Exploring Cascais: Portugal’s Coastal Gem
Cascais, a charming coastal town 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, Portugal, exudes a unique charm. Known for its stunning beaches, historic allure, and vibrant cultural scene, it is a favourite among locals and tourists. Once a humble fishing village, Cascais rose to prominence in the 19th century as a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty. Today, it is celebrated for its picturesque old town, luxurious marina, and a wealth of outdoor activities.
*Cascais and Sintra are connected by a short drive (about 25 minutes) or public transportation, which consists of a train and bus.
When it comes to getting around, a car offers more flexibility and convenience than the bus, especially for those who want to explore beyond the town limits.
Visitors to Cascais can look forward to a diverse range of activities, from exploring historic landmarks like the 16th-century Cidadela de Cascais to admiring art and history at the Paula Rego House of Stories or simply soaking up the sun at popular beaches such as Praia da Rainha and Praia do Guincho. Nature lovers will find paradise in the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Day One in Cascais Portugal
Our journey began with an unexpected twist—a GPS malfunction led us to a hidden gem, the Forte da Cruz Beach Castle.
The beach is located on Tamariz Beach in Estoril. The expansive coastline of Tamariz Beach, on which this beach castle is located, is also extensive. Most of it is still untampered with and covered with lovely white sand.
The expansive coastline of Tamariz Beach in Estoril, on which this beach castle is located, is beautiful. Most of it has not been tampered with and is covered with lovely white sand. The ocean also makes a stunning background.
This castle was built in the 17th century on orders by the Portuguese monarchy.
We visited the beach and the castle and walked around town a bit.
Day Two
We started our journey with a brewing storm, and the ocean was restless. It was a perfect moment to capture the scene. The weather in this place is as unpredictable as it is thrilling.
Meander through the cobblestone streets to discover Old Town, a charming area of shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Then, take a leisurely walk along the promenade, marvelling at the yachts in the marina and the stunning beach. Keep going until you’ve seen all the museums.
Once you find your starting point, you’ll realize how everything in the Old Town is cleverly connected, making it a delight to explore on foot.
Things to Do And Visit
You can combine your trip by starting at the old town center and going to the fort, strolling through Cascais, visiting the museum and marina, and returning to the old center to enjoy its charming streets, beaches, and restaurants.
1- Palácio dos Condes de Castro Guimarães
You will enjoy the romantic fairytale architecture the most, but this is also a great way to see how the aristocracy lived at the turn of the century. The interior is accessed through a cloister decorated with Moorish-style tiles, and the most impressive room is the Neo-Gothic Hall, which was the dining room of the first owner and then turned into the library.
The upper floor, reached via a spiral staircase, contains a collection of swords, paintings, and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
This historical landmark, nestled in the heart of Cascais Old Town, offers breathtaking views of the town and the majestic Atlantic Ocean. The castle, built in the 16th century, is a perfect vantage point to explore the area’s rich history.
The Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães collection includes significant national and international paintings, furniture, porcelain and jewellery.
The castle is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 5:30 p.m. Admission is 4 euros.
2-Casa de Santa Maria
This house was built in 1902 by Jorge O’Neill, a direct descendant of the Irish royal family in the late 19th century.
Etched into the Cascais landscape and forming an integral part of the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum. Mediterranean architectural style with lots of natural light.
The decorative richness of this house is apparent in the beautiful 17th-century painted tiles and magnificent oil-painted wooden ceiling, which includes some impressive horseshoe-shaped arches and tiles.
The visit cost 2 euros.
3-Visit the Santa Marta Lighthouse
The Santa Marta Lighthouse is a must-see in Cascais Old Town. This iconic lighthouse is located on the town’s cliffs and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an excellent spot for a romantic sunset stroll or a family photo opportunity.
**There is a small coffee shop inside the wall.
4-Palacio Cidadela Cascais
The Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz, also known as the Fort of Our Lady of Light, is a historic coastal fortification in Cascais, Portugal. It is a key part of the town’s maritime defences, which have protected the coastline from pirates and other invaders throughout Portugal’s history.
The fort was built in the 16th century during King John III’s reign as part of a network of defences along the Estoril Coast.
**It is located near the Cascais Marina and is easily accessible on foot from the town center.
***Today, the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz is integrated into the Cidadela de Cascais, a complex that houses a luxury hotel, art galleries, and cultural spaces.
5-Take a Stroll Along the Beach-Visit the Cascais Marina
Cascais Old Town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Stroll along the shore and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, as there are plenty of spots for swimming and sunbathing.
6-Explore the Cascais Old Town Market
The Cascais Old Town Market is great for picking souvenirs or sampling local delicacies. It is full of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to freshly caught seafood.
**Try my favourite restaurant, Palm Tree. The staff is very charming. The food is great, the portions are significant, and the price is excellent.
Palm Tree
Largo Luis De Camoes 44

Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:
Day Trips from Cascais:
-Sintra: A fairytale town known for its palaces, gardens, and castles.
-Óbidos: A charming medieval village with cobblestone streets and a historic castle.
–Cabo da Roca: Visit the westernmost point of mainland Europe, about 14 km from Cascais.
Getting There
-From Lisbon: Cascais is easily accessible by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. The train ride takes about 40 minutes and offers scenic coastline views. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus.
Airport Access: If you’re flying into Lisbon, Cascais is a 30–—to 45-minute drive from the airport.
Where to Eat
Tips
Accessibility: The town center is relatively flat and easy to navigate, though some areas have cobblestone streets.
Transport: Taxis and Ubers are readily available if walking long distances is challenging.” Ubers are cheaper.“
-Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring, as some paths around attractions like Boca do Inferno can be uneven.
-Weather: Cascais enjoy mild weather year-round, but bring layers for breezy evenings, especially near the coast.
It is always helpful to bring an umbrella. The weather changes in a minute, from morning to sundown. LOL
Best Time to Visit
-Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
–Summer (July–August) is the busiest and warmest season, and it is excellent for beach lovers, but expect more tourists.