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This was part of a organised press trip with Visit Cascais. Opinions expressed within this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinion and beliefs of Visit Cascais.
We drove around Portugal in our campervan in 2022 and it was one of the most memorable summers of our lives where we found our love for this wonderful country. Some of the highlights included discovering the charming village of Monsaraz and chilling in the coastal town of Ericeira. The west coast of Portugal is one of the best places in Europe for a road trip, passing epic beaches, laid-back fishing villages and delicious fresh food.
Cascais is a favourite with locals and international visitors looking to explore outside of the capital city of Lisbon with the best of both beautiful beaches and the majestic Sintra Mountains. This part of Portugal is rich in cultural heritage, maritime history and many outdoor adventures on its doorstep in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and along the coast.
Sintra received unique UNESCO recognition with the creation of a new category of a ‘Cultural Landscape’, as a result of the area's distinctive character which combines both nature and culture. The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is comprised of dense forests, spectacular parks, magnificent palaces and archaeological ruins.
Where is Cascais?
Cascais is in the Lisbon district of Portugal, located in Portugal's central region at the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The charming coastal town of Cascais is only a short drive from Lisbon city and has beautiful cobbled streets, a great food scene and a modern marina.
What is Cascais known for?
The coastal town of Cascais has a unique charm and vibrant atmosphere and there are many things to do and places to visit within a short distance from the town centre.
Cascais has a variety of beautiful beaches along the coast, ranging from long sweeping stretches of sand to small hidden coves. The streets of Cascais are colourful and elegant, blending old-world charm with modern chic.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about Cascais’ rich history, it has many cultural attractions including museums, art galleries and landmarks. Cascais has an abundance of cultural heritage where its roots derive from a fishing village to becoming the popular seaside resort today.
How to get to Cascais?
By Air
The closest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Portugal's main international and domestic airport. There are many flight options from the UK, we flew from Heathrow Airport to Lisbon and the flight took 2 hours 45 minutes with Tap Air.
There are Tap Air self-check-in desks at Heathrow Airport which makes the process efficient and we were impressed with their lounge at Lisbon Airport which had a good selection of pasta del natas to enjoy before your return flight!
By Train or Bus
Lisbon is well connected to Cascais with many public transport options. From Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, walk to the metro and get on the Vermelha São Sebastião line to Alameda. At Alameda catch the metro on the VerdeCais Do Sodré line to Cais Do Sodré. From Cais Do Sodré catch the coastal train direct to Cascais.
The total journey from the airport will take around 1.5 hours and you can use the online journey planner on the Lisbon Metro website. If you are already in Lisbon city, the direct train to Cascais takes 40 minutes with incredible coastal views and there are frequent departures throughout the day.
If you purchase a Lisboa Card (€27 per person for 24 hours) then use of public transport is free for Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra. This could be worthwhile if you plan to combine it with a day exploring Lisbon and then catch the train to Cascais.
By car
If you’re looking to explore Cascais and beyond we’d recommend hiring a car from Lisbon Airport, to give you the ultimate freedom whilst exploring Portugal. To drive from Lisbon Airport to Cascais takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic and the route will take you onto the E1 and then exit 12 onto the A5 motorway to Cascais.
There are tolls along this route, we’d recommend getting Via Verde on your rental car which allows you to pay your toll charges online and use the Green ‘V’ where you will bypass the barrier tolls and make your journey more convenient.
How to get around Cascais?
The easiest way to get around Cascais is by foot, the main centre of town and main attractions are within walking distance and if you want to explore a bit further afield to places like Guincho Beach then it is worth hiring a bike and you’ll pass Boca do Inferno and Cabo Raso along the way.
There is an extensive bus network across Cascais and the surrounding areas. An alternative option is to catch the bus from Cascais to Guincho Beach either M15 or M05 which takes around 30 minutes. Daily bus tickets cost €2 and if you purchase through the MobiCascais app it is discounted to €1.50.
For a trip to Sintra from Cascais, catch the 1623 for the fastest route and the 1624 will take you on a scenic route to Sintra. Check the Carris metropolitan website for a list of the bus lines and timetables, the website is only in Portuguese. Add Google Translate to your web browser this will help you to navigate the website.
When is the best time to visit Cascais?
The best time to visit Cascais is in the spring, early summer and autumn months outside of the busy summer season, avoid visiting in July and August. We visited in March when temperatures started to increase and were much more pleasant than UK weather! If you visit Cascais in Autumn, especially September and October are the best for surfing.
The best things to do in Cascais
Day trip to Lisbon
When you arrive in Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport it's only a short ride on the metro or drive in the car to the city centre of Lisbon. We chose to hire a car to have the freedom to explore the area of Cascais and go at your own pace. Purchase the Lisbon card to gain free access to museums, and use of public transport to Cascais and Sintra and also includes discounts for shops and other attractions.
The beautiful city of Lisbon has many places to explore, our favourite spots were:
Arco da Rua Augusta - magnificent arch opposite the Praça do Comércio Plaza overlooking the Tagus River. It was built to celebrate the rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake in 1755 and was officially finished in 1873. A beautiful archway on either side of the arch creates perfect symmetry.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia - on your way from Arco da Rua Augusta you will pass the Lisbon Cathedral which is set on a hill make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The Santa Luzia viewpoint is a special place, looking across the terracotta tiled roofs of Lisbon and set with the Tagus River as the backdrop. The viewpoint has a romantic feel, where you can sit on the wall under the pergola with locals playing music and is a great place for sunset. A little further along there is another viewpoint Miradouro das Portas do Sol which has a bit more room if Santa Luzia is busy.
Funicular at R. da Bica de Duarte Belo - this is a bit of a tourist trap but it is a guaranteed spot to see the iconic yellow funicular in Lisbon, whilst walking around you will also see many trams across the city. Walk up the hill, it isn’t too steep, there is the option to take the funicular to the top of the hill but we don’t think it’s worth it.
Ponte 25 April - This iconic red bridge connects Lisbon to Almada where trains and cars can pass across the Tagus River. It is named after the Portuguese Revolution also known as Freedom Day, which happened on 25th April 1974 and was the beginning of Democracy in Portugal.
Delphina restaurant - a metropolitan chic restaurant serving traditional fresh fish, steak, chips and salad. The bread is served with homemade garlic butter and fresh olive spread, now we want to have this every time we eat bread! Another worthy mention is the chocolate mousse, velvet, rich and smooth topped with citrus and salt that enhances the flavour. Make sure to book ahead as it gets very busy at lunch and dinner for a good reason.
Where to park | Parking in Lisbon is relatively straightforward with paid and even free parking spots, as we had most of our luggage in the car, we opted for a CCTV-monitored car park. Praça do Municipo is in a great central location opposite the city hall and costs €14.30 for 5 hours of parking. It does have Via Verde but didn’t work at the time we visited and had to get a ticket and pay before we left. If you plan to visit Belem, MAAT or Ponte 25 April bridge there is a free car park close to the Ponte 25 April bridge.
Boat ride along Cascais coastline
Cascais Marina has hosted many international championships including the America’s Cup World Series Cascais 2011 and Cascais has strong sailing roots with many nautical sports enthusiasts enjoying this modern marina.
When the conditions allow, taking a boat ride along the Cascais coastline is a wonderful experience. It gives a unique perspective of the charming town and a chance to spot wildlife if lucky! Aquastart operates a solar-powered boat which you can hire for an hour or two and is one of the first companies in Cascais to invest in renewable energy for boats, they are leading the way in terms of sustainable travel across the waves.
Taking a ride in a solar-powered boat is a quiet experience, a chance to listen to the waves without the noisy sound of a diesel engine, allowing you to relax completely. The boat travels at a leisurely speed, in no rush, embodying slow travel and a chance to take in your surroundings.
Alex and Manuel will ensure you are well looked after, with a passion for the ocean we learnt about the history of the coast and passed the previous communist leader Salazar's seasonal residence which is a prominent fortress, where he fell off a chair and into a coma which led to his death.
Aquastart caters to those with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. After exploring the Atlantic Ocean with solar power, wander around the Marina and discover shops, restaurants and more!
Stay in an Ocean-view Hotel
Cascais has welcomed visitors for over a thousand years, it all started in the 1870s when Portuguese royalty crowned it their favourite destination in summer. With its long-standing history as a hub of hospitality, there are many wonderful places to stay, from boutique hotels to luxury villas.
Whilst staying in Cascais, our preference was to stay somewhere with an ocean view, our reason is that you’ve got to make the most of visiting a coastal destination! We stayed at the Arribas Sintra Hotel, located outside of the town centre of Cascais on Grande Beach, a long sandy beach.
We stayed in a superior room and all rooms at Arribas Sintra Hotel benefit from ocean views, waking up to the sounds of the ocean and rolling waves. Recently refurbished in 2023, the Arribas Sintra hotel has been modernised since opening in 1966. Facilities at Arribas Sintra Hotel include a restaurant, café, outdoor pool, lounge areas, free WiFi, electric car charging stations, onsite parking and a gym.
The star of the show is the 100-metre-long saltwater swimming pool, one of the largest saltwater pools in Europe, which resembles Bondi Beach with its version of the iconic pool. The outdoor saltwater pool is open to the public from April or May (depending on conditions) until October. The restaurant's noteworthy mentions are trying the wines from Dão, the goat cheese is creamy and delicious and the prawn risotto with rose petals and mango is delicious, with very generous portions.
Image copyright Arribas Sintra Hotel
Take a bike ride to Guincho Beach
Hire a bike in Cascais town, we picked an electric bike from Aquastart after our boat trip. There is a purpose-built cycle and walking route that follows the coast west from Cascais and is a wonderful way to explore outside the town.
The route from Cascais is a 10km round trip along the beautiful coast, along the route, it passes Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, Boca do Inferno, São Jorge de Oitavos Fort, Cabo Raso lighthouse and Arriba Beach.
Along this route, take care of other users as it is popular with runners and walkers. Once you reach Cabo Raso lighthouse you may experience a strong headwind, but the good news is on the way back it will give you an extra push! Guincho Beach is a lovely sandy beach with dunes and is surrounded by natural beauty, the beach does experience strong winds.
It's suitable for experienced water sports enthusiasts, and ideal for surfers, windsurfers, kitesurfing and bodyboarding as there are strong waves. There are facilities on the beach including toilets, lifeguards, parking, surfboard rental, bars and incredible seafood restaurants.
If you enjoy cycling and looking for a bit more adventure, try out this e-bike trip from the Sintra mountains to the Cascais coast, an adventure that takes you on a tour of the surroundings of Cascais, including Guincho beach, through Portuguese countryside, dense forests and shares far-reaching views.
Explore the old town of Cascais
The beautiful streets of the old town of Cascais are worth exploring. Along these streets discover lovely boutique shops, historic fishing houses, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants with a wonderful, laid-back atmosphere.
Most of the old town is a pedestrian zone, with streets adorned in white and black cobblestones, typical Portugal, known as "calçada portuguesa". Rua Frederico Arouca, Praça 5 de Outubro are decorated in a wavy pattern, symbolic of their coastal surroundings and marine heritage.
The food scene is strong in Cascais, there is an abundance of food places from fresh seafood restaurants to modern cuisine. Mana is located in the Old Town, hidden away on the corner of Travessa Navegantes Street, the food is unbelievable with dishes ranging from seafood risotto to traditional Pinsa (known as the grandmother to Pizza).
Another must is Santini’s ice cream parlour, located on Alameda Combatentes da Grande Guerra the flavours do not disappoint. Walk a little further along the coast to Santa Marta Lighthouse, this charming area is set next to a calm, crystal-clear cove, where locals sunbathe and swim.
Visit the Mercado da Vila Cascais
Open since 1952, the Cascais town market has been a firm favourite lunch meet-up spot with locals for many years. Located on Rue Padre Moisés da Silva, the market is open on Tuesdays and Sundays and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, local producers fill the indoor area until around 3 pm. The best part of the market is indoors, with stalls of fresh and local produce including flowers, fruit, cheese, vegetables and fish.
Surrounding the indoor market, shops and restaurants including Marisa na Paço is the perfect place for lunch. Marisa na Paço restaurant is next to the fish market, fresh fish is caught daily and you can choose from what is available. The difference in the taste of fresh fish compared to what you buy in the supermarket is phenomenal.
There is a wonderful atmosphere in the restaurant; the staff are attentive and happy to help you with your choice. The food is modest and understated and we would recommend the grilled garlic striped prawns with rice to mop up the delicious sauce.
HIKE in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
A hiking haven, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a combination of natural and historical sites that are simply breathtaking and worthy of the unique classification of ‘Cultural Landscapes’. We explored Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on a hike with our knowledge guide, Francisco from Walk Hike Portugal.
The weather forecast didn’t look promising, nonetheless, we were optimistic and met Francisco at Cape Roca, the most western point of Portugal and Europe. This would be the start of our hike along the historic fisherman's route which hugs the coastline. The combination of stunning coastal landscapes with rolling green hills with a blanket of trees creates a distinctive and special area of Portugal.
The path traverses through a diverse array of plant species including succulents and Juniper that thrive within the micro-climate of Sintra and Cascais. A short walk from Cape Roca we arrived at Ursa Beach which translates to Bear Rock, a beautiful unspoilt location which reminded us of Cornwall and the spectacular Bedruthan Steps.
The area can be dangerous during periods of heavy rain and is susceptible to landslides, it's not advisable to walk down to the beach but the views from above the beach are magnificent. Continue along the path to Adraga Beach, another wonderful spot to enjoy lunch at the family-owned Restaurant Adraga where they serve fresh seafood and Francisco’s favourite is the grilled Seabass. Adraga Beach is a fantastic sunset location, popular with many photographers as the light is dreamy and golden.
Forest Bathing in the Fairytale Forests of Sintra
The Sintra mountains are covered in a thick layer of trees forming multiple forests, several walking routes in the forest offer you the opportunity to listen to the sounds of nature through ‘Forest bathing’. The Japanese practice of forest bathing is known in Japan as ‘shinrin yokuan’ and is a great way to relax and bring awareness to your senses.
Sintra forest is home to a variety of native trees such as cork, oak and maple which unfortunately have to compete with introduced species including eucalyptus and acacia that were introduced in the Romanticism era of Sintra with the construction of palaces and exotic gardens.
The invasive species grow much faster and are adapted to harsher environments in Australia. Their seeds can survive in the soil for up to 600 years, making them almost impossible to remove. King Ferdinand planted thousands of tree species from around the world. These included cedars and there are distinct areas in the forest of each one, in turn creating contrasting forests.
Many efforts have been made over the years to reintroduce more native species, which is evident throughout the forests. It is fascinating to discover that the Sintra Forest has created hybrid plants that have adapted to their new environment, where some have two different kinds of leaves to test their surroundings and determine which will survive the best.
One of the best ways to enjoy the contrasting landscapes of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is to hike in the forest and we discovered many gems along the route including one of the oldest cork trees in the forest. The forest has a microclimate providing the ideal habitat for biodiverse species to thrive, it's not uncommon for a blanket of fog to enter the forest creating a magical, fairytale and somewhat eerie atmosphere.
Enjoy breathtaking views from the Sanctuary of Peninha
The Sanctuary of Peninha is set on a granite outcrop and boasts some of the best views in the area, with a complete 360 panoramic experience where both the beautiful coastline and forests can be admired from above. To reach the Sanctuary of Peninha, you can pair it with a hike within the Sintra forest or there is a car park at the base of the hill which is a short walk to the top.
From this point, it’s easier to understand why Sintra is named after moonstone, as large boulders of granite protrude from the ground and under a full moon, they shimmer in the moonlight, like an enchanting beacon.
Sanctuary of Peninha stands at around 488m above sea level and is one of the highest points in the Sintra mountains. The ‘Peninha’ shrine was an important location for Christian pilgrims, who were praying for fertility, the chapel was then extended into a summer home and has now been purchased by the Moon Company who own most of the attractions in Sintra and hopefully the place will be restored to retain its historical significance and former beauty.
The place was born from a legend, that a poor shepherd witnessed a miracle after seeing the Virgin Mary and as a result was blessed with bread to feed the whole village after a period of famine. A statue was erected at the top of the hill and became a place of religious importance.
The old chapel is unassuming from the outside, a humble, crumbling farm building and once you step inside you can envisage the chapel and if you look closely find the cross of Knights Templar.
Visit the historical centre of Sintra
The colourful, fairy-tale town of Sintra is a highlight of any trip to this part of Portugal. Sintra was an attractive summer destination for Portuguese Royals to escape the extreme heat and relax surrounded by natural beauty.
Romanticism is an artistic movement that was focused on the appreciation of the beauty of nature, heightened emotions and freedom to express ideas or feelings. The Romanticism era was prevalent in Sintra, many gathered internationally to establish beautiful gardens and palaces as a sanctuary from the hot summers and busy city life, not far away in Lisbon.
The historical centre of Sintra is full of colour, beauty and romance. Wander around the small cobbled streets to discover boutique shops selling homewares, handcrafts and delicious treats. Whilst in Sintra you must try their signature pastries including a travesseiros, filo pastry roll filled with a sweet almond paste - anything almond flavoured is a win in our opinion!
There are many attractions to visit in the centre including the impressive National Palace, purchase tickets to explore the inside of the previous Royals home with gold adorned ceilings and intricate paintings. Our favourite places to visit include Castelo dos Mouros and Monserrate Palace, both of which feel like another world.
Monserrate Palace is often overlooked when visiting Sintra, located a little further away from the centre it is well worth a visit. The property has transformed over the past few centuries and changed hands with a notable visit from Lord Byron in 1809 who was inspired to write about the elegance of Monserrate.
The place was purchased by Francis Cook, a British merchant and art collector who built the palace that stands on the grounds today. The Cook family enjoyed many summers surrounded by lush greenery and botanical flowers which must have felt like eternal bliss. Monserrate Palace has Islamic influences throughout, from the archways to the intricate details throughout.
Wander around Azenhas do Mar Village
The scenery at Azenhas do Mar is magnificent, the village is set on the side of a cliff creating a dramatic backdrop against the whitewashed traditional fishing houses. Azenhos do Mar translates to watermills of the sea, at the mouth of the river where it meets the ocean there is a watermill which you can still see.
The best views are opposite the cliffs at this viewpoint, there is a path with steps which lead you to Praia das Azenhas do Mar and a large outdoor swimming pool. There is a small car park next to a café and parking is free of charge, if you are visiting in the summer months it can get fairly crowded and is best to visit early in the morning or by public transport as there is limited parking.
Eat Fresh fish at Panorama Guincho Restaurant
The Portuguese are known for their fish, but their cuisine is often underrated due to their humble and straightforward approach to food but the key is fresh and locally produced. This is the difference between an average dish to a succulent, memorable, I’ll-never-forget-about-this-fish dish (sorry couldn’t help ourselves).
On our final evening in Cascais, we were treated to dinner at Panorama Guincho and it had to be the best food we had in the local region. As you walk inside, there is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Panorama Guincho restaurant is located next to Guincho Beach and in the summer evenings it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset alongside incredible wine and food.
Panorama Guincho delivers high-quality dishes perfect for a special occasion or the chance to try incredible Portuguese food. We ordered grilled Seabass which was served with potatoes and boiled vegetables, it was the most succulent and mouthwatering feast and the steak was presented with smoking rosemary - the fragrant aroma filled the air. The perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure in Cascais, which we are sure won’t be the last.
Where to stay in Cascais
We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to stay around Cascais and Sintra:
Arribas Sintra Hotel - epic outdoor saltwater pool right on the beach
Hotel Palàcio Estoril - A 5-star hotel that has historically welcomed Royal Families and was the place that inspired Ian Fleming to write James Bond.
WHome Wilderness Escape: Secluded Haven for Remote Work - A beautiful villa with ocean views with all the self-catering necessities.
Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design and Surf Villas - sea view apartment with a traditional and modern feel in a quiet and picturesque village
Azen Cool House - Luxury rooms with pool and ocean views, suitable for couples and families
Azenhas do Mar Valley House - beautiful modern rooms with a minimalist style, ocean views and an indoor pool
Um Lugar ao Sol Beach House Azenhas do Mar - a beautiful beach house with lots of character and of course sea views
