Cascais — Atlantic at Your Doorstep
Cascais is Lisbon's elegant seaside resort — a former fishing village that became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century. Today: a charming mix of historic old town, sandy beaches, fish restaurants, and a lively surf scene. Only 30 minutes by train from Lisbon.
Beaches
- Praia da Rainha: The small city beach — picturesque but crowded in summer. Perfect for a quick dip.
- Praia de Carcavelos: The best beach in the region — long, wide, with good waves for surfing. 20 min. by train before Cascais. In summer: beach bar, volleyball, surf school.
- Guincho: 6 km west of Cascais — a wild surf beach at Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of Europe). Strong wind, big waves, spectacular landscape. Not for swimming, but for surfing and marveling.
Old Town & Sights
- Marina de Cascais: The elegant marina with restaurants, bars, and the Centro Cultural de Cascais.
- Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth): A dramatic rock formation on the coast — the sea thunders into a rock cave, during storms the spray shoots meters high. 15 min. walk from the old town. Free.
- Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães: A neo-Gothic little castle by the sea with a small museum — the location alone is worth the visit. Admission: €4.
Getting There
From Lisbon Cais do Sodré: Train to Cascais (Linha de Cascais, 30–40 min., €2.30). The ride along the coast is an experience in itself — from Estoril, the sea is right next to the tracks.
