A Perfect Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon (Portuguese Riviera)

Heading to Portugal and planning a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon?! Here’s everything you need to know, including how to get there, the best beaches, and all my favorite things to do in Cascais!

It’s true — Cascais is the epitome of true coastal beauty. There’s golden sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, well-preserved 19th-century mansions, cobblestone streets, and colorful, tiled traditional Portuguese houses. Plus clear blue waters (perfect for swimming), some of the best gelato I’ve ever had, and a vibrant town center. No wonder why a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais is so popular!

Nestled on the Portuguese Riviera, you can expect a beautiful coastline filled with great seafood, an incredible vibe, a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and tons of scenic viewpoints. I had a hard time putting my camera down in this cosmopolitan suburb of Lisbon. Every inch is just so pretty (peep the photos below — you’ll see what I mean).

It’s easily one of the best day trips from Lisbon – by far. I mean, this beautiful beachside town is definitely one of the main highlights on any 10-day Portugal itinerary! And heading from Lisbon to Cascais takes well under an hour (around 40 minutes actually) AND less than 5 euro. Can’t beat that!

I’ve actually been to Cascais twice – on both of my trips to Portugal! This chic little beachtown is just that stunning I couldn’t resist visiting again! It’s ultimate seaside perfection – you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from the beach no matter where you are in town. My kinda place! It used to be a traditional Portuguese fishing town, though now it’s a famous resort town (and gorgeous at that).

Everyone always talks about doing a day trip to Sintra (which I get – it’s simply amazing), but I highly recommend a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon as well. Especially if you wanna get outta the busy city for a day!

Logistics for Taking a Day Trip to Cascais

Where is Cascais, Portugal?

Cascais is a seaside town located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal (specifically nestled along the scenic Estoril Coast which extends from the town of Oeiras to the town of Cascais). The town is situated between the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s not far from Lisbon (only about 18 miles west!), making it a super easy day trip from the capital city!

Note that Cascais is also a municipality in the Lisbon District of Portugal (encompassing way more than just the coastal town), but as this is a day trip guide to Cascais, I’ll be focusing solely on the actual town of Cascais itself.

Here’s how far the town of Cascais is from other popular places in Portugal to give you a sense if it’s worth including on your trip (most people travel here from Lisbon):

From Sintra: 18 km, 20 minute drive
From Cabo da Roca: 15 km, 25 minute drive
From Lisbon: 35 km, 35 minute drive
From Obidos: 100 km, 1 ½ hour drive
From Nazare: 150 km, 1 ½ hour drive
From Coimbra: 240 km, 2 ½ hour drive
From Aveiro: 275 km, 2 ½ hour drive
From Lagos: 325 km, 3 hour drive
From Porto: 350 km, 3 ½ hour drive
From Douro Valley: 430 km, 4 hour drive

Many people visit Cascais, Cabo da Roca, and Sintra on the same day (only doable on a guided day tour). If you’ve got limited time on your Portugal itinerary and wanna see the main highlights of each of these spots, it’s possible! Just know it’s gonna be a tiring day!

How to get to Cascais from Lisbon

Public Transit – Train (easiest and fastest)

From Downtown Lisbon: There’s a direct train from Lisbon to Cascais, and it’s by far the easiest option! Trains leave from the Cais do Sodre Station (right near The Time Out Market — so definitely grab an egg tart or two here before getting on the train), and depart every 20 minutes or so.

You’ll take the suburban CP train headed towards Cascais all the way until the end – Cascais Station (taking roughly 40 minutes or so). Make sure to look out the window – the ride’s super scenic and practically hugs the coastline! FYI – sit on the left side of the train leaving Lisbon, or right side when leaving Cascais for the best views.

You pay by the number of Zones you’re riding, so from Lisbon to Cascais expect the ticket to cost €2.30 for a single ticket (or included on the Lisbon Card if you’ve got one).

From Belem: Since plenty of people visit Belem and Cascais on the same day (like I did on my recent 10 day trip to Portugal), here’s some easy directions for getting between the two of them.

If you only have a few days in Lisbon and wanna see both (Belem and Cascais), I recommend heading to Belem first thing in the AM, and then making your way to Cascais in the early afternoon. You won’t be able to see and do every single thing, but you’ll get a good feel for both!

Belem’s a stop on the Cascais line, making it super easy to just hop on and head to Cascais. It’ll cost around the same (€2 or so).

Local Tip: If you’re gonna use public transit in Lisbon a bit (either train, metro, and/or tram), pick up a “Viva Viagem” card – the reusable public transport ticket for all of Lisbon. It costs only €0.50, and you’ll be able to reload the card whenever you need (making it super easy, a simple tap and go system).

The price of tapping is actually cheaper than buying individual ticket prices, so the €0.50 really pays for itself right away. You can buy one of these cards at most metro or train stations in Lisbon.

And once you arrive in Cascais, the train station is centrally located in town. Psst – the station looks more like a beautiful Portuguese mansion – not like a train station at all, haha. I honestly walked past it 3x while looking for it on the way home, whoops!

Travel Warning: I don’t wanna scare you, but there’s been reported instances of petty crime taking place at night on this train route. If traveling late at night, choose a seat in the most crowded train carriage and always away from suspicious-looking individuals. Don’t worry, during the day it’s perfectly safe.

There’s also buses that operate between Lisbon and Cascais, but it takes longer than the train so not much benefit to that. Plus, the train is SO easy there’s no reason not to take it.

Ride Shares/taxis to Cascais

If you’re feeling lazy (or just don’t wanna navigate the train system – no judgements!), you can totally take a ride share to Cascais. Note that it’s by far the most expensive way to get from Lisbon to Cascais, at around 25 euro each way (although definitely not terrible by any means if you’re traveling with a few friends).

I recommend getting dropped off at Boca do Inferno, checking out that viewpoint, and then making the 15 minute walk to town along the coastline. Just makes sense so you can start at the furthest end of town and make your way back to the center (instead of walking roundtrip to Boca do Inferno which can feel hot and sticky in the intense summer sun).

Definitely download Bolt and FREENOW, which are basically cheaper versions of Uber in Portugal. I used Bolt all around Portugal (especially in the Algarve) and found fares to be much less expensive than Uber.

Driving to Cascais

If you’ve got your own car and feel comfortable driving yourself, you can easily reach Cascais by car on the A5 Highway. It’s only about a 30-40 minute drive from Lisbon, depending on traffic of course (always expect a decent amount in the busy summer months).

Parking: Once you reach Cascais, you’ll find street parking as well as paid public parking lots and garages. Just read all the signs because there’s a decent amount of stipulations.

The town also has a “Park & Ride” system, where you can park your car in a designated area (a bit further from town), and use public transit to get to the town center. During peak tourist season this is a great option – it gets busy, busy, busy over here! Honestly, a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon is a whole lot less stressful via train (you don’t need a car in Cascais itself).

Guided Tour to Cascais

Most organized day trip tours to Cascais also include stops at Sintra – I think tour companies know that getting to Cascais is just too easy to bother making a dedicated tour for it alone, haha. Plus, the main attractions really are the beach and Old Town, both which don’t really require a guide. If you’re planning to spend the whole day in Cascais, don’t book a tour.

BUT! If you’d rather combine a visit to Cascais with Sintra and Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of Europe), there’s plenty of tours that do just that! Choose this tour to Sintra and Cascais if you wanna spend your day exploring other areas of Portugal as well. Perfect if you’re tight on time and know you’ll have FOMO by not visiting all the places, haha.

How to Get Around Cascais

Once you’re in town, you can easily explore Cascais on foot! Everything you’ll wanna see (the beaches, old town, marina, etc) are all within walking distance of each other. If you wanna check out Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), plan to rent a bike as the walk feels kinda long, especially in the hot summer months (I tried to do it and ended up turning around mid way).

Important note: BE CAREFUL WALKING AROUND. Not because of safety or anything like that, but for 2 reasons. For starters, the heat is somewhat treacherous in the scalding summer months, so definitely make sure you stay ultra hydrated. There were numerous instances where I needed to find some shade to cool myself down.

And two – because the ground is just awful (super pretty, but hard to walk on)! It’s either all cobblestone (and kinda an annoying one at that) or this extremely slippery tile. I may have slipped once or twice… could’ve just been my sandals (?) but I say this so you watch where you step and take extra caution.

Weather and When to Visit Cascais

Cascais is beautiful year round, with a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. There’s a reason why Portuguese locals love Cascais – it’s not just a tourist town!

It can be breezy along the coastline, as the Atlantic Ocean greatly influences the climate, but hey – that breeze will feel super refreshing if you’re visiting in the steamy summer months.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the weather in Cascais by season:

Spring (March to May): A great time to visit Cascais! The temps are starting to rise, there’s tons of flowers, and increasing sunshine. I’d plan a visit in late April to May if you’re looking for the best combo of fewer crowds and mild weather.

Summer (June to August): Summer is warm and dry with very little rain, and lots and lots of sunshine. This is by far the most popular time to take a day trip to Cascais, with daytime temps perfect for lounging at the beach and taking dips in the water (72°F to 84°F, 22°C to 29°C).

July and August are the hottest and also most crowded, so don’t expect to have the beach to yourself, HA! I visited both times in July, and while crowded, found it manageable. The Cascais Seafood Festival (Festival do Marisco de Cascais) takes place in summer, so super fun if you’re a foodie like me.

Also, make sure you slather on that sunscreen – the sun over here is relentless!

Fall (September to November): It starts cooling off in autumn (daytime highs range from 19°C to 25°C, 66°F to 77°F), although you can totally still swim in September and even early October. But by November, there’ll probably be a good amount of rain.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Cascais are mild but wet! Temps are nowhere near freezing (hovering in the mid 50°F and around 14°C), but you’ll definitely need to come prepared for rain. December and January are the wettest months in Cascais, so bring an umbrella and jacket.

If you just wanna go sightseeing and don’t mind some rain, this can be a great time to come as crowds are very minimal (besides around Christmas of course).

Where to Stay in Cascais

Want a few extra beach days? While most visitors simply do a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon, you can totally stay overnight if you’ve got the time!

Check out these top-rated hotels in Cascais:

Westlight Cascais Chalet (adults only!)
Casa Paraíso Cascais (budget property steps from the beach!)
Albatroz Hotel
Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa

Other Tips and FAQS about a Day Trip to Cascais

How Long to Spend at Cascais: While you can easily spend all day in Cascais, especially if you wanna take advantage of the beaches, I spent around 5-6 hours here and that was sufficient for me! Granted it was my second time visiting though.

Crowds at Cascais: A day trip from Lisbon to Cascais is on so many Portugal itineraries, so expect it to be decently crowded, especially in summer. Visit in shoulder season (March to May and September to November) if you’re looking for more peace and quiet.

Is English spoken? Yeah, a fair amount! Cascais is very touristy, haha. Of course Portuguese is the main language spoken here, but you’ll find plenty of restaurant staff and the younger generation speaking English. It doesn’t hurt to learn a few common words in Portuguese though!

Just remember that, while similar, Portuguese is a completely different language than Spanish, so don’t speak Spanish in Portugal even if you know it! Always thank with an “obrigado”, and never with a “gracias”.

Is a day trip to Cascais worth it? I sure think so! If you’re interested in sunny beaches, culture, history, a stunning coastline, and great food, then yes – you’ll love a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais! It’s a great way to get outta the hustle and bustle of the big city and get some beach time in. If you’re trying to see a decent chunk of Portugal in 10 days, I recommend combining it with another day trip (Sintra or Belem).

However (there’s always a however with me…), if you’re headed down to the Algarve and don’t have much extra time in Lisbon, I’d reconsider a day trip to Cascais.

You’ll be super impressed with Ponte de Piedade, hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and other beaches near Lagos/Albufeira that I honestly don’t think you’d be missing much by skipping Cascais. Just keeping it real over here! Go explore Sintra and Pena Palace or spend extra time in Lisbon (or even take a day trip to Obidos).

Can you visit Cascais and Sintra on the same day? Yes, BUT… it’s gonna be an extremely hectic and very, very tiring day. I understand that most people have limited time in Lisbon (3 days in Lisbon seems pretty popular), so a tour like this is a great way to see multiple spots!

Can you visit Cascais and Belem on the same day? Now this is super doable, especially because Cascais and Belem are on the same train line. Belem’s actually only a few stops before Cascais. If you’re fine with seeing the sites of Belem from the outside and not exploring in depth, it’s a great option (you’ll need more time if you wanna go inside Jeronimos Monastery and/or Belem Tower).

Can you swim at the beaches in Cascais? Of course you can! The water is super clear and feels super refreshing on a hot summer day. Note that this is the Atlantic Ocean, and the water never warms up too much (don’t expect the bath waters of Hawaii, the Greek Islands, or Thailand over here). You’ll probably wanna wait until mid-July to really go for a swim. I visited the beginning of August and only put my toes in, but that’s more because I didn’t feel like being wet all day, ha!

How do you pronounce Cascais? I was wondering this too at first before I visited (I hate butchering foreign names). You’ll hear Cascais pronounced two ways – more like “Kah-skah-ees” in Portuguese (with the emphasis on the first syllable, and the “s” sounds are pronounced like “sh.”). And “Kah-shkaysh” in English, with a soft “sh” sound for the final “s.”

Is a day trip to Cascais expensive? Although it’s one of the richest municipalities in all of Portugal (true story), a day trip to Cascais from Lisbon doesn’t have to be all that expensive! Roundtrip transport is less than 10 euro on the train, the beaches are completely free (lay down your own towel), attractions are only a few euros each, and there’s loads of restaurant options at all different price points. I think I spent less than 30 euro the whole day! Not too bad at all for a day out on the Portuguese Riviera!

Brief History of Cascais

Cascais was once a modest fishing village, full of local fishermen casting their nets into the sea. But of course this beautiful seaside town didn’t stay quiet for long – the charm of Cascais piqued interest in Portuguese royalty.

They thought the area was oh so lovely that they decided it was the most perfect spot for their lavish vacations. And then proceeded to build grand palaces and forts to really enjoy the sea breeze and ocean views! The Cascais Citadel was also built to guard against pirates! How wild is that?!

The area also has a lot of maritime history and heritage, as Cascais was a safe haven for ships from distant lands, as well as Portuguese sailors embarking on daring sea voyages. Sailors would dock here to rest and replenish their supplies, and the town grew and transformed into a lively hub with colorful houses and vibrant markets.

Now it’s a fun mix of a fishing village with maritime roots and royal palaces! Filled with plenty of famous celebrities and wealthy people, haha. Not too shabby!

Best Things to do in Cascais, Portugal

Finally, what you probably came here for – all the best things to do in Cascais!

Cascais is larger than most people realize – it’s actually an entire municipality in Portugal, covering over 37 square miles. BUT as this is a day trip guide to Cascais, I’m only highlighting my favorite things to do in Cascais that are easily doable on an actual day trip. Makes sense, right?

And the best thing about a day trip to Cascais is that you don’t need a pre-set itinerary. It’s more of a kick-back-and-relax kinda place, although definitely enough to fill a full day if you’ve got a hard time sitting still like me.

Sure, plenty of people spend a night (or two) and there’s certainly enough to fill a few leisurely beach days, but one day is sufficient to see the main highlights below!

Check Out the Beautiful Beaches

Out of all the things to do in Cascais, hitting up the beach is easily #1. I mean, Cascais is a beach town afterall, and just look at them (they’re stunning).

Thankfully, you’ve got quite a few to pick from (with over a dozen beaches dotting the coastline). From these, there’s four main beaches super close to the center of Cascais, and all very walkable from town. I couldn’t help myself and checked out all four (call it FOMO if you will, haha)!

Expect crystal clear calm water and fine, golden sand – this is the Portuguese Riviera we’re talking about! Plus great tourist facilities, like shops, restaurants, and bars nearby. Some even have chaise lounges and umbrellas for rent.

Praia da Rainha: This is one of the most popular beaches in all of Cascais since it’s only about a 5 minute walk from the train station and right next to the main square. It’s beautiful but TINY, so get there early to lay your towel out or rent an umbrella and loungers (usually around 25-30 euro for a complete set up – 2 chairs and 1 umbrella). Expect a lively beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and golden sand! Praia da Rainha was actually the private beach of Queen Amelia during the 1880s – imagine that!

Praia da Ribeira: Directly across from Hotel Baia, this is the central beach of Cascais right by the fishing pier, marina, and fort. In the past, fishing boats were pulled right here onto the beach, which is why it’s still sometimes referred to as Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach). Don’t expect much privacy – daytrippers like yourself will happen upon this beach right away!

Praia da Duquesa: A long stretch of sand that’s family friendly and clean – a perfect place for a beach break if you’re day tripping to Cascais. Lots of restaurants (don’t miss Capricciosa – what’s better than pizza and sangria by the beach?!), ice cream, and bars around here, plus showers to rinse off and public bathrooms. Come early to rent chaise lounges and umbrellas/parasols – it gets busy in the prime summer months!

Praia da Rata: This is a smaller beach than the others, and a hot spot for surfing, paddle boarding, and canoeing! Locals love jumping into the jetty here (Pontão da Praia da Rata), although it’s a great spot for photography as well. There’s a few bars around here all with stunning views. It’s located a bit further away than the other beaches (about a 15 minute walk from the train station), so doesn’t get as many people passing through.

The water will be pretty chilly no matter the month (this is the Atlantic we’re talking about), but it’ll feel great on a scorching hot day! Instead of going for a swim, I did a bit of sunbathing, seashell collecting, and people watching – three favorites of mine!

There’s also plenty of beaches surrounding the town of Cascais, like Praia de Carcavelos (the best of both worlds with tons of lounge chairs for sunbathing and lots of surf schools for those looking to learn) and Praia do Guincho (best for water sports and kite surfing).

Note that these will either require a car or extra time on the train (honestly, the beaches in Cascais are pretty enough so I’d stick to those if you’ve only got time for a day trip).

Wander around Cascais Old Town

Besides the beaches, wandering the tiny town of Cascais is my favorite! And a must-do on any day trip from Lisbon! There’s perfectly positioned palm trees, ornate gardens, colorful mansions, old fishing boats, and zig zag tile on the ground. It’s known for its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and Portuguese houses with colorful tiles and wrought-iron balconies. Getting lost in the narrow alleyways is definitely one of the best things to do in Cascais.

Such a vibrant atmosphere – I loved it!

Don’t miss Praça 5 de Outubro, the main square, where you’ll find lively outdoor cafes – perfect for a coffee break and a traditional Portuguese walnut pastry (my favorite spot being Pastelaria A Bijou de Cascais). Plus a statue in honor of Luis de Camões.

Old Town is extremely walkable, and you’ll find tons of local shops, cute cafes, and restaurants (tapas at Taberna Clandestina Cascais are a must as is House of Wonders for you plant-based folks!). You can breeze through in less than a half hour, or really take your time admiring all the buildings (many covered in gorgeous azulejo Portuguese tiles) and taking it all in. I took way too many photos – the facades were just too pretty to ignore!

Indulge in Gelato at Santinis

This place is hyped up for a reason. You haven’t been to Cascais if you haven’t tried the famous handmade gelato at Santinis. The line is typically out the door, but I PROMISE the wait is worth it (plus, it moves fast). Since you choose your size and pay first before picking out your flavors, it somehow speeds up the process. Just trust me and get in line.

And there’s a HUGE variety of flavors. I tried the raspberry and chocolate and it was the perfect combo on a hot day.

Walk over to Boca do Inferno

Walk off that gelato with a long leisurely walk along the coastline for some views! If you walk the opposite way from the beaches, you’ll come across Avenue Rei Humberto II de Itália – a road that literally hugs the coast. There’s tons of scenic, wild spots over here – including everyone’s two favorites – Pedra da Nau and Boca do Inferno.

Boca do Inferno (translating to Hell’s Mouth) is the most popular, an incredibly scenic spot to view the rugged Portuguese coast. It’s super dramatic with its huge pounding waves, turbulent sea (hence the name), and natural archway, and perfect for photos and watching fishermen. Try and visit during high tide or a rough sea – the views will be even more beautiful!

To walk all the way to Boca do Inferno, it’ll take about 30 minutes from the train station. To be completely honest, I didn’t make it all the way there – I was getting extremely hot and had already finished all my water! I thought it was the smart choice to head back to town and get something to drink (no one wants to pass out from heat stroke)! Guess I’ll have to make it a priority on my next visit to Cascais (a perfect excuse to head back next time I’m in Lisbon).

Admire the Santa Marta Lighthouse

This is the photo of town you’ve probably seen on all the postcards, so don’t miss it on your day trip to Cascais! Not only is this spot utterly gorgeous, but it’s got my favorite view of the beautifully-tiled 19th century Santa Marta Lighthouse. And the brave cliff jumpers are super fun to cheer on!

Interested in maritime navigation and wanna see the inside of the lighthouse? Make sure to check out the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum! The interior’s been fully restored, AND you can even climb to the top of the lighthouse for even more stunning views of the sea and town. Well worth a few euros in my opinion.

But honestly, I think the view of the lighthouse itself from the mirador is better than up-close views. Just my opinion!

Psst – if you’re looking for the exact spot, input Mirador Casa de Santa María into Google Maps. I accidentally found it while wandering the coast, and I’m so glad I did! I would’ve been super sad if I missed out on this iconic lookout of Cascais.

And when you’re over here, make sure you turn around. The Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães (directly opposite the mirador) is simply stunning with its bright tiled yellow exterior and small beach under the bridge (where I saw people swimming, haha). Makes since – it’s a PALACE for crying out loud, a revivalist-style palace built in 1900 to be more exact!

Worth a visit inside if you’ve got the time (although if you’re only here for a day trip to Cascais I’d skip it if you’re not super interested in seeing period houses with lavish decor). Personally? I’d rather be at the beach!

Stroll through the Cascais Marina

En route to the iconic Santa Marta Lighthouse, you’ll come across the Cascais Marina – a brand new area in Cascais. It’s of course filled with gorgeous yachts and fishing boats, and I loved picking out my next boat, wink wink. This area is way more modern and pristine than the Old Town, and has beautiful restaurants, shops, and cafes, plus wonderful views of the ocean and the Old Fort nearby.

The Marina is brand new, and feels and looks just that! It’s way more clean cut than the charming atmosphere of Old Town, but it’s definitely nice to see both sides of town.

Hungry? Check out Kafeine Cascais (perfect for some coffee and pancakes overlooking the marina), Mercearia Vencedora (try the picanha with garlic and sparkling sangria), and/or espaço trium (for some delicious octopus).

Try a traditional Nozes de Cascais

This is the famous walnut pastry of Cascais! The place to go is A Bijou de Cascais, a lovely patisserie with every pastry/cake you can think of. While the walnut pastry is made entirely of eggs and sugar (plus a walnut on top), it had so much unexpected flavor! I loved it and could have eaten a handful, haha.

Everyone seems to rave about their lemon pastels as well, although I was too full after the gelato and walnut pastries to try one.

Explore The Citadel of Cascais

Next up – the Citadel of Cascais, a restored royal residence/old fort known for its elegant interiors, private chapel, and stunning seaside views. It’s got a fair bit of interesting history, although it’s been recently modernized and now holds a boutique hotel, a few art galleries (with great sculptures), and even some shops! A great mix of old vs. new.

I just admired the building from the outside, but kinda wish I had time to go in!

Shop at Mercado da Vila

This is the huge market in Cascais, just a few blocks from the train station! Main market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, which is when all the fresh produce is sold.

And trust me when I say there’s an unbelievable selection of all things food – expect to not only find fruits and veggies, but also fresh fish, meats, plants, flowers, cheeses, fresh breads, and more all in a large hall full of local vendors. Other days you’ll find clothes, vintage items, art, and pottery – it all kinda depends on the day.

Mercado da Vila also boasts a really nice food court outside, with Marisco na Praça being a popular choice – a fresh seafood restaurant with tons of choices directly in the market.

So there ya have it – a full guide to the perfect day trip to Cascais from Lisbon! Are you visiting the Portuguese Riviera anytime soon?!