Cascais holidays

How to reach Cascais

Flight time: Non-stop flights to Lisbon, the nearest airport to Cascais, from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and other major UK airports take around 2 hours 40 minutes.

Transfer time: Taxis or rideshares directly from Lisbon Airport to Cascais take 30 to 40 minutes. You can also take a bus or metro to Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon, followed by a 40-minute train ride to Cascais.

Price: A one-way train ticket from Lisbon to Cascais costs around €2.50. A taxi from Lisbon Airport to Cascais will set you back €40–€50.

Best time to visit Cascais

Cascais holidays are enjoyable all year, due to the town’s mild, pleasant climate, but the best time to visit largely depends on whether you plan to bask in the sun or prefer a quieter season.

April to June offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures hovering around 16°C to 22°C, up to 9 hours of sunshine a day and sporadic rainfall. If you prefer exploring without summer crowds, this season is for you.

July to August is Cascais’ peak season. With temperatures averaging around 25°C, up to 11 hours of sunshine daily, and minimal rain, it’s a beachgoer’s dream. However, the town can get crowded and prices may be higher than the rest of the year.

September to November brings cooler weather and crowds quickly begin to thin. Autumn temperatures range from 21°C in September to 15°C in November, so they are still comfortable. This time of year is ideal for coastal walks or indulging in Cascais’ culinary delights.

December to March offers mild winters with temperatures hovering around 12°C to 15°C. Although rainfall is more frequent, sunny days are still common (4 to 5 hours of sunshine daily), making it a peaceful winter escape.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Cascais, particularly in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Life here has a relaxed pace. Friendly greetings like “bom dia” (good morning) are always appreciated.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are abundant, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although some smaller establishments may prefer cash.

• Getting around: Cascais is compact and perfectly walkable. The local bus network covers nearby beaches and towns, with tickets costing around €1.50.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with Type C and F plugs, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Cascais operates on Western European Time, the same as the UK.

Best things to do in Cascais

Cascais is a handsome resort of grand mansions and former fishermen’s houses wrapped around a bay dotted with sandy beaches, making it a perfect holiday destination.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Boca do Inferno: This dramatic coastal cliff formation is a top local attraction. The power of the Atlantic’s waves crashing against the rocks is a sight to behold, especially in the midst of winter storms.

• Santa Marta Lighthouse: The distinctive blue-and-white-striped Santa Marta Lighthouse now doubles as a small museum. The panoramic views of the marina and ocean are worth the climb, as is the fine terrace café.

The best districts

• Cascais old town: The mosaic-paved and partly pedestrianised streets of Cascais old town have almost as much allure as its beaches. The area exudes a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for soaking up Cascais’ vibrant vibe.

• Guincho coastline: Praia do Guincho is one of the biggest surfing destinations in Portugal. It’s an enormous sandy beach and though the waves are often too big to allow for swimming, it’s a superb place for surfing and windsurfing.

Parks and gardens

• Marechal Carmona Park: This nice park offers a small zoo, a serene pond, a playground and plenty of picnic areas. Colourful peacocks roam freely in the park.

• Gandarinha Park: A peaceful escape with a mini-zoo and small lake, the leafy expanses of Gandarinha Park are ideal for tranquil strolls or morning jogs.

Historical monuments

• Cascais Citadel: The citadel was built in the 17th century to help defend the mouth of the Tagus, but by 1870, it had become a summer home for the royal family. Today, you can visit the lower-floor exhibition space and the top two floors. There’s also a lovely tea room with fine views over the ocean.

• Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães (Counts of Castro Guimarães Museum): On the seafront side of Gandarinha Park stands the Counts of Castro Guimarães Museum-Library within the former grand mansion of the Counts of Guimarães. It is now a house museum, and you are free to wander round the opulent rooms filled with period furniture, paintings and antiques.

Day trips in the area

• Sintra: Just a short train ride from Cascais, Sintra is a fairy-tale town filled with colourful palaces, romantic gardens and hilltop castles. The Pena Palace, National Palace, Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira are the key highlights.

• Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is just 40 minutes by train. Strung out over a series of hills facing the glistening waters of the Tejo estuary, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most handsome cities. Admire its hills and cobbled alleys which are still served by ancient trams and funiculars that rattle along streets where old-fashioned shops and cafés far outnumber the multinationals.

• Cabo da Roca: A 15km trip from Cascais takes you to this dramatic clifftop point, Cabo da Roca. It’s officially the most westerly point on the mainland and below the cape’s lighthouse you’ll see how Atlantic breakers slam the cliffs.

Activities for families in Cascais

A fantastic family-friendly destination, Cascais combines natural beauty and fun-filled attractions catering to all ages.

• Beaches: Cascais is home to family-friendly beaches such as Praia da Rainha and Praia de Carcavelos. The calm, shallow waters make them perfect for young swimmers and sandcastle builders.

• Cycling along the coast: Rent bikes for the whole family and ride the scenic coastal path from Cascais to Guincho Beach. It’s a safe and picturesque route with plenty of places to stop.

• Museum of the Sea: The modern and engaging Museum of the Sea relates the town’s relationship with the sea, via a fascinating collection of model boats, fossils and stuffed fish. There are also stories about and finds from various local shipwrecks that children in particular will enjoy.

Free things to do in Cascais

Exploring Cascais doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free activities that allow you to enjoy your stay in the area without spending a cent.

• Marina de Cascais: Just below the Cascais fortress is the entrance to the Marina de Cascais, an enclave of expensive yachts serviced by restaurants, bars and boutiques. The flashy marina is well worth a visit and the good news is that there’s no entrance fee.

• Mercado da Vila: On Wednesdays and Saturdays Cascais hosts Mercado da Vila, a farmers’ market with a fantastic selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked foods, fish and meats. You don’t have to buy anything but can just wander through the stalls and soak in the local atmosphere.

• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption: Visit the graceful Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, retaining the original tile panels dating back to the 18th century. It’s free to enter but only opens for services, so best arrive before Mass on Sunday or on a Saturday, when weddings are often held.

Nature and outdoor activities in Cascais

Holidays to Cascais offer splendid dramatic landscapes and excellent adventure opportunities.

• Surfing and windsurfing: Cascais, notably Guincho Beach, is a superb place for surfing and windsurfing if you know what you’re doing – legs of the World Windsurfing Championships are often held here in August.

• Golfing: Cascais boasts several upmarket world-class courses, such as Quinta da Marinha and Oitavos Dunes, set against stunning backdrops.

• National parks: The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore coastal cliffs, forests and rugged hills, with scenic routes like the trail to Cabo da Roca offering unforgettable vistas.

Beaches to enjoy on Cascais holidays

Cascais holidays are a haven for beach lovers, offering a stunning stretch of coastline along Portugal’s Riviera. With golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and calm blue waters, the beaches in and around Cascais cater to every type of traveller, from families to surfers.

• Praia da Conceição: Located near the town centre, this popular beach is perfect for families and couples. With calm waters ideal for swimming and a backdrop of lively cafes and shops, it’s a convenient spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

• Praia do Guincho: A short drive from Cascais, Praia do Guincho is a must-visit for surfers and windsurfers. Known for its wild beauty and larger waves, this beach is surrounded by dunes and offers a more adventurous seaside experience.

• Praia da Rainha: A small yet picturesque beach tucked away in the heart of Cascais, Praia da Rainha offers a peaceful escape. Its clear waters and intimate setting make it a favourite for those looking for a quieter spot to unwind.

• Carcavelos Beach: Located between Cascais and Lisbon, Carcavelos Beach is known for its long stretch of sand and lively atmosphere. It’s ideal for water sports, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun.

• Praia de São Pedro do Estoril: For those seeking tranquillity, this beach offers a more relaxed vibe with stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for snorkelling or enjoying the scenic views.

Cascais’s beaches provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, whether you’re lounging on Praia da Conceição, riding the waves at Guincho, or exploring hidden gems like Praia da Rainha. With their natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, these beaches are a highlight of any Cascais holiday.

Local dishes in Cascais

Holidays to Cascais promise a delightful mix of fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes and mouthwatering desserts.

Some typical dishes

• Caldo Verde: This traditional soup, made with finely shredded kale leaves, onion and potatoes in broth, is warming and delicious. It usually comes with chouriço (Portuguese sausage) in it.

• Arroz de Marisco: Typical of the Portuguese coast is arroz de marisco, mixed seafood in a thick soupy rice. It’s usually packed with prawns, clams and crab.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bacalhau à Brás: The most typical Portuguese fish dish is bacalhau (dried, salted cod), which is virtually the national dish, with reputedly 365 different ways of preparing it. The best for first-timers to try is bacalhau à brás, fried with egg, onions and potatoes.

• Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Reflecting its coastal location, Cascais offers this mouthwatering clam dish, cooked with garlic, coriander and white wine. It’s a must-try for all seafood aficionados!

Sweets and desserts

• Pastéis de Nata: These are classic Lisbon custard tarts, popular across entire Portugal, which have a sweet creamy filling and are deliciously flaky. For an extra touch of flavour, enjoy them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Queijadas de Sintra: Small, round pastries made with cheese, sugar and cinnamon, hailing from nearby Sintra, are very difficult to resist. They pair well with espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Local drinks

• Vinho Verde: This light, slightly sparkling wine hails from northern Portugal but is popular nationwide and wonderfully refreshing. Best when served chilled, it’s perfect for enjoying with seafood on a sunny Cascais afternoon.

• Ginjinha: The region specialises in the punchy cherry brandy Ginjinha, which is typically served as a shot at tiny bars. Everyone should try it at least once during their Portuguese holidays.