Cascais is considered one of Portugal’s most chic resorts

Cascais

A city often considered Lisbon's South of France 

City Overview

Cascais is known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and quite beaches. It has a tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with its stunning seaside esplanade. It is often considered to be the small Portuguese version of the French Riveria.

Once a fisherman’s village, Cascais owes its meteoric rise to the status of one of the world’s most chic sea resorts due to the near perfect beaches.

Cascais rose to fame after the king of Portugal, King Luis I went for a swim here in 1870.  Afterward, the Portuguese royal family made it their residence and travelled there every September. Other kings followed suit, with the likes of Umberto II of Italy, Juan Carlos of Spain, and Edward VIII of the UK making it their seaside resort of choice.

This royalty’s fondness for the town made Cascais one of the jet-set Meccas, with its hotels, restaurants, and casinos inspiring works of art. Ian Fleming shot his Casino Royal after a visit to Cascais’ Casino Estoril.

Cascais is situated on the western edge of the Tagus estuary, between the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

The municipality is one of the wealthiest in both Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. It has one of the most expensive real estate markets and one of the highest costs of living in Portugal.

Nearest Airport

Cascais is approximately 37 kilometres from Lisbon airport and the journey would take about 35 minutes.

You can travel by public transport to Cascais by metro and train. Take the metro from the airport to Cais do Sodre and then take a train to Cascais.

Getting Around

Cascais is flat so easy to explore on foot with most area within walking distance.

Places to stay

Cascais is one of Portugal’s most upscale resorts so prices here can be biting, especially in the high season. Nevertheless, it is not just ritzy hotels but also many private options, hostels, and even campsites. Choose a spot close to picturesque Praia de Rainha, or more spacious Praia de Ribeira da Cascais, for you to be a short walk away from its top sun-bathing spots.

Sightseeing

Go to Boca do Inferno which approximately 20 minutes from Cascais city centre and a cliff top with a stunning natural arch and one of Cascais’ prime touristic landmarks. The site is known for the scenic vista views from its observation deck and is a great spot to marvel at the locale’s scenic sunsets.

Beaches

Bask in the sun on Cascais’ idyllic beaches. Costa da Estoril offers serene pellucid waters, lying between Cascais and Lisbon.

Serra de Sintra, the Atlantic-whipped section of Portugal’s coastline with powerful gusts of wind so popular with surfers due to this rugged nature. Most of the Serra de Sintra is a protected nature reserve so offer pristine beaches.

Guincho Beach to the northwest is also popular for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing due to prevailing winds and sea swells, while the calm waters of the beaches to the east attract sunbathers.

Cafes & Restaurants

Cascais is a foodie’s paradise with its restaurants having something to offer to the most jaded of gourmands. But it is for sure the traditional Portuguese cuisine that comes first to mind. Try fresh sea produce at its seaside eateries: fresh Dorada, scallop, sea bass, lobster, and oysters.

Other

Currency - Euro (EUR)

Language - Portuguese

Visas - Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

Best Time To Visit - March – October

Timezone - Western European Standard Time (GMT)

Homosexual Activity - Legal