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Cascais, Portugal is an idyllic seaside escape – and a world away from the stifling crowds and steep hills of Lisbon. With one day in Cascais, travelers can savor the stunning coastline, stroll through lush parks and revel in the charming Old Town atmosphere.
We took our first Lisbon-to-Cascais day trip in 2010 – and we were woefully unprepared. After getting locked in the train station, we had just enough time to see the underwhelming Boca do Inferno before hopping into a taxi to Sintra (which also failed miserably).
Since that debacle, we have returned to Lisbon (multiple times) and made a solid plan to visit Cascais, Portugal. Armed with a list of the top things to do in Cascais – as well as our memory of what not to do – we were able to experience the best of Cascais in a day!
Below, we outline our 1 Day in Cascais Itinerary that showcases what to see, do and eat. Plus, we share proven travel tips and a map to help ensure your day trip goes splendidly!
Planning a One Day in Cascais Itinerary
Our first trip went awry for two reasons (spoiler, both our fault). To begin with, we didn’t have the right tickets for the train. Second, we had no idea of what to do once we arrived. To help you avoid our travel blunder, we are covering in detail How To Get There and What To Do.
With the help of our Cascais travel guide, it’s fairly simple to plan a Cascais day trip from Lisbon on your own. That said, there are many guided excursions from Lisbon to Cascais (which are often combined with a stop in Sintra) that may be better suited to your style of travel. We feature a few of these highly rated tours later in the article.
Getting from Lisbon to Cascais
The distance from Lisbon to Cascais, Portugal is just 20 miles. The two cities are connected by rail – and the easiest and most cost-effective way to get to Cascais without a car is by train.
The Lisbon-Cascais Train departs from Cais do Sodré Train Station (which is just south of the Time Out Market in Lisbon) and terminates in the town center at Cascais Station. The ride takes about 45 minutes, some of which is along the bank of the Tagus River.
Tickets for the train to Cascais can be purchased from machines or from the counter at Cais do Sodre. Roundtrip tickets can be bought together and cost less than €3 each way.
The fare is loaded onto a Navegante Card. The reusable card, which can be topped up for other public transit in Lisbon (including trams), costs 50 cents. Each traveler must have their own Navegante Card. Find more info on the official website.
To access the platform at Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre Station, passengers ‘tap’ the Navegante Card on the reader to open the barrier. Use the same card to ‘tap out’ at the Cascais Train Station barriers.
Lisbon to Cascais Rideshare
Alternatively, travelers can use Uber (or Bolt) to get to Cascais. The ride costs about 30 euros and will take the same amount of time as the train.
What To Do in Cascais for a Day
Welcome to Cascais! Hopefully your journey went off without a hitch. A vibrant coastal enclave that seems to shimmer in sunshine, Cascais, Portugal is a stunning place to spend a day.
Our easy-flowing, one-day itinerary features the best things to see! Those arriving by train are just a 5-minute walk from the first destination, the Cascais Mercado do Vila.
Browse Mercado do Vila
Start off at the thriving fish and produce market, Mercado do Vila. Since 1952, the Cascais market has been at the center of the city’s gastronomy. It’s the place to buy local fruits, regional vegetables, fresh-caught seafood, blooming flowers and much more.
The vendors generally wrap up by mid-afternoon, with the cafes and restaurants on the food court staying open into the night. That said, the busiest market days (which sometimes feature live music) are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Eat Lunch at Taberna Clandestina Cascais
Ranked as one of the best places to eat in Cascais, Taberna Clandestina is absolutely delectable! Lively and bright, the restaurant churns out an extraordinary combination of Portuguese and Mediterranean fare.
Every dish we tried was exceptional, but we highly recommend the Ze Povinho Pork Cheeks Focaccia, the Clandestina Bruschetta and the Burrata and Asparagus Salad. If Truffle Pasta is on the Specials menu, don’t hesitate to order that, too!
Top Tip: Clandestina is very popular. Make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table. You can make a booking direct from Google Maps.
Stand in Praca 5 de Outubro
The beating heart of Cascais, October the 5th Square is a must-see! The vast plaza is ringed by elegant Manueline architecture and boasts the traditional black-and-white Calcada Portuguese tiled pavement.
A statue of Dom Pedro I, one of Portugal’s most revered kings, stands in the center of the square. Ironically, the space is named for the date – October 5 – in 1910 that the monarchy was overthrown to establish the First Portuguese Republic.
See the Citadel of Cascais
A mighty and stoic bastion, the Citadel of Cascais dates to the 15th century. The complex was built right on the edge of Cascais Bay as a measure of protection for Lisbon and the River Tagus.
The structure was expanded throughout the centuries – until converted into a royal palace in the 1800s. During the period that the royal family spent summers at the palace, Cascais transformed from a sleepy fishing village into an affluent resort town.
Part of the former fortress has been renovated into the Pestana Cidadela Cascais 5-star hotel. The area also features interesting art installations and book shops.
Tour the Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes
One of the fascinating attractions in Cascais, the Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes is a relic from the 19th century. Featuring the Romanticism style that is so prevalent in Sintra, the palace was built as a summer home for Jorge O’Neill, a descendent of the High Kings of Ireland.
The palace now houses the Museu Condes de Castro Guimaraes, which displays furniture from the period and a sumptuous art collection. Visitors who tour the residence can get a glimpse of what life was like in Cascais in the late 1800s. We particularly liked the tiled décor of the dining room. A €5 fee is required to enter.
Relax at Parque Marechal Carmona
A magnificent green space – and once the palace gardens of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes – Parque Marechal Carmona is a place that should definitely be on your Cascais to-do list! With roaming peacocks, swimming turtles and clucking chickens, the area is an excellent place to go to with kids.
That said, the shaded paths and spacious lawns are a relaxing spot for visitors of all ages. Plus, the buildings covered in tiles – like the Capela de Sao Sebastiao – and ornate garden sculptures make for fun photo ops.
Soak in the Sun at Praia de Santa Marta
Somewhat of a hidden gem, the picturesque Santa Marta Beach is situated right at the foot of the Palacio dos Condes de Castro Guimaraes tower. Crystal-clear sea water flows into the oasis under an old stone arch bridge, which further enhances the fairytale scene.
The changing tides dictate the water level. In fact, most of the sandy beach disappears during high tide. Regardless, we think the serene and secluded setting makes it the best beach in Cascais.
Snap Photos at Miradouro Casa de Santa Maria
One of the best things to do in Cascais is to simply sit back and take in the splendid scenery. One of the most beautiful spots to do this is at Miradouro Casa de Santa Maria. The postcard-perfect view stretches across the rock and turquoise sea to the stout red-and-blue Farol de Santa Marta Lighthouse and Santa Maria Villa.
The prime view is from atop the rocky boulders. Just be careful when scampering around, as the rocks are slick – even when dry.
1-Day Itinerary Tip: If time permits, tour the Casa Museu de Santa Maria (€3). The interior is decorated with beautiful blue azulejo Portuguese tiles. The 19th century Santa Marta Lighthouse is also open to visitors and guests can climb to the top for stunning panoramic views (€5).
Walk the Coastline to Boca do Inferno
A limestone cliff wall lining the coast to the west of Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a mesmerizing site. For thousands of years, waves have continuously crashed onto the sea wall, breaking down the rock and creating caves.
The name, which translates to Mouth of Hell, comes from the unique geological rock arch where sea water forcefully flows through, savagely filling a small cavity with each swell.
When spending a day in Cascais, seeing the Boca do Inferno tops many lists. The viewpoint can be reached by a leisurely 15-minute walk from the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum.
Keep in mind, that natural site is most impressive when the tide is high and the waves are big. Neither has been the case on either of our visits. Before getting your hopes up and trekking out to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint, check the tide charts.
Wander the Narrow Lanes of Old Town Cascais
Continue your one-day adventure by wandering the Cascais Old Town cobblestone lanes. The narrow streets are lined with colorful houses and fragrant flowers – and laundry hanging on the line blows in the breeze.
Wind your way along the curving residential street, Rua dos Navegantes. Stroll the length of the pretty Rua Frederico Arouca. Parade through the pedestrianized Rua Visconde da Luz. Let your sense of wonder lead the way as you tour Cascais on foot.
Enjoy a Local Drink
End your 1-Day Cascais Trip with a beverage in hand. As fans of craft beer, we recommend The Crafty Cellar. It’s one of the best bars in Cascais – and has a large selection of local brews. Grab a seat at a table outside and enjoy a flight – or go all in with a pint of the IPA.
If beer isn’t your style, there are plenty of other places to imbibe. The Tasting Room is the top spot for sampling local wine and for inventive cocktails, Hífen gets rave reviews. Just need a boost? NATA Lisboa has coffee and custard tarts!
More Cascais Things To Do
Above, we outlined One Perfect Day in Cascais – but there are more things to do! We are highlighting a few additional top-rated activities.
Beaches in Cascais
While Santa Marta Beach is our favored sandy spot, it’s far from the only one. Praia da Rainha and Praia da Duquesa, which are both located on the east side of town, are regularly ranked as two of the best beaches in Cascais.
Paredao de Cascais Beachfront Promenade
A two-mile shoreline path that connects Cascais to Estoril, the Paredao de Cascais Promenade is a sensational place to stretch your legs and take in sweeping ocean views. Restaurants along the route offer tasty sangria and bites to eat.
Itinerary Tip: Use the waterfront promenade to walk from Cascais to Monte Estoril Station, where you can also catch the train to Lisbon. (Seating may be limited, as trains tend to leave Cascais full on weekends and all summer.)
Bike Rentals
Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to get around when visiting Cascais. Options include Mountain Bikes and E-Bikes.
Cascais Boat Trips
Those who want to get out on the water can hop aboard a Cascais boat tour. From dolphin spotting voyages to sunset cruises to a private sailing trip along the coast, there are numerous opportunities for fun at sea.
Surfing Lessons
Portugal is a big surfing destination in Europe. Visitors can learn how to catch a wave with the help of a professional instructor in a small-group setting. Get the details!
Tour of Cascais Region
Join a local guide for one of the tours in Cascais that takes in the top regional sights. See the famous rock formations at Cabo da Roca, visit a hilltop chapel and let the guide lead the way through Cascais Old Town. Find out more!
Cascais Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Map of Cascais, Portugal below.
Tips for Planning a Day Trip to Cascais
By now, you are well on the way to planning your itinerary of what to see in Cascais in one day. To help you make the best choices, we have a few additional tips.
Cascais or Sintra
We often get asked the question, “Which is better: Sintra or Cascais?” – and there isn’t a straightforward answer. Both destinations are dazzling and absolutely worth visiting.
Sintra takes a bit more effort – as the top sights are quite a distance apart. Travelers need to plan how to get there and how to get around. Furthermore, each sight in Sintra requires an entry fee – and the costs can add up. Read our detailed guide to A Day Trip to Sintra for detailed information.
Cascais, on the other hand, is fairly compact and a more relaxed atmosphere. With our outlined list of Cascais, Portugal Things To Do, it’s relatively easy to plan a leisurely day.
Cascais Tours vs DIY Day Trip
Organized tours to Cascais relieve travelers from worrying about specifics. Furthermore, an excursion is the best way to combine a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais.
While we think both destinations deserve a full day, those short on time can see the highlights of each place on a guided tour. Check out this highly rated day trip to Sintra and Cascais.
More of Lisbon and Portugal
Portugal is one of our favorite places to visit. We have tons of tested tips and honest advice to share!
- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Portugal
- Essential Lisbon Travel Tips
- 10-Day Portugal Itinerary
- Best of Lisbon in 3 Days
- What To See in Belem and a Trip to Cristo Rei
- Prime Lisbon Viewpoints and Must-See Churches
- Free Things To Do in Lisbon
- Best of Porto, Portugal
- How To Spend a Day in Braga and Aveiro
- 7 Days on Sao Miguel, Azores
- 1-Week Itinerary for Madeira Island
Portugal Travel Planner
As you begin making reservations and bookings, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your vacation!
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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