Things To Do in Cascais
Cascais offers a vibrant array of activities for all tastes. Adventurers can rent bicycles and follow the scenic dedicated path along the coast, heading to the legendary Boca do Inferno chasm or all the way to the windswept Guincho Beach for world-class surfing and windsurfing. For a taste of history, the imposing Cidadela de Cascais, a former royal summer retreat, overlooks the modern marina. Art enthusiasts can explore the Paula Rego Historical House and the curated museums of the 'Bairro dos Museus'. Families and sun-seekers are spoiled for choice with several pristine city beaches, while others can simply enjoy the town's lively markets, fresh seafood tascas, and spectacular coastal sunsets.
Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais
History / Architecture
The 16th-century fortress, once a guardian of the Tagus, became the primary royal summer residence in 1870. Today, it hosts a sophisticated museum dedicated to its royal history and serves as the official summer palace of the Portuguese Presidency. Visitors can explore the grand state rooms and residential quarters.
Location: Overlooking the modern marina and the bay of Cascais.
Address: Av. D. Carlos I, Cidadela de Cascais, 2750-642 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 481 5000
Boca do Inferno
Nature / Viewpoint
The "Mouth of Hell" is a dramatic chasm and sea arch in the seaside cliffs. The name comes from the terrifying roar and explosive spray of water that the Atlantic makes as it crashes into the cave during storms. On calmer days, it is a stunning viewpoint of the rugged coastline.
Location: Accessible via a short, scenic walk or bike ride along the coastal road, just west of the town center.
Address: Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, 2750-642 Cascais
Phone: N/A
Web: N/A
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
Art / Architecture
A contemporary museum dedicated to the world-renowned Portuguese-British artist Paula Rego. Designed by Pritzker-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the building is a marvel of red, conical towers that reference traditional Portuguese architecture. Inside, it holds an extensive collection of Rego’s powerful and provocative work.
Location: Set within the "Bairro dos Museus" (Museum District) in the town center.
Address: Av. da República 300, 2750-475 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 482 6970
Praia do Guincho
Beach / Surfing
A vast, wild, and windswept beach on the Atlantic coast. Known internationally for its stunning dunes and powerful waves, it is a major destination for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The drive along the coast to Guincho is itself a top activity.
Location: Located 6km west of Cascais, reachable by a direct bus or the scenic bicycle path.
Address: Estrada do Guincho, 2750 Cascais
Phone: N/A
Web: N/A
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
Museum / Architecture
A whimsical, early 20th-century summer palace that blends multiple architectural styles (neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, and Moorish). It was built by an Irish millionaire and later donated to the town. It houses a fascinating eclectic collection of art, rare books (including a 16th-century manuscript), and historic furniture.
Location: Situated in the scenic Marechal Carmona Park, next to a small cove.
Address: Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, Parque Marechal Carmona, 2750-642 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 481 5304
Farol Museu de Santa Marta
History / Viewpoint
This unique museum is housed within a working lighthouse complex. It documents the history of Portuguese lighthouses and the life of a lighthouse keeper. The striking blue-and-white striped tower is an iconic part of the Cascais skyline. Visitors can learn about navigation and enjoy panoramic views.
Location: Located on the tip of a headland between the Marechal Carmona Park and the Santa Marta cove.
Address: Rua do Farol de Santa Marta, 2750-642 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 481 5000
Mercado da Vila
Market / Dining
The main town market is a vibrant hub where locals buy fresh seafood, produce, flowers, and traditional ceramics. It also features a lively, modern food hall where you can sample Portuguese petiscos, gourmet food, and local wines.
Location: Situated slightly inland from the main bay, near the train station.
Address: Rua Padre Moisés da Silva 29, 2750-437 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 482 6600
Historical Center & Bairro Amarelo
Sightseeing / Dining
Cascais has a beautifully preserved, pedestrianized historical center with mosaic pavement (Calçada Portuguesa) and traditional whitewashed houses. Exploring these streets is essential. The adjacent "Bairro Amarelo" is a specific upscale dining street full of lively terraces.
Location: The area around Visconde da Luz garden, the main bay (Praia da Ribeira), and the Bairro Amarelo.
Address: General area, 2750 Cascais
Phone: N/A
Web: N/A
Marechal Carmona Park
Nature / Relaxation
The largest and most elegant park in Cascais. Formerly the gardens of the Condes de Castro Guimarães Palace, it features beautiful mature trees, rose gardens, duck ponds, a children's playground, and free-roaming peacocks and roosters. It is the perfect place for a tranquil picnic or walk.
Location: Next to the Cascais Citadel and the Castro Guimarães Museum
Address: Praceta Domingos d'Avilez, 2750-642 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 481 5000
Rent a BiCas and Ride the Coast
Activity
The town offers a fantastic free bicycle rental scheme (BiCas). The absolute top activity is to rent a bike and follow the dedicated, 9km scenic path that runs along the ocean all the way to Guincho beach. This path provides unparalleled views and easy access to Boca do Inferno.
Location: Multiple rental stations (Bicas) are found throughout the center and at major points.
Address: Key locations like near the train station or Boca do Inferno
Phone: +351 21 481 5000 (Municipal info)
D's Suggestion
Japanese Fusion
A long-standing local favorite for high-quality Japanese cuisine. It is celebrated for its sleek decor, attentive service, and its innovative fusion sushi rolls that integrate Portuguese flavors.
Location: Situated in the chic pedestrian streets near the museum district and the bay.
Address: Rua Luís Xavier Palmeirim 14, 2750-413 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 483 111
Web: confrariasushi.pt
D's suggestion
Casual Seafood / Market
A unique and lively concept located inside the main market. Guests choose their live shellfish or fresh fish directly from the fishmonger counter, and the restaurant cooks it to order, allowing for a hyper-fresh, customizable feast.
Location: Found inside the Mercado da Vila (Cascais Market), which hosts vendors and other food stalls.
Address: Mercado da Vila, Rua Padre Moisés da Silva 29, 2750-437 Cascais
Phone: +351 21 483 2309
Web: marisconapraca.com