Image by Ayhan Altun / Getty Images

Cascais

Cascais (kush-kaish) has rocketed from sleepy fishing village to much-loved summertime playground of wave-frolicking lisboêtas since King Luís I went for a dip in 1870. Its trio of golden bays attracts sun-worshipping holidaymakers, who come to splash in the ice-cold Atlantic. Don’t expect to get much sand to yourself at the weekend, though.

There’s plenty of post-beach life in the European Youth Capital 2018, too, with winding lanes leading to small museums, cool gardens, a shiny marina and a pedestrianised old town dotted with designer boutiques and al fresco fish restaurants. After dark, lively bars fuel the party. There's also great surfing at Praia do Guincho, 9km northwest, and running or cycling along the shoreline path.

Explore Cascais

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Cascais.

  • Beach

    Praia do Guincho

    The long, wild Praia do Guincho is a surfer's and windsurfer's paradise (the site of previous World Surfing Championships) with massive crashing rollers…

  • Museum

    Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais

    Commissioned as a summer palace in 1870 by King Dom Luís I, this captivating museum remains the official residence of visiting heads of state in Portugal…

  • Viewpoint

    Duna da Cresmina

    Built in 2013, this nature interpretation centre was built to educate (and protect) the fragile flora and fauna of the coastal dune system around Guincho…

  • Fortress

    Cidadela de Cascais

    The citadel is where the royal family used to spend the summer. Today it houses a luxury hotel – the Pestana Cidadela Cascais – a courtyard restaurant,…

  • Museum

    Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

    This whimsical early-19th-century mansion, complete with castle turrets and Arabic cloister, sits in the grounds of the Parque Marechal Carmona.

  • Museum

    Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

    This museum showcases the disturbing, highly evocative paintings of Portugal’s finest postwar artists. Biannually changing exhibits span Rego’s career,…

  • Viewpoint

    Boca do Inferno

    Atlantic waves pummel the craggy 'Mouth of Hell', 2km west of Cascais. It's about a 20-minute walk along the coast, or you can catch the BusCas (427) from…

  • Park

    Parque Marechal Carmona

    This wild park provides a shady retreat from the seaside crowds, with a duck pond, birch and pine trees, palms and eucalyptus, rose gardens and flowering…

  • Church

    Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

    Weave through the back alleys west of the câmara municipal to the palm-fringed square that is home to the whitewashed Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção,…

  • Museum

    Museu do Mar Rei Dom Carlos

    The small, brightly accented Museu do Mar spells out Cascais’ maritime history with costumes, tools, nets and boats, accompanied by quotes (in English)…

  • Cultural Centre

    Centro Cultural de Cascais

    Formerly a barefooted Carmelite convent, this centre hosts contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.

  • Marina

    Marina de Cascais

    The modern Marina de Cascais houses a postcard-perfect lighthouse, sleek yachts and lounge bars.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Cascais.

  • Activities