Exceptional beaches, fresh fish and seafood on every corner, museums, gardens, and an immense sea in front: Cascais is one of those places that invites you to stay… whether for a day or much longer. A former fishing village linked to the sea and maritime trade, it gained new prominence in the 19th century when the Portuguese royal family chose the town as a summer destination, transforming it into an elegant seaside retreat sought after by the aristocracy and European high society.
But Cascais’ cosmopolitan history doesn’t end there. During World War II, Portugal remained neutral, and the Cascais–Estoril coastline became a haven for thousands of refugees, exiles, diplomats, and spies. It was here that several European royal families found temporary refuge, including the royal families of Spain, Italy, Romania, Hungary, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, at a time when Estoril became known as the “Coast of Kings.”
Among historic hotels, mansions, cafes, and seaside promenades, Cascais has become the setting for unlikely encounters, stories of exile, and episodes of espionage that still form part of the town’s identity. Perhaps it is precisely this blend of tradition, sophistication, history, and relaxation that continues to make Cascais one of the most special destinations in Portugal.
If you’re staying at Luzeiros Suites, this itinerary makes even more sense: you start comfortably in Lisbon and then calmly set off for a day by the sea, without rushing, with time to enjoy Cascais as it should be enjoyed.
How to get from Lisbon to Cascais: the perfect starting point at Luzeiros Suites
Start your day at Luzeiros Suites, enjoy a full breakfast at Luzeiros Caffé, and then head to Campo Pequeno metro station, which is right outside. From there, the journey is simple: take the metro to Cais do Sodré and board the Cascais Line train, which connects Lisbon to the town of Cascais along the banks of the Tagus River, offering a relaxing trip with breathtaking views of the river and the sea. Comboios de Portugal (CP) describes this route as an easy and scenic connection between Lisbon and Cascais, ideal for those who want to turn their trip into a first moment of sightseeing.
Cascais, the town center and the bay beaches: starting with the essentials
Praia da Rainha
Small, sheltered, and nestled between cliffs, Praia da Rainha is one of the most famous beaches in the center of Cascais. Access is only on foot, which reinforces its more secluded nature and makes it especially pleasant for a first stop near the town.
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa
Praia da Conceição is located next to the Chapel of Our Lady of Conception and is one of the most easily accessible beaches in the village; at low tide, it connects to Praia da Duquesa, which is its natural extension between two chalets. Both have a lively atmosphere, supported by terraces, bars and restaurants along the waterfront.
Praia da Ribeira or Praia dos Pescadores
In the heart of Cascais Bay, Praia da Ribeira is also known as Praia dos Pescadores, thanks to the pier where fish are unloaded and then taken to the fish market. It’s a beach strongly linked to the town’s maritime identity and one of the most classic settings to feel the pulse of Cascais.
The bay and the historic streets of the city center
As you pass by the beaches, it’s worth slowing down and strolling through the streets of the historic center, with its shops, terraces, and an atmosphere that blends old architecture with summer life. The marina and the bay themselves help frame the walk: their design opens onto Cascais Bay and the Atlantic, offering a wide view that invites you to linger a little longer.
Cascais Citadel and Marina: history, art, and lunch with a view
Cascais Citadel and Art District
The Cascais Citadel is a 16th-century fortress that has been restored and reinvented as a historical and artistic space, now housing an art district with paintings, jewelry, books, and small snack stops. It’s a visit that combines military heritage, cultural life, and a new way of looking at the town center.
Lunch at the Cascais Marina: Valério
Right next to the marina, Valério is a great place to stop for a leisurely lunch with a view. Located in the Cascais Marina, this restaurant offers Portuguese and international cuisine, with fresh fish dishes, a terrace, and a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly complements a seaside meal.
Cascais cultural: museums, gardens and seaside spots
Praia de Santa Marta
Praia de Santa Marte is part of the protected area of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is located between the Cascais Marina and the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum. It is a small beach, very close to the sea and with a special connection to the historical setting of the area.
Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum
Housed in the former Tower of São Sebastião, the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum originated from a summer house built at the end of the 19th century and the legacy left by Manuel Inácio de Castro Guimarães to the town of Cascais. Today, it holds collections of art, Indo-Portuguese furniture, archaeological remains, and a remarkable library.
Parque Marechal Carmona
Created in the 1940s and also known as Parque da Gandarinha, Parque Marechal Carmona is the result of merging several recreational areas and stands out for its expansive lawns, lakes, tree-lined paths, playground, snack bar, and even a small zoological area. It’s the perfect place to rest your legs, take a break in the sun, and continue your stroll without leaving the center of Cascais.
Paula Rego House of Stories
Right nearby, the Paula Rego House of Stories, inaugurated in 2009 and designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, a renowned Portuguese architect who received the Pritzker Prize (the Nobel Prize of Architecture) in 2011 and the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2018, is one of the village’s most striking museums. Dedicated to the life and work of Paula Rego, it brings together paintings, drawings, and engravings in a building with its own unique architecture, easily recognizable by its reddish towers.
Boca do Inferno: the raw sea at the end of the afternoon
Just a few minutes past the center of Cascais, Boca do Inferno reveals the most dramatic side of the coast. This rock formation, carved by the force of the Atlantic, creates a natural arch where waves crash violently, producing splashes, noise, and a particularly impressive spectacle on days with rough seas. It is also one of the most photogenic spots in the town and a must-see at sunset.
Rua Amarela in Cascais: dinner, snacks and a drink at the end of the day
Rua Amarela is the perfect ending to this itinerary. It consists of three pedestrian streets (Nova da Alfarrobeira, Alexandre Herculano and Afonso Sanches) that, since 2020, have formed a vibrant gastronomic hub, with terraces, restaurants and a late afternoon atmosphere.
Café de São Bento Cascais
Located on Rua Alexandre Herculano, Café de São Bento Cascais has brought the tradition of a Lisbon classic to Cascais, maintaining its famous house steak as a signature dish. The space is elegant, bright, and designed for relaxed lunches and dinners, with that touch of Portuguese tradition.
José Ignácio
Also on Rua Amarela, José Ignácio started as a restaurant, butcher shop, grocery store, and online store, focusing on meats from native breeds and using fire as a central element in the kitchen. The concept combines product, grill, and curation, making it a strong choice for those who appreciate quality meat.
Malacopa Taco Bar
For those who prefer a more lively end to the day, Malacopa Taco Bar focuses on Mexican cuisine, tacos, and margaritas, with its own unique energy. The bar is open daily and is one of the most relaxed spots on Rua Amarela.
Residente
Residente is the perfect choice for those who want dishes to share, brunch, and lighter meals, without sacrificing cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. Located on Rua Alexandre Herculano, the space was designed for relaxed meals and for extending the evening in a more casual and contemporary setting.
Return to Lisbon: no rush, with views and comfort
From Rua Amarela to the train station is just a few minutes’ walk, and the train connection between Cascais and Cais do Sodré remains one of the easiest ways to return to the capital. A trip to enjoy the view to the rhythmic sound of the train, which lulls us back to Luzeiros Suites after a full day by the sea.