Cascais is a charming seaside resort located just 30 km west of Lisbon, offering a perfect escape from the city. This small coastal town combines history, culture, beautiful beaches, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Lisbon.
Cascais began as a small fishing village, but in the 19th century it transformed into a fashionable seaside resort for Portuguese nobility and foreign visitors. Today, Cascais remains a popular destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and bohemian atmosphere.
The Cascais coastline offers a variety of beaches, from small, tranquil coves to large stretches of fine sand. Rocky cliffs provide spectacular views and scenic hiking trails. The town itself is charming, with traditional restaurants, modern cafes, and local shops.
This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know to visit Cascais from Lisbon: how to get there, what to see, where to eat, and how to plan your day. Get ready for a relaxing day at the coast!
The train is the most popular and scenic way to travel from Lisbon to Cascais. The train journey offers magnificent views of the Portuguese countryside and the Tagus River, and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Practical details:
Advice :
✅ Buy a return ticket to save
✅ Take an early train to avoid the crowds
✅ Bring a bottle of water for the journey
✅ Enjoy the views from the train window
If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive to Cascais. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes from Lisbon city centre.
Practical details:
Advice :
✅ Leave early to avoid traffic
✅ Use a GPS or Google Maps
✅ Be careful on coastal roads
Many tour operators offer organized excursions to Cascais. These excursions usually include transportation, a guide, and access to the main attractions.
Practical details:
Cascais offers a variety of beaches, each with its own character and charm. The beaches range from small, tranquil coves to large stretches of fine sand.
Praia da Conceição: Cascais’ main beach, with fine sand and clear waters. The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, parasols, and beach restaurants.
Praia da Rainha: A small, regal beach with an intimate atmosphere. Less touristy than Praia da Conceição, it offers a more tranquil experience.
Praia do Guincho: A wild and spectacular beach with powerful waves. The beach is popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
Praia da Adraga: A secluded beach with spectacular cliffs. The beach is accessible via a hiking trail and offers a more adventurous experience.
The rocky cliffs of Cascais offer spectacular views and picturesque hiking trails. The coastal paths provide a unique perspective on the Portuguese coast.
Cascais-Estoril Coastal Path: A 10 km hiking trail linking Cascais to Estoril. The trail offers magnificent views of the ocean and cliffs.
Cascais Point: The westernmost rocky point of Cascais, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Estoril, located just 5 km from Cascais, is an elegant seaside resort with a famous casino and a picturesque coastal promenade.
Estoril Casino: The largest casino in Europe, with spectacular Belle Époque architecture. The casino offers gambling, restaurants, and shows.
Coastal walk: A picturesque walk linking Cascais to Estoril, with magnificent ocean views.
Estoril Gardens: Magnificent gardens with colorful flowers and fountains.
Boca do Inferno Restaurant: A traditional restaurant located near the cliffs, with spectacular ocean views. The restaurant offers fresh seafood and authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Restaurante Peixaria: A restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, with a warm atmosphere and excellent service.
Restaurante Cascais Grill: A modern restaurant with creative cuisine and a trendy atmosphere.
Café Cascais: A trendy café with a view of the beach, ideal for a coffee or a drink in the late afternoon.
Beach restaurants offer a relaxed experience with your feet in the sand. You can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the ocean view.
8:00 AM – Departure from Lisbon
9:00 AM – Breakfast in Cascais
10:00 AM – Beach
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Coastal Path
4:00 PM – Estoril
6:00 PM – Sunset
7:00 PM – Dinner
9:00 PM – Return to Lisbon
|
Element |
Cost |
|
Round-trip train |
5€ |
|
Beach |
€0 |
|
Meal |
30-50€ |
|
Estoril Casino |
€0 (free to visit) |
|
Local transport |
5€ |
|
TOTAL |
40-60€ |
✅ Swimsuit
✅ Towel
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Beach shoes
✅ Lightweight clothing
✅ Camera
✅ Water and snacks
✅ Arrive early to get a good spot on the beach
✅ Bring plenty of sunscreen
✅ Explore the cliffs and coastal paths
✅ Visit Estoril in the late afternoon
✅ Enjoy the sunset
✅ Enjoy fresh seafood
✅ Explore Cascais city centre
Estoril in Lisbon – Casino and seaside resort
Visiting Sintra from Lisbon – Mountain Excursion
Visiting Lisbon in 4 days – Itinerary including Cascais
Complete Lisbon Guide – Back to the main guide
