palm tree near white and red building during daytime
a woman standing on a beach next to the ocean
a row of buildings with palm trees in front of them
brown rock formation on sea under blue sky during daytime
a bunch of boats that are in the water

Holiday in Cascais

City in Portugal — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇹

Country

Portugal

Type

City

Best time to travel

May to October, summer warm and sunny, surfing year-round at Guincho, mild winters for city exploration

Budget/day

80-140 € (boutique hotel, restaurants, excursions)

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Lisbon about 3 hours, then 40 minutes by train or 30 minutes by rental car to Cascais

About Cascais

Cascais is Lisbon's elegant Riviera – a sophisticated coastal town at the mouth of the Tagus River, which has served as the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family since the 19th century and has retained its aristocratic charm to this day. Located just 30 kilometers west of Lisbon and accessible by train in 40 minutes, Cascais combines the comfort of a seaside resort with the accessibility of a major city, making it one of the most versatile travel destinations in the Lisbon region. The old town of Cascais enchants with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, elegant squares, and a wealth of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The fishing harbor, the marina, and the expansive promenade leading to Estoril give the place a Mediterranean flair reminiscent of the Côte d'Azur. The cultural offerings are remarkable for a town of this size: The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a striking red museum designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, showcases works by the most significant Portuguese artist. West of Cascais lies the spectacular Boca do Inferno, the Mouth of Hell – a sea cave carved by the waves, into which the Atlantic water crashes with a thunderous roar. Further west is Praia do Guincho, one of the best surfing beaches in Europe and host to international windsurfing competitions. The Guincho coastal road to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European mainland, is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Portugal. For German travelers, Cascais is the perfect base for a versatile vacation in Portugal. The train connection to Lisbon allows for day trips without a rental car, the beaches are within walking distance, and the nightlife offers everything from cozy Fado bars to trendy clubs. The Casino Estoril, once the inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond novel Casino Royale, is just a short walk away.

Safety
90
Romance
85
Food
80
Beach
75
Culture
70

Top 6 highlights in Cascais

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Old Town Cascais

Elegant streets with pastel-colored houses, boutiques, and top-notch fish restaurants by the harbor

2

Boca do Inferno

Spectacular sea cave where the Atlantic crashes in with a thunderous roar, an impressive natural spectacle

3

Praia do Guincho

World-class surfing and windsurfing beach with wild Atlantic waves and the Sintra mountain backdrop

4

Cabo da Roca

Westernmost point of the European mainland with a lighthouse and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic

5

Casino Estoril

Legendary casino that inspired Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, featuring shows and elegant nightlife

6

Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

Striking red museum showcasing works by the most significant Portuguese artist, an architectural highlight

Hotels in Cascais

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Cascais

Recommended travel time

May to October, summer warm and sunny, surfing year-round at Guincho, mild winters for city exploration

Summer

Warm, 24-30°C, pleasant Atlantic breeze, water temperature 18-21°C, little rain

Winter

Mild, 10-16°C, rainy, but significantly milder than Central Europe, green and atmospheric

How much does a holiday in Cascais cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

45-70 € (guesthouse, local restaurants)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

80-140 € (boutique hotel, restaurants, excursions)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

160-350 € (5-star, gourmet, casino, spa)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Cascais

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5 travel tips for Cascais

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Use the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais – the ride along the coast is an experience in itself

Rent a bike at Cascais station and ride the coastal promenade to Estoril and Guincho

Visit Cabo da Roca in the late afternoon – fewer buses and a spectacular sunset

In summer, pay attention to the wind at Guincho beach – perfect for surfing, but often too rough for swimming

Use Cascais as a base for Lisbon – cheaper than the capital and well-connected by train

Food & drink in Cascais

These specialties you must try!

Polvo à Lagareiro – oven-baked octopus with garlic, olive oil, and potatoes, a Portuguese classic
Cataplana de Peixe – fish stew from the copper cataplana pan with tomatoes, peppers, and white wine
Bifana – Portugal's favorite sandwich: thinly sliced pork in garlic-white wine sauce in a bun
Travesseiro de Sintra – flaky pastry filled with almond cream from nearby Sintra
Vinho Verde – light, sparkling white wine from northern Portugal, perfect with fish by the coast
Suitable for:RivieraSurfingNear LisbonCultureBeachTrainPortugalCasino

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