Exploring Cascais:
What to do and see in this seaside town.
Explore the Historic Town Center
Cascais Marina: A bustling marina where you can admire yachts, enjoy the views, and find a variety of cafes and restaurants. It’s a great spot to relax and soak in the coastal ambiance.
Rua Direita: Cascais' main shopping street, filled with boutique stores, souvenir shops, and vibrant cafes. It’s an excellent area for a leisurely stroll and some local shopping.
Praça 5 de Outubro: The central square near the Cascais Town Hall and the harbor, often filled with local vendors and surrounded by beautiful tiled buildings.
Beaches in Cascais
Praia da Ribeira: Located right in the heart of Cascais, this beach is perfect for relaxing, with soft sand and calm waters.
Praia do Guincho: Known for its wild waves and scenic dunes, Guincho is a popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the town center.
Praia da Rainha: A small, sheltered beach surrounded by cliffs. It’s one of the prettiest in Cascais and offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing and swimming.
Top Attractions
Cascais Citadel (Cidadela de Cascais): This former fortress offers both historic architecture and modern art exhibitions. Within the complex, you'll find a luxury hotel, galleries, and a lovely chapel.
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães: A beautiful mansion-turned-museum set in the Marechal Carmona Park. The museum displays a unique collection of art, artifacts, and a small library with manuscripts, along with lovely gardens overlooking the sea.
Boca do Inferno: This dramatic cliff formation is a natural wonder just outside Cascais, where waves crash powerfully into the rocky archways. It’s especially impressive during stormy weather.
Parks and Gardens
Parque Marechal Carmona: A peaceful park near the museum, filled with lovely gardens, ponds with turtles, peacocks and roosters under a canopy of tall mature trees. It’s a great place for a picnic or a quiet stroll around the many paths.
Palmela Park: A lesser-known but beautiful green park set in the Duques de Palmela gardens by a small river and ideal for hiking and bird-watching. It also offers trails that lead to scenic viewpoints over Cascais and the Atlantic. Theres also a cafe and a stage with seating for public events
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Surfing and Water Sports: With Guincho Beach nearby, Cascais is an excellent place for water sports enthusiasts. Many surf schools offer lessons, equipment rentals, and guided tours.
Cycling: Cascais has an extensive cycling path that stretches along the coast to Guincho Beach. Rent a bike in town and enjoy the scenic route, which offers ocean views and beautiful landscapes.
Golfing: Cascais is home to some of Portugal’s best golf courses, including the Oitavos Dunes and Quinta da Marinha, both of which provide stunning views and challenging greens.
Cultural Experiences
Centro Cultural de Cascais: This art and cultural center originally a 16th century barefooted Carmelite convent, hosts exhibitions featuring local and international artists, as well as concerts and events throughout the year.
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego: A museum dedicated to renowned Portuguese artist Paula Rego, featuring a collection of her paintings, drawings, and lithographs. The architecture of the building itself is striking, making it a worthwhile visit for art enthusiasts.
Day Trips from Cascais
Sintra: Just a short drive or train ride from Cascais, Sintra is a fairytale town with incredible palaces, such as Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.
Cabo da Roca: Known as the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca offers rugged cliffs, a scenic lighthouse, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Estoril: A neighboring coastal town famous for its Casino Estoril, one of Europe’s largest casinos. Estoril also has lovely beaches, parks, and a beautiful promenade that connects it to Cascais.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal town, Cascais offers excellent seafood, with many restaurants serving dishes like grilled sardines, bacalhau (salted cod), and octopus.
Mar do Inferno: A popular seafood restaurant near Boca do Inferno, known for its fresh fish, shellfish, and ocean views.
Try a Pastel de Nata: Head to a local bakery for Portugal’s famous custard tart. Enjoy it with a bica (Portuguese espresso) at one of the town’s charming cafes.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Cascais Market (Mercado da Vila): Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the local market offers fresh produce, fish, flowers, and traditional crafts, as well as some local delicacies.
Local Artisan Shops: Around the town center, you’ll find small boutiques selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and items made from Portuguese cork, making for unique souvenirs.
Getting Around
Walking and Biking: Cascais is a very walkable town, and exploring on foot allows you to discover hidden streets and coastal viewpoints. Many rental shops also offer bikes, ideal for reaching beaches and nearby scenic spots.
Train from Lisbon: Cascais is easily accessible by a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Cascais is a beautiful mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
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