Planning a trip to Cascais soon? I’m so glad you’re here. I’m an independent travel planner based in Portugal and Cascais has been my home since 2020. I’ve written several guides about the town I choose to call home but this one is a quick run down of the best things to do in Cascais. Most people only come for an afternoon but I’m here to show you there is plenty to fill your time with. Stay overnight, stay a few days, maybe even use it as a base instead of Lisbon but whatever you do come and visit with intention.
Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.
Food & wine experiences in Cascais
- Visit Rua Amarela and eat dinner alfresco in the buzz of the historical centre
- Visit the Weekly Produce Market (Wed, Sat, Sun) at Mercado da Vila
- Dine with the crashing waves as company at Furnas restaurant
- Indulge in Frango piri-piri at Jardim dos Frangos
- Drink and dine in an actual tram at Trem Velho
- Try and finish an entire Santini ice-cream at Ribeira beach before a seagull swoops in to finish it for you
- Join a Portuguese Wine Discovery tasting event at Vida Vinho
For more restaurant ideas check out the Travel Portugal Map
Portugal Travel Planning Map
The best way to plan your Portugal itinerary is by having all of the options in one place. I’ve created a trip planning map for Portugal with hundreds of pins to help you plan your trip. Need trip inspiration or itinerary ideas? You’ll find everything you need on the map.
Don’t have time to make an itinerary? I can do it for you.
Beach & Water Activities
- Go for a sunrise dip at Praia da Rainha before the day-trippers arrive
- Rent paddle boards
- Walk the paredao and find a patch of sand to call your own
- Surf at Praia do Guincho
- Drink sangria from the Cresmina beach shack (summer)
Sporty Activities in Cascais
- Running or Cycle the “red path” on the N247 to Praia do Guincho
- Learn to sail at the biggest sailing school in Portugal – Clube Naval de Cascais
Museums & Cultural Activities
- Paula Rego Art and Design Museum
- Condes de Castro Guimarães palace from the 1900
- Santa Maria House Museum
- Dom Luis cultural centre
- Museu da Vila de Cascais Village museum
Shop
- Custom tiles (next to Porto di Mare – not on Google)
- Colourful ceramics at Cerâmicas na Linha
Activities with Kids
- Spend the afternoon in Marchael Carmona Park with the animals and a picnic
- Climb the Santa Marta Lighthouse
Seasonal Events
- Aegas CoolJazz (June-August) Jazz Festival. A summer festival with laid back vibes
- Festas do Mar (August) For two weeks at the end of summer the historical centre closes the avenida to cars and explodes into a festival town.
- Chefs on Fire (September) A foodie experience on flames.
- Fiartil (Estoril) The Fiartil open-air event space has markets and events for all the seasons.
- IRONMAN Portugal. The biggest sporting event of the year in Cascais, with unmatched energy.
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