Cascais

A holiday destination for the European elite in the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, this little town by the sea has kept its original charm.

Cascais continues to entice the many visitors attracted by the architecture of its houses and mansions, by its history so closely related to the sea, by the natural beauty of its beaches and by its numerous restaurants.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can go from Paço de Arcos to Cascais by train (a panoramic trip) or by walk (about 70 minutes).

Activities

Windsurf, Kitesurf, Surf, Bodyboard

NOT TO BE MISSED

The Citadel. This complex includes the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz, the Tower of Santo António de Cascais and an extensive fortified area. The Citadel was refurbished in 2012 to accommodate one of the charming hotels of the Pousada de Portugal chain as well as shops, an exhibition centre and a space for events.

The Marina. Right next to the Citadel is the Cascais Marina, one of the busiest leisure areas in this small town. Here you will find shops, restaurants, coffee shops and nautical services and products.

The Paula Rego Museum. A museum dedicated to Paula Rego, probably the most internationally renowned Portuguese painter. Paula Rego, who lives in England, has received dozens of awards and distinctions. The award-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura was chosen by the painter herself to design the building that houses this museum.

Casa da Guia. This yellow mansion of the 16th century was converted into a commercial space with an innovative concept combining refinement and exclusivity. A truly inspiring place where you can have a coffee, buy a gift, enjoy a meal, read a book or just appreciate the immensity of the sea.

Boca do Inferno. The “Hell’s Mouth” is an imposing site to the west of Cascais. In some days, the crashing of the waves against the cliffs is quite impressive. An “infernal” effect, both wild and beautiful, that gives an hypnotic and mysterious atmosphere to this place.

Guincho. Next to Casa da Guia, take one of the freely available bicycles that the Cascais Council puts at the public’s disposal. Take the bike path until the wild beaches of Guincho and enjoy the view of the forts, the lighthouses, the dunes and the sea foam blown by the wind.

Santini. Probably the most famous Italian ice cream house in the Lisbon-Cascais coast. It was established in 1949 by Attilio Santini, who won a large clientele with his sympathy and his talent to create irresistible flavours using only the purest ingredients. At the weekend, don’t be surprised if you find long queues… a visit to the Santini ice cream house is a tradition in many families.

Gastronomy

Restaurants and bars

Pizzaria Capricciosa
This is a chain with several restaurants in the Lisbon area, but only two, in Carcavelos and Cascais, are close to the sea. Naturally, the menu offers a variety of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven (with or without cheese and tomato sauce) and pastas as well as salads and steaks.
http://www.grupodocadesanto.com.pt/pt/capricciosa/restaurantes/Cascais/44/
Alameda da Duquesa de Palmela – Praia da Duquesa

Jardim dos Frangos
This house is long famous for its roast chicken and chips and offers a good quality/price relationship. Sometimes it is full and you may have to wait to get a table.
Alameda dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra, 68,

Pateo do Petisco
This is a house specialising in snacks that offers an extensive menu with a variety of suggestions such as croquettes, clams, gizzards and potato peels, among others. To drink, try the red or white sangria.
https://www.facebook.com/pateodopetiscocascais
Travessa das Amoreiras 5

Cafe Galeria House of Wonders
This space with an eclectic and innovative concept works as bar, restaurant and gallery. The menu is inspired by the Mediterranean and Middle-East cuisines. In a warm day, you can enjoy the terrace.
https://www.facebook.com/houseofwonders
Largo da Misericórdia 53

Quinto Sabor
A restaurant proud of its plain food, using simple and healthy ingredients and focusing on regional and seasonal products.
Rua da Torre

Tasca da Vila
In the centre of Cascais, this Portuguese food restaurant with a rustic and warm atmosphere offers a good menu of fish, seafood and meat. Try the delicious house sangria.
Rua Visconde da Luz 7

Biergarten
A pleasant space that opens at lunchtime and dinnertime and offers a wide variety of Portuguese and international beers. You can also drop by for a bear and a snack.
Rua Frei Nicolau Oliveira 144,

Bar do Guincho – Praia do Abano
This bar with a pleasant terrace overlooking the beach is a meeting point for surfers and windsurfers. Its mixed sandwiches are very appreciated. To get there, you should go by car and look for the road sign indicating Praia do Abano (Abano Beach).