Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Cascais, Portugal

When affluent residents of Lisbon seek a refreshing escape during summer, they often travel west to Cascais, located at the upper reaches of the Tagus Estuary. In this coastal haven, visitors can enjoy the clear waters at serene coves or tackle the vigorous Atlantic waves of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on a surfboard.

Portugal’s royal family vacationed in Cascais at the dawn of the 20th century, and the area still exudes a sense of elegance. The president annually retreats to a palace near the marina, while the nearby Estoril boasts a grand casino that once served jet-setters. The town features refined parks, distinguished mansions adorned with exquisite décor, and a remarkable art museum dedicated to Paula Rego.

1. Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

Nestled at the end of a long, rocky inlet is a charming Revivalist palace that was completed in 1900. This palace, featuring a loggia, mullioned windows adorned with Manueline-style moldings, and a striking Gothic Revival stone tower, serves as a captivating backdrop for a museum housing paintings, Indo-Portuguese furniture, jewelry, prehistoric artifacts from local caves, and Oriental porcelain, all donated to Cascais by Manuel Inácio de Castro Guimarães.

Book lovers will appreciate the library, which contains 25,000 volumes, many dating back to the 1600s, including an illuminated manuscript from 1505. A quaint chapel is located on the grounds, and the palace seamlessly connects to Parque Marechal Carmona.

2. Praia da Rainha

Selecting a standout beach in Cascais can be challenging due to the numerous appealing options available.

If your ideal beach is characterized by a sandy cove touched by crystal-clear waters, Praia da Rainha is the perfect choice.

Additionally, it is situated just a short walk from Rua Frederico Arouca, making it conveniently close to various bars and cafés.

The beach faces east, resulting in minimal currents, while picturesque low cliffs and two significant limestone formations enhance its scenery.

3. Old Centre of Cascais

The charm of Cascais lies in its compactness and pedestrian-friendly nature, allowing visitors to explore the area in approximately one hour.

The streets exude an upscale ambiance, dotted with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

The squares and sidewalks are tastefully paved with calçada portuguesa, featuring intricate mosaic patterns.

While the lively Praҫa 5 de Outubro attracts tourists with its array of bars and restaurants, more genuine local eateries can be found in the peaceful, residential parts of the town.

Stroll along the promenade beneath palm fronds leading to the Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Luz, part of a series of sea forts constructed in the 16th century during Spain’s rule over Portugal.

This fortification serves as the official summer residence of the President of Portugal.

4. Boca do Inferno

Towards the ocean-facing side of Cascais, the coastline transforms into a rugged expanse as you approach the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Located just a short walk from the marina, Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) is a remarkable fissure in the limestone cliffs.

Visiting during turbulent surf conditions allows one to witness ocean waves crashing through the crevice and resonating within the chamber.

In the evening during summer, it is common to see couples seated on the promontory, watching a sunset that paints the sky with vibrant colors.

Interestingly, this cave was the first ever captured on film in Henry Short’s 1896 moving picture, “A Sea Cave Near Lisbon.”

5. Praia do Guincho

Approximately seven kilometers from Cascais lies a stunning Atlantic beach nestled within the pristine nature of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Praia do Guincho features a sweeping arc of fine white sand lined by dunes, offering breathtaking views of the northward mountains.

During summer, steady northerly winds and small swells create ideal conditions for kite surfing and windsurfing.

During winter, the winds shift from the east, providing hollow beach breaks that attract surfers.

If you can tolerate the wind, Praia do Guincho is still a pleasant spot for sunbathing in summer and provides a dramatic landscape for walking and observing surfers during cooler months.

6. Parque Marechal Carmona

This park exudes a regal ambiance due to its location within the grounds of two aristocratic estates: Palácio Condes de Castro Guimarães and property associated with the Viscount of Gandarinha.

The park, situated near the resort’s museums and monuments, boasts lush lawns, colorful flower beds, mature trees, and various water features such as fountains, ponds, and the Mochos River.

Children delight in spotting turtles and feeding the roosters, peacocks, and ducks found on the small farm within the park.

Visitors can also relax on provided deck chairs and benches, and a café with a terrace offers refreshments beside the main pond.

7. Praia do Tamariz

Passengers traveling from Lisbon to Cascais can alight a couple of stops early at Estoril, finding themselves at this delightful beach.

Similar to the other beaches along the bay side, Tamariz features gentle waves and benefits from protection provided by a pier on its eastern side.

Near the pier, a lido offers refreshing swimming opportunities without the trepidation of strong currents.

Historically, Praia do Tamariz was popular among aristocrats and industrialists, and later the jet set, given its proximity to the casino.

8. Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

Distinctive for its red pyramid-like towers, this art museum is dedicated to the work of Portuguese-British artist Dame Paula Rego.

Constructed in 2009 by the esteemed Pritzker Prize-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing Rego’s paintings and graphic art in an accessible and genuine manner.

Each piece is accompanied by context and clear explanations in both Portuguese and English, elucidating various stages of her artistic journey.

The most recent exhibition, curated by her son in 2017, focused on her formative years in London, as well as themes of marriage and motherhood.

The complex also features a shop, café, and a garden where visitors can admire this remarkable structure.

9. Cascais Marina

For those seeking a leisurely experience by the sea, the Cascais marina provides a nearby retreat without straying far from the town’s center.

Recently refurbished in the early 2000s, the marina now serves as a venue for significant sailing events, such as a stage of the ISAF Sailing World Championship and the European 49ers.

During off-peak times, visitors can admire luxurious yachts and enjoy picturesque views of the Cascais waterfront, identifying landmarks like the Palácio Condes de Castro Guimarães tower.

The marina also accommodates charter firms and a variety of bars and restaurants.

10. Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum

The blue and white lighthouse, situated on the grounds of the Fort of Santa Marta, has been guiding vessels into and out of the Tagus Estuary since 1868. This beacon remains functional, emitting a foghorn in low visibility conditions, and in 2007, a museum annex was established adjacent to the tower.

The museum consists of two sections; the first part focuses on the history of Portuguese lighthouses.

Visitors will learn about their pivotal role in strengthening Portugal’s seafaring legacy and can view exhibits such as a 3.7-meter-high beacon and lens from the Berlengas lighthouse.

The second part illustrates the historical context of Santa Marta’s 17th-century fort and the operations of the lighthouse when it was actively staffed.

11. Museu do Mar Rei D. Carlos

Cascais’ maritime museum, inaugurated in 1992, is conveniently located adjacent to Casa das Histórias.

Named in honor of King Carlos I, who had a passion for oceanography during his reign in the early 20th century, this museum features permanent exhibitions exploring the ocean’s ecology and natural history, as well as humanity’s relationship with the sea.

Patrons can delve into the historical evolution of oceanography, uncover the origins of life in Earth’s oceans, and view artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks in the Tagus Estuary.

Notable displays include Roman amphorae, cannons, along with a bronze musket from the 1600s.

The museum also highlights the town’s legacy as a former fishing village through a collection of fishing nets, traditional garments, and scale models of boats.

12. Casino Estoril

While gambling may not appeal to everyone, visiting Casino Estoril is worthwhile even for brief encounters.

Established in 1916 and renovated in the mid-20th century, it evokes images of glamorous jet-set life; notably, Ian Fleming was inspired by his visit here before penning “Casino Royale.”

The casino’s façade, framed by rows of cedar trees in Jardim do Estoril, is a striking sight, and it is touted as the largest casino in Europe.

For those inclined to try their luck, the casino presents the classic glitz one would anticipate, featuring diverse games such as roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, along with a multitude of slot machines, restaurants, and a spacious auditorium hosting shows.

13. Mercado da Vila de Cascais

The town’s market operates on Wednesday and Saturday mornings within a large, semi-permanent hall that also functions as a live music venue.

For those seeking an authentic market experience, distinct from the more sanitized TimeOut market in Lisbon, a visit here is highly recommended.

You will find a variety of fresh produce, cheese, cured meats, fish, honey, flowers, olive oil, baked goods, and much more.

The market also offers cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying coffee or a traditional Portuguese meal.

Additionally, numerous stalls selling clothing, kitchenware, azulejos (decorative tiles), and other handicrafts populate the area outside.

Twice a month, the market hosts special events featuring items ranging from chocolate to wine and sardines.

14. Watersports

For aquatic fun, visitors can choose to enjoy the calm waters of the bay in front of Cascais or venture around the headland to the more windswept beaches within the natural park.

At the resort-side beaches such as Praia da Duquesa and Praia do Tamariz, kayaks and paddleboards are available for a self-guided exploration.

However, for those seeking thrills, summer serves as kite-surfing season at Praia da Cremina and Praia do Guincho.

For those interested in trying this sport, connect with Gustykite, SBKiteboarding, and Kitesurf Adventures.

Numerous surf schools and camps operate throughout the year, offering a range of options from week-long courses to single session lessons through Angels Surf School, Cascais Surf School, and Moana Surf School.

15. Golf

In keeping with the resort’s recognition as a premium destination, five golf courses are situated within a ten-kilometer radius of Cascais.

Consequently, Cascais serves as a popular retreat for affluent Lisboans looking to enjoy golfing.

The most esteemed course is the Penha Longa Resort, which has hosted the Portuguese Open and ranks among Europe’s top 30 golf courses.

This course features 27 holes designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., set amid the gently rolling hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where towering maritime pines line the fairways.

Offering a more budget-friendly yet still premium experience, Golf do Estoril, established in the 1920s for the elite visitors to Estoril, presents green fees of €80 during the week and €95 on weekends, with a reputation for its exceedingly steep and challenging par-3 holes.