Cascais é considerada uma área costeira de Portugal, localizada a oeste de Lisboa. Uma vila de pescadores tradicional que cresceu em popularidade entre os turistas e é amplamente conhecida por suas praias de areia, marina movimentada, restaurantes de frutos do mar abundantes e atmosfera relaxante.
Historicamente, a vila de Cascais tornou-se um destino popular à beira-mar na década de 1870, quando o Rei Luís I de Portugal e a sua corte real fizeram da vila piscatória à beira-mar a sua residência de verão. A cidade apresenta belas paisagens arquitetônicas renascentistas que datam do século XVII, como o Palácio dos Condes de Castro Guimarães, o Palacete Seixas, a Casa Lencastre ou a Casa de Santa Maria.
A costa de Cascais tem cerca de 17 praias para se deliciar, sendo os destinos mais procurados a Praia do Guincho e a Praia de Carcavelos, onde a maioria dos surfistas é atraída pelas ondas fantásticas! Cascais é o local perfeito para fugir da cidade grande, quer seja uma escapadela de fim-de-semana ou um futuro investimento imobiliário à beira-mar!
This means “Hell’s Mouth” in English and it is a collapsed cave surrounded by rugged cliffs located in the north of Cascais. This is a great place to take in the beautiful sights of the mighty sea. The reason why it’s called Boca do Inferno is because of the Atlantic waves continually crashing into the opening, and during the winter the water can literally explode upwards, similar to an erupting volcano!
From little cute cafes, shops, and restaurants, the Old Town of Cascais is a great place to go shopping or to stroll around. Here, you can feel the true holiday atmosphere of Cascais!
This farmer’s market has been open in the historic centre of Cascais for 65 years, and is a great place where you can buy the best seafood in the country. Distinguished for combining traditional with modern lifestyle, besides buying the fresh fruit and vegetables, you can also enjoy some live music on weekends.
Going to Cascais and not visiting the beaches is like going to Paris, and not going to the Eiffel Tower! This little town attracts beach lovers galore to its shores and when you go there you will definitely understand why. Read below for more information about the beaches in Cascais. Some of the most popular beaches are:
Praia do Guincho
Or better known as Guincho Beach, this is one of the most scenic beaches in Portugal and has beautiful roads leading up to the beach where you can ride a bike, walk or drive through and enjoy the scenery.
Parque Marechal Carmona
This park is not only beautiful for its flora but the fauna here too is magical. In this park, you can see some amazing wild animals! Almost feels like you are in a movie being here.
Passeio Marítimo Estoril/Cascais
Also known as “Paredão”, the passeio marítimo is a walking path for runners, walkers, and families to stroll around by the ocean and take in some vitamin SEA.
Now part of the Cascais landscape, the House of Santa Maria is notable for its classic Mediterranean architecture with plenty of natural light and strong Moorish influences. The house is an integral part of the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum and Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum & Library complex. If you visit the lighthouse, you will notice it is covered with white tiles, blue horizontal stripes and a red lantern, the typical image of lighthouses we see in the movies. The lighthouse is a cool place to visit as it's covered with white tiles, with blue horizontal stripes and a red lantern.
This promenade stretches 3km along the shore is quite close to Monte Estoril Station which is only a 15-minute walk away from Cascais station. It’s the perfect place to come for a sunset stroll.
This uniquely shaped building is home to a museum of artwork dedicated to the Portuguese-British artist Dame Paula Rego.
The building makes use of several elements of the town’s historical architecture which is reinterpreted in a contemporary way. The design of the building is entirely in line with Paula Rego’s taste, and it does not miss to give visitors a warm welcome.
Transportation There are an abundance of transport links that can be taken in Cascais. It’s possible to get a train straight into the heart of Lisbon from Cascais. But there are also multiple bus links that can be taken around Cascais too. A great way to explore the little town!
Weather The weather in Cascais is always pretty nice with temperatures not dropping below 10 degrees in the winter. Though it is important to remember that this town is on the coast of Portugal and can therefore be quite windy from time to time. In the summer, temperatures can rise up to 27 degrees celsius. The weather is usually drier and hotter at these points whilst in the winter the temperature is usually cooler and cloudier.
Shopping Cascais is a great place to go shopping with so many shopping centres dotted around the town and with Lisbon city centre just an hour away you’re never too far from an opportunity to go shopping. Some of the biggest shopping centers are:
Mercado da Villa Cascais - this is a market where you can find a range of local products. From fresh produce to local handmade ornaments. It’s a great place to go and support local businesses.
Cascais Villa - located in the historic centre, this shopping centre has all the big named high street shops and is quite close to the beach.
Casa de Guia - this shopping centre is located on the western part of the town and has a range of shops, bars and a gallery to help you relax and shop at.
Restaurants & Bars There is a range of bars and restaurants in Cascais especially around the beaches that have some of the town’s best spots to eat, so with this in mind you know you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to go and have a drink. Our recommendation for beach lovers is to go to Taberna Economica de Cascais, located just a few minutes' walk away from the beachfront; this cool restaurant serves some of the freshest fish dishes in town.
If you don’t feel like eating on a beach, why not try:
5 Sentidos Cascais
This traditional Portuguese restaurant not only serves some of the best fresh fish in Cascais, but they also have a beautiful indoor and outdoor decor. Located in the Santa Marta region, this is the perfect place to come and eat amazing food whilst soaking up the beautiful Portuguese architecture.
Taverna Clandestina Cascais
This tapas bar is located so close to Praia da Rainha beach and is a great place to go to taste some Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.
Airport The closest airport to Cascais is Lisbon airport which is 35km from Cascais. However, it’s possible to take a train or a taxi to Cascais. There are direct trains from the airport to Cais do Sodré which is where trains to Cascais are available; these scenic train rides typically take around 1 hour.
Beaches Cascais is the go-to area for beaches in Lisbon. With amazing warm sand and beautiful blue waters, these beaches are the perfect place to come to relax. From these beaches not only do you get front row seats of the amazing waves, but you’ll also get the chance to eat at some of the best restaurants in the area right on the seafront.
Some of the best beaches include:
Duquesa Beach
Praia do Tamariz
Praia da Rainha
Praia da Azarujinha
Praia de São Pedro do Estoril
All of these beaches are within a walking distance of central Cascais,, being some of Portugal’s most popular beaches, especially in the summer months.
