 1755 earthquake, Marquês de Pombal had it rebuilt in a grid pattern, featuring uniform facades and one of Europe's earliest earthquake-proof constructions. Today, it serves as the old town's business center, offering pedestrian zones, squares, and traditional shops.
    Lisbon Metropolitan Area

    Lisbon Metropolitan Area

    The **Lisbon Metropolitan Area** comprises the capital and 17 surrounding municipalities on both sides of the Tagus estuary. Besides Lisbon's Old Town, it includes the Sintra Palace Landscape, the coastal towns along the Linha de Cascais, and the Serra da Arrábida on the south bank, all accessible by suburban train or ferry.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI