Globetrotting Gal

If you’re making the journey to Lisbon, Cascais is just a 35-minute train ride away and well worth the trip! It’s a picturesque little beach town by the Atlantic Ocean, with winding cobblestone streets and terraced houses. In this post, I share my top 5 things to do while you’re there, plus a few bonus suggestions if you plan on staying a while longer.

What’s the Vibe in Cascais?

In the summertime, you can’t beat the weather in Cascais. It’s never too warm with the fresh Atlantic breeze coming in. The downtown is charming, full of restaurants with outdoor seating and hidden nooks and crannies.

As for sunbathing, you’ll find the nearby beaches of Estoril and Guincho more spacious and ideal for that. Cascais has only a small beach, near a very large marina. The crowds here come mainly from other countries in Europe and from across Portugal. But don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese; the shop owners speak English.

Cascais is not really a party city, it’s more of a quiet getaway. A great spot for couples, families, and dogs. There are many parks and green spaces in the area, making it a perfect place for a Sunday afternoon stroll.

Top 5 Things to Do in Cascais

Most people visiting Cascais make the trek from Lisbon and only spend a day or two. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 5 things you can squeeze into a day – all within walking distance of the train station.

Visit Marechal Carmona Park

The Marechal Carmona Park is vast and full of quirks. From overly-friendly chickens and ducks to a moody peacock and a lake full of turtles, you’ll find plenty of wildlife. Bring a towel and have a rest in the shade. Let the kids play. Read a book. This is arguably Cascais’s biggest tourist attraction.

Brunch at the House of Wonders

Fear not, my gluten-free lactose intolerant friends. The House of Wonders is a magical place, with a menu that will appeal to your modern tastes. This 3-part, sprawling cafe is artsy and full of cute little souvenirs. The brunch is also ON POINT.

Walk Along the Coastline

You’ll find the little beach easily when you exit the train station (just follow the crowd south and a bit to the right). From there, follow the coastline around for a view of the marina and a beautiful little bay. It’s a fairly short walk (under 30 minutes) and you can end your journey in Marechal Carmona Park, which sits just above the marina.

For a longer stroll along the coast, the cliffs at Mexilhoeiro are very beautiful and a popular spot for rock climbing.

Have a Bubble Tea at TwoToo

I’m not normally a fan of bubble tea. It’s often too sweet or over-iced or both. But not at Two Toos. In the words of Goldie Locks, it’s “just right.” They have an unusually wide selection of bubbles (beyond your basic tapioca) and tasty teas to mix them with. The staff is super friendly, too :).

Enjoy a Portuguese Dinner at A Nova Estrela

For an authentic Portuguese dinner that is slightly off the beaten path (but still walkable!), I highly recommend A Nova Estrela. It has indoor and outdoor seating with an attentive staff and a great ambiance. (Date-night approved!) My friend and I had a delicious seafood dinner and local wine that was excellent quality and very well-priced.

I put together my short video clips in case you’d like to get an extra feel for this cute, captivating city –

What to Do With a Little Extra Time in Cascais?

If you’re like me and taking a more “slowmad” approach to Portugal, Cascais is a great place to spend a month or two and get some remote work done. Or just get fit, enjoy the sun, the food, and the wine!

Here are a few honorable mentions should you find yourself in such a scenario:

1. Health Club Visconde – This is a full-on health spa complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room, sauna, yoga classes, and weight lifting. It’s also just genuinely beautiful, peaceful, and full of flowers. I stayed next to the downtown and this club was about a 15-minute walk.
   
2. Cooley’s Irish Pub – If you want to sit at the bar and enjoy the match, this is your spot. Maybe you’re not into soccer? (Don’t tell anyone at the bar that). But it’s no problem! Cooley’s has darts, pool tables, and a decent pub food menu. PS. The potato wedges are worth the wait.

All in all, I think Cascais is well worth a visit if you can squeeze it in. It has an old, romantic little European village feel – Complete with enchanting narrow streets and overgrowths of red and pink flowers. You’ll eat well, you’ll drink well and you’ll leave feeling rested :).

Happy travels!