13 Best Things to Do in Cascais, Portugal

1. Explore Cascais Old Town

I recommend starting your visit at Praça 5 de Outubro, the heart of Cascais Old Town. From here, you can explore the Museu da Vila de Cascais and wander through the surrounding streets, where you’ll find plenty of charming little corners.

One of my favorite streets is Passeio de Dom Luís I, with its beautiful rows of palm trees leading straight towards Cascais Bay. 

Rua Frederico Arouca is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes that takes you to the train station so can be easily added to your Cascais itinerary.

Don’t just stick to the main streets, though! Some of the cutest spots are hidden in smaller lanes like Beco da Vitória, Rua dos Navegantes, and Travessa do Prior. And stop by Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, tucked away in the Old Town.

I also love the colorful corner where Rua Nova da Alfarrobeira meets Rua Alexandre Herculano, better known as Rua Amarela.

While exploring, keep an eye out for some of Cascais’ beautiful historic residences, including Casa de Santa Maria and Palacete Seixas, located in Quinta de Santa Clara. They’re both worth a look, even if you can’t visit the interiors!

2. Spend time at the best beaches in Cascais

One of the best things about Cascais is having several beaches within walking distance of the town center. Each has a slightly different atmosphere, so there’s something for everyone.

Cascais Bay is the most central beach, but it’s also quite small and can get busy, especially during summer. Praia da Rainha is my personal favorite. It’s a little away from the biggest crowds, but still has a lively atmosphere.

If you want something more local, head to Praia da Ribeira de Cascais, a small beach right by the historic center where you’ll often see locals enjoying the seaside. 

For a completely different setting, Praia do Guincho is further away, with a much wilder coastline and a beautiful stretch of sand.

There are also a couple of spots worth knowing about that aren’t quite typical beaches. Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano is a natural seawater swimming pool right by the coast, while Praia de Santa Marta, near the iconic lighthouse, is a lovely little spot for a swim.

3. Visit Boca do Inferno (Devil’s Mouth)

Boca do Inferno is one of the most popular places to visit in Cascais, and for good reason. Just a short walk from the town center, this impressive rock formation attracts plenty of visitors who come to see the waves crashing against the cliffs.

The name “Devil’s Mouth” comes from the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks and rushing through the narrow openings, creating a deep, roaring noise. It’s especially impressive when the sea is rough.

While the Boca do Inferno looks pretty impressive at any time of the day, the sunset is probably the most popular time of day to visit. Around the area, there are also cafes and kiosks, and occasionally live music and fishermen trying to catch something.

4. Enjoy the views at Casa da Guia

Casa da Guia is a lovely spot with shops, restaurants, and cafes, located just a short distance from Cascais Old Town along the coastal road. Despite its stylish, artistic atmosphere, it’s still a place many tourists seem to miss.

The complex is centered around the beautifully refurbished Quinta Palacete dos Condes de Azevedo, where traditional Portuguese architecture meets a more modern feel.

You’ll find an open-air courtyard surrounded by boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. You can simply stop for a coffee, grab an ice cream, or enjoy a drink while taking in the incredible ocean views.

5. Try the best restaurants in Cascais

Cascais has plenty of great places to eat, from traditional seafood restaurants to stylish spots for a long lunch or dinner. These are five places I’d recommend trying, especially if you want to mix things up during your visit.

Baía do Peixe is one of my favorite choices for a seafood meal with a view. Located right by Cascais Bay, it’s known for its seafood rodízio, where you get to try different types of grilled fish and seafood throughout your meal. 

Solta Bar & Restaurant Cascais is a little different, with a more modern approach to seafood and grilled dishes. You’ll find fresh fish and seafood alongside steaks and other creative options, with everything prepared on a Josper grill. 

Tucked away in a beautiful historic property with a lovely garden, Bougain Cascais feels like a little escape from the busy streets. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, making it a nice choice for a relaxed lunch or a special dinner.

House of Wonders is a great option if you’re looking for something vegetarian. It’s colorful, full of plants, and has a lovely rooftop terrace. The menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with plenty of fresh, creative dishes. 

Furnas do Guincho is worth the detour if you’re heading towards Guincho Beach. The restaurant sits right by the Atlantic, with beautiful ocean views and a menu centered around fresh fish and seafood.

6. Walk Along Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália

One of the prettiest walks in Cascais is along Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália, a scenic coastal road named after Umberto II, the last King of Italy, who spent part of his exile in Cascais after the abolition of the Italian monarchy in 1946.

The avenue runs along the waterfront, connecting the historic center with the area around Santa Marta Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the Atlantic, pass elegant historic villas and impressive seaside residences, and see another side of Cascais.

7. Visit Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

One of the most beautiful historic buildings in Cascais is Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. Located right by the water, this former mansion stands out with its unique architecture, decorative details, and beautiful views over the sea.

It was originally built as a private residence for Irish businessman Jorge O’Neill and later became the home of the Counts of Castro Guimarães, who eventually donated it to the town. 

Today, you can visit the interior and see its collection of paintings, antique furniture, decorative objects, and a library with rare books. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, I’d still recommend stopping by to admire the building.

8. Discover Farol Museu de Santa Marta

One of my favorite spots in Cascais is Farol Museu de Santa Marta, beautiful blue-and-white lighthouse. Right next to it, you’ll find a little bay with beautiful turquoise water and a lovely view back towards the Cascais coastline.

It’s a great place to stop for a few photos, enjoy the scenery, or simply sit by the water for a while. You can also visit the lighthouse museum if you’re interested in learning more about Portugal’s maritime history.

9. Explore Parque Marechal Carmona

If you need a little break from sightseeing, head to Parque Marechal Carmona. It’s one of the loveliest green spaces in Cascais, with walking paths, beautiful gardens, little ponds, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

You’ll also come across ducks, roosters, turtles, and peacocks wandering around, which makes the park particularly fun to explore. There are several quiet corners to discover, and it’s a nice change of scenery from the busy streets and beaches.

And don’t miss Chapel of São Sebastião, a small historic chapel tucked inside the park.

10. Visit Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

If you enjoy contemporary art, add Casa das Histórias Paula Rego to your Cascais itinerary. This museum is dedicated to the work of Portuguese-British artist Paula Rego and houses an extensive collection of her paintings, drawings, and prints.

The building is also worth noticing, with its distinctive red concrete towers designed by Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. It’s quite different from the traditional architecture you’ll see elsewhere in Cascais.

11. Discover Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress and Cascais Marina

Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress was built to defend the coastline and the entrance to the Tagus River. Its historic walls are a reminder of Cascais’ strategic importance as a coastal settlement.

Just around the corner is Cascais Marina, where you’ll find rows of boats and yachts, waterfront restaurants, and a few lovely spots to stop for a drink. It’s particularly nice for a relaxed stroll, especially if you enjoy watching the boats and taking in the seaside atmosphere.

12. Enjoy the views from Miradouro Fernandes Thomás

Miradouro Fernandes Thomás offers a lovely view over Praia da Rainha, one of the prettiest little beaches in Cascais. From this spot, you can admire the small bay, the turquoise water, and the coastline stretching along the town.

13. Take a vintage Fiat 500 self-driving tour

If you want to explore the Cascais coastline in a slightly different way, how about doing it in a vintage Fiat 500? This self-drive experience lets you get behind the wheel of an iconic little Italian car and follow a scenic route from Belém all the way to Cascais.

The route can be adjusted, so you can tailor the experience to your interests and decide where you’d like to stop along the way. It’s a fun way to discover the Portuguese Riviera, enjoy the ocean views, and visit some beautiful spots at your own pace.

It’s also a lovely idea for couples or anyone who enjoys a bit of retro charm. As photographers, we absolutely loved photographing this tiny car at the iconic spots.