Top 11 Things to Do in Cascais Portugal

UPDATED: APRIL 2024

If you’ve read our previous posts, you know that we are a vegan family of 4 that moved from Austin, Texas to Portugal. When we first moved to Portugal, we stayed in Cascais for over a week while we looked for a long-term apartment in Lisbon. Cascais is an adorable little town with a beautiful historic center full of surprises around every corner. From lovely flower covered corners to gorgeous azure Atlantic waters to castles and palaces, Cascais has it all! We have been on the go since we arrived and below is a list of our favorite things to do in Cascais.

This blog post is all about the top 11 things to do in Cascais Portugal.

logistics – how to get to cascais from lisbon

Getting to Cascais from Lisbon is quite convenient, and you have several transportation options to choose from:

1. Train: One of the most popular and convenient ways to travel from Lisbon to Cascais is by train. You can catch a train from several stations in Lisbon, including Cais do Sodré, which is a major transportation hub in the city. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the type of train. The Cascais train line offers scenic views of the Tagus River and the coastline along the way.
2. Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Lisbon to Cascais. Several bus companies operate routes between the two cities, with departures from various locations in Lisbon, including Sete Rios and Campo Grande bus stations. The journey by bus typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
3. Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service to travel from Lisbon to Cascais. The scenic route by car takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and you’ll follow the A5 motorway (Autoestrada do Estoril) from Lisbon to Cascais. Keep in mind that parking in Cascais can be limited and may be more challenging during peak tourist seasons.

Regardless of the transportation option you choose, you’ll find yourself in Cascais in no time, ready to explore its charming streets, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere.

where to stay in cascais (best places to stay in cascais)

As the town center is close to everything, including the top things to do in Cascais, we highly recommend that you stay in this area. Check out this awesome list of places to stay in Cascais: HOTELS AND APARTMENTS IN CASCAIS, PORTUGAL

top 11 BEST things to do in cascais portugal

1. Mercado Da Vila – this open air market is open every day with local restaurants inside, but the lovely Farmer’s Market happens every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The produce found here is top notch and full of flavor. Additionally, the colorful array of flowers is a feast for the eyes. To top it off, the prices are very affordable.
2. Boardwalk from Cascais to Estoril – we have walked on this boardwalk numerous times. It’s a lovely, flat walk that follows the coastline and has gorgeous views of the beaches, rock outcroppings and an highly enjoyable ocean breeze. Go at sunset for an unforgettable experience! Our favorite beach along the boardwalk is Praia do Tamariz. Although the favorite beaches of most locals are: Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Conceição. This beach is larger than the others in the area with golden tan soft sand. The clear water entices you to dip your feet in. If you are brave and don’t mind cold water, you could go for a swim.
3. Cidadela (Citadel of Cascais) – as you pass through the enchanting archway from the parking area to the inside of Cidadela Art District, you will be enamored with unique and fun sculptures. There are huge heads, a Rubix cube-looking sculpture, and huge binoculars. You can visit the studios and shops that are open. We always buy books at the adorable bookstore on the corner. There are secondhand books at Deja Lu and the hotel. They even have sections for books in English. The used bookstores are a delight and the prices are extremely affordable.
   

   Parque marechal carmona:

4. Marechal Carmona Park – this is quite a gem of a park! Upon entering this lush, gigantic park, we were greeted by roosters crowing, ducks quacking and peacocks screaming from the treetops. The park is a lot bigger than what we had imagined while walking outside the entrance. There’s a lovely little duck pond near the entrance. As you walk further inside, you’ll walk by a kiosk selling snacks and drinks, a small children’s library, rose gardens, and a theatre. The kiosk is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious drink or ice cream. A little further away, there is a large rock to walk to the top for panoramic views of the park and a spacious green area for lounging about while your kids play on the nearby playground.
5. Casa de Santa Maria and Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães (Museum)- this is a lovely palace and museum. While we haven’t visited the inside of these places, we have greatly admired the outside. Very close to this palace is the Santa Marta lighthouse, which we recommend visiting.
   

   beaches of cascais

6. Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) – we leisurely walked approximately 1 mile from Cascais to Boca do Inferno. Boca do Inferno is a huge sea arch and cliff formation formed from the brutal Atlantic winds and waves. We visited two times, including one time at sunset with awe-inspiring vibrant shades of purple, orange, and pink. This is a must-visit to gaze at the rock formations and think about how the ships navigated this way before modern technology.
7. Any of the beautiful beaches along the boardwalk such as Praia da Ribeira or Praia da Rainha – these beaches are extremely busy, especially on the weekends. We’ve found that a great time to visit is around 6:00 p.m. on a weekday. Our favorite beach in the area is Praia do Tamariz as it’s the largest and most spacious one in the area.
8. Walking the trail behind Mercado Da Vila – we happened upon this lovely trail as we were walking around, looking for the area where the locals most likely live. We saw lovely tiered agricultural terraces while walking up the hill and knew that we had to take the street down to the trail for a closer look. We were mesmerized by the large, impressive plants – tomatoes, melons, herbs and fruit trees.
   

   vegan FOOD in Cascais:

9. Eating at
   Tanah Vegan – we have enjoyed several vegan burgers at Tanah Vegan. The beet one is our favorite and the kids greatly enjoyed the chocolate gelato.
10. Walking the loop in Palmela Park – Fernando and I walk on the boardwalk pretty frequently, but we decided to take a detour under the bridge walkway to see what was on the other side. I’m so glad we did because we happened upon the captivating Palmela Park. We walked the loop past the amphitheater and ropes course. We were mesmerized by the colossal eucalyptus trees and the vibrant array of flowers. It was an enjoyable short walk that I highly recommend!
11. Enjoying a mineral water, espresso or juice at the little kiosk by the kids’ carousel while people watching and thinking about life. Fernando likes to get an espresso and sketch. I like to make notes, write down goals, drink mineral water, and sometimes just people-watch. It’s definitely an interesting perspective on the Portuguese life.

bonus things to do in cascais

Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is a striking museum in Cascais, Portugal. It showcases the works of the renowned Portuguese artist Paula Rego. The museum’s architecture is as captivating as its exhibits, designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. Its bold lines and vibrant colors draw visitors in from afar. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse collection of Rego’s paintings, drawings, and etchings. The museum offers insight into the artist’s life and creative process. With its unique blend of contemporary art and architectural brilliance, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is a must-visit destination.

sintra-cascais natural park