7 Reasons to Love Cascais, Portugal
Cascais: Where Lisbon Meets the Sea
After spending a few days exploring Lisbon’s hills and trams, I started craving ocean air – somewhere calm, sunny, and easy to reach. That’s how I ended up in Cascais, a coastal town so effortlessly beautiful that it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.
If you’re still planning your stay in the capital, make sure to read my full Lisbon Travel Guide — it’s packed with insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to explore the city like a local.
Just 40 minutes away by train, Cascais feels like Lisbon’s laid-back little sister – filled with palm trees, tiled houses and a seaside promenade that glows in the afternoon sun. Also, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Cascais — from exploring its old streets to watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais or considering a weekend escape, here are 7 reasons why this town will steal your heart.
1. The Scenic Train Ride – How to Get From Lisbon to Cascais
Your trip starts at Cais do Sodré Station, where local trains depart every 20 minutes straight to Cascais.
The ride takes about 40 minutes, hugging the coastline all the way – past beaches, palm trees, and surfers balancing on turquoise waves. Here you can check train timetable.
Tickets cost around €2.45 each way, but if you have a Lisbon Card, the ride is completely free.
Travel tip: Sit on the left side of the train for the best sea views.
If you prefer more flexibility, you can also rent a car in Lisbon and drive the 30 km coastal road (N6). The route passes through Belém, Estoril, and Carcavelos, offering plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way.
However, parking in Cascais – especially in summer – can be challenging, and most central areas are reserved for residents.
If you’re planning a longer road trip through Portugal, renting a car is a great choice to combine Cascais with Estoril and Cabo da Roca. Compare car rentals here
Still, for a simple day trip, the train remains the easiest, most scenic and stress-free option.
2. A Quick Stop in Estoril
Just one stop before Cascais lies Estoril, known for its elegant atmosphere and iconic Casino Estoril – one of the oldest in Europe and said to have inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale.
Take a short walk to Praia do Tamariz, a golden sandy beach framed by a charming boardwalk café scene. From here, you can walk all the way to Cascais along the scenic seaside promenade – a 2-kilometer stroll where waves crash beside you the entire way.
Grab a morning espresso with a sea view and enjoy the slow rhythm of Portugal’s Riviera before continuing to Cascais.
3. The Timeless Charm of the Old Town (One of the Best Things to Do in Cascais)
Cascais’ old town is the kind of place you’ll want to wander aimlessly.
Whitewashed houses with blue shutters line cobbled lanes, bougainvillea spills over balconies, and little boutiques tempt you with Portuguese ceramics and linen dresses.
Don’t miss Praça 5 de Outubro, the main square near the marina, where pastel buildings face the sea. Sit down for a pastel de nata and watch locals go about their day — this is where Cascais’ charm really sinks in.
Want a deeper look at local history and hidden corners?
You can join a private walking tour of Cascais’ historic center to explore the best spots with a local guide — flexible timing, storytelling, and insider tips included.
If you’re into exploring more of Lisbon’s surroundings, don’t miss my detailed Sintra Travel Guide — another must-do day trip filled with palaces, gardens, and fairy-tale views.
4. Dramatic Views at Boca do Inferno
A short walk west of the town center leads you to Boca do Inferno, or “Hell’s Mouth” — a dramatic sea cliff where waves crash into a rocky chasm with thunderous power.
Despite its name, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in Cascais. The view is especially magical at sunset when golden light floods the cliffs.
Pro tip: Visit in the afternoon when the light hits the rocks perfectly for photos.
5. The Best Beaches in Cascais
Cascais may be small, but it has some of the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon — each with its own personality:
- Praia da Rainha: Tiny, hidden, and right in the center — a local favorite.
- Praia da Conceição & Praia da Duquesa: Wide, calm, and perfect for swimming.
- Guincho Beach: Just a short drive away, this wild Atlantic stretch is heaven for surfers and road trippers.
☀️ Bring a towel, grab an ice cream, and soak up the relaxed beach-town vibe that Lisbon sometimes lacks.
6. Food, Gin and Sunset Views
Cascais is made for slow lunches and seaside cocktails. Fresh seafood dominates every menu — from grilled sardines to octopus salad — best paired with a chilled glass of vinho verde.
A few favorites to try:
- Mar do Inferno: a local institution near Boca do Inferno
- House of Wonders: for vegetarian food and rooftop views
- Taberna da Praca: seafood platters surrounded with the fortress walls and seagulls
Book your table through TheFork app — it often offers up to 30–50% discounts at many restaurants. It’s also the easiest way to discover new local spots without the tourist crowds. Book with my referral code 85145601 and you’ll get 2000 Yums= €50 off your next meal!
Before heading back to Lisbon, stop by one of the marina bars for a gin & tonic at sunset — it’s the perfect farewell toast to this coastal escape.
7. Where to Stay if You Fall in Love (and You Will)
If one day isn’t enough — and trust me, it often isn’t — Cascais has a lovely range of hotels and guesthouses.
🏨 Recommended stays:
- Vila Galé Cascais – oceanfront views and great breakfast
- Hotel Baía Cascais – right by the beach, with a rooftop pool
- Pestana Cidadela Cascais – set inside a historic fortress, luxury with character
Staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet evening atmosphere after day-trippers return to Lisbon — a completely different, almost magical side of the town.
Bonus Tip: Perfect One-Day Itinerary
If you’re planning your day trip, here’s a simple flow to make the most of it:
- Morning: Train from Cais do Sodré → stop in Estoril → walk the promenade to Cascais
- Midday: Explore old town → lunch near the marina
- Afternoon: Visit Boca do Inferno → relax at Praia da Rainha or Conceição
- Evening: Gin at sunset → train back to Lisbon (golden-hour views included)
Final Thoughts: A Seaside Escape You’ll Always Remember
Cascais is proof that you don’t have to go far from Lisbon to feel like you’re on vacation.
It’s stylish but relaxed, full of charm without trying too hard — a place where time slows down, and the ocean breeze seems to reset your mind.
If you visit Lisbon, don’t skip this coastal gem. Whether you come for the beaches, the seafood or simply the sunlight dancing on the water, you’ll find your own reason to love this town.
See you in the next article.
