If you’re planning on spending a few days in Lisbon, do yourself a favour and carve out at least one of them for Cascais. I say at least one because I actually took two day trips there (because one just wasn’t enough), and honestly, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular getaways from the capital.
Just 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, Cascais has everything you could possibly want in a coastal day trip – golden beaches, colourful tiled houses, chic marinas, and seafood restaurants that might make you question every past meal choice.
It’s got that perfect blend of laid-back charm and seaside sophistication. Think palm-lined promenades, boutique shops, and waves crashing dramatically at Boca do Inferno (which literally means ‘Mouth of Hell’. Don’t worry, it’s gorgeous).
Whether you’re after a relaxed beach day, a wander through cobblestone streets, or a glimpse of the wild Atlantic coast at Europe’s westernmost point, Cascais delivers. And the best part? It’s so easy to take a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais that you’ll be back in the city in time for a nightcap.
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A Little Bit About Cascais
Cascais is an effortlessly stylish seaside town that manages to feel both cosmopolitan and coastal at the same time. Once a sleepy fishing village, it shot to fame in the late 19th century when Portuguese royalty decided it would make a rather lovely summer retreat. Naturally, the rest of the country followed suit, and today Cascais is known for its pretty beaches, elegant villas, and relaxed, holiday-all-year vibe.
You’ll find Cascais about 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, tucked neatly between the Atlantic Ocean and the green hills of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. From here, you can easily hop over to:
- Lisbon – 30 km east (about 40 minutes by train)
- Sintra – 20 km north (around 30 minutes by car)
- Estoril – practically next door (a scenic 5-minute drive or walk along the promenade)
- Cabo da Roca – 15 km northwest (Europe’s westernmost point, with wild cliffs and stunning views)
Despite its polished look of pastel mansions, palm trees, and perfectly groomed promenades, it still holds onto its fishing-village soul. Early in the morning, you’ll still see locals mending nets by the harbour or heading out to sea before the cafes start serving their first espressos.
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How to Get to Cascais
Getting to Cascais from Lisbon is one of the most convenient (and scenic) day trips you can take in Portugal. Here are your options:
By Train (the easiest and most popular way)
The train to Cascais leaves from Cais do Sodré Station in Lisbon, which is right by the waterfront and connected to the green metro line. You can also get there by tram, bus, or even on foot if you’re staying near Baixa or Chiado.
Trains run every 20-30 minutes, and the journey takes around 40 minutes, hugging the coastline most of the way. So , grab a window seat on the left-hand side if you can. Ocean views galore!
Tickets cost €2.30 one way or €4.60 return, and you’ll need to load your ticket onto a Viva Viagem card — the reusable green travel card used for Lisbon’s metro, buses, and trams. You can buy and top it up at any ticket machine in the station.
Deal: Got a Lisboa Card? If so, you’ll get free travel on buses, metros and trains (as well as a bunch of attractions in Lisbon!
Once you arrive at Cascais Station, you’re right in the centre of town. No taxis or buses needed. Everything from the beaches to the marina is within walking distance.
Why I Use Airalo eSIM When Travelling
I’ve started using Airalo on most of my trips now, mainly because it removes the hassle of sorting out data when I arrive in a new city.
It’s a digital SIM card, meaning I don’t need to insert anything into my phone (unlike local SIMs). I just need to install the eSIM before I travel and as soon as I land, I’ve got data.
Here’s what I generally use it for:
• Google Maps
• Checking train and bus times
• Booking activities or looking up opening times
It’s not at all complicated to set up. You buy a data plan in the app, follow a few steps to install it, and then switch it on when you arrive.
By Bus
While the train is faster, cheaper and more scenic, you can also catch a bus from Lisbon to Cascais if you prefer. The Scotturb buses depart from Marquês de Pombal or Sete Rios stations. The ride takes roughly 50 minutes to an hour, and a ticket costs around €4–5 each way.
Personally, I think the train wins hands down, unless you’re staying closer to one of the bus stations, or you just really love sitting in traffic (joking of course).
By Car
If you’re planning to explore beyond Cascais – say, heading to Cabo da Roca or Sintra – driving might be your best bet. The drive from Lisbon takes about 35–40 minutes via the A5 motorway.
Just keep in mind:
- You’ll need to pay tolls (about €1.50 each way).
- Parking in Cascais can be tricky in summer. You’ll need to arrive early or use one of the paid car parks near the marina or the train station.
- The scenic coastal road (N6) is slower but far prettier. It runs past Estoril and several gorgeous beaches.
By Guided Tour
My first day trip to Cascais was by private guided tour (second was by train).
And if you want to make things easy (and cheaper), and maybe sneak in Sintra and Cabo da Roca on the same day, join a group for a guided day tour from Lisbon. You’ll be picked up at your hotel (depending on location) in air-conditioned transport and will have plenty of photo stops along the coast.
What To Do In Cascais
Boca do Inferno
Let’s start with one of Cascais’ most dramatic sights – Boca do Inferno, which translates to ‘Mouth of Hell.’
Boca do Inferno is a stunning natural cliff formation where the Atlantic waves crash into a rocky chasm with incredible force. On windy days, you can feel the spray from metres away! It’s wild, raw, and definitely worth seeing.
You can walk there easily in about 15 minutes from the town centre, following the coastal promenade west from Cascais Marina.
There’s a viewing platform at the top that offers great photo opportunities, especially at sunset, when the waves turn gold in the fading light.
Relax at the Beach
You can’t really come to Cascais and not spend time at the beach. It’s what this town does best. Luckily, there’s a beach for every mood.
If you want something right by the train station, Praia da Ribeira is your go-to. It’s small, sheltered, and great for people-watching (you’ll spot locals sunbathing and playing volleyball during their lunch breaks).
For something a little larger, head to Praia da Rainha, known as the ‘Queen’s Beach’. It’s surrounded by golden cliffs and feels like your own private cove, though you’ll be sharing it with a few dozen others in summer.
If you’ve got transport, follow the coastal path west to Praia do Guincho, about 20 minutes by car or bike. This one’s famous for its wild waves and windsurfing scene.
See The Dolphins
You might not expect it, but yes there are dolphins just off the coast of Cascais. And seeing them in the wild is honestly one of the best surprises of a day trip here. The dolphin-watching tours head out from Cascais marina (at Pier M), which you’ll find just below the citadel.
You’ll zip along the Atlantic on a small speedboat, and before long, pods of bottlenose dolphins start swimming beside you. No big deal (except it totally is!).
Don’t forget to bring sunblock and a hat if you intend on heading out on a speedboat. You might not feel the sun, but it’s a burner!
Take a Stroll Along the Marina
The marina in Cascais is one of those places where you can happily lose track of time. Sleek boats, sea air, and just enough buzz to make it interesting without feeling crowded.
I wandered down here after lunch (left my mum sunbathing on the beach) and ended up staying far longer than planned.
There are a few good cafes and bars dotted around (I grabbed a drink at Maria Pia Café, which has a great view of the boats). It’s also an easy walk from the old harbour, so you can make a loop. Start near the beach, follow the promenade along the water, then cut back through the marina for a lazy stroll.
Eat at Baía do Peixe
Our guide from our first day trip to Cascais recommended this place. If you’re a seafood fan, Baía do Peixe is the spot for lunch. Overlooking the marina, it’s known for its Rodízio de Peixe (basically endless grilled fish) so that’s exactly what we ordered.
Plates of salmon, sea bream, squid, and sardines keep coming until you’ve officially had enough. It’s around €23 per person, which is great value for the quality and sheer volume.
The vibe is relaxed, the staff are friendly, and the fish literally couldn’t be fresher. Ask for an outdoor table if the weather’s good. The sea breeze makes everything taste better somehow. I’d recommend booking ahead as it fills up fast with locals.
If you don’t fancy the full feast, the seafood rice and octopus salad are solid choices. Either way, you’ll leave happy and full.
Explore Cascais Citadel
Right beside the marina is the Cascais Citadel (Cidadela de Cascais), and it’s one of those places that’s far more interesting than it first looks.
What used to be a 16th-century fortress defending the coast is now a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and even a hotel built right into the old walls. It’s such a clever reuse of history.
You can wander around the courtyards and tunnels for free, or pop into the galleries if you fancy a quick culture fix between beach stops. There’s usually some kind of modern art exhibit going on, and the contrast between stone ramparts and contemporary installations is surprisingly cool.
Entry into the Citadel is free, but if you want to enter the Palace, you’ll need to front the €4 bill. While not strictly used as a residence these days, the Portuguese president still has an official residence inside that’s used from time to time. Not bad, right?
Stroll Through the Town
Cascais town centre is small, walkable, and full of character. Think tiled houses, cobblestone lanes, and little shops selling handmade ceramics and linen dresses you definitely don’t need but might buy anyway.
I wandered without much of a plan while my mum was at the beach.
Start at Praça 5 de Outubro, the main square lined with cafes and outdoor seating, then head down the side streets toward the beach. You’ll find plenty of independent boutiques and gelato shops tucked away between the lanes.
If you like a bit of people-watching (come on, who doesn’t), grab a seat outside Santini Gelato with a scoop of ice-cream and enjoy!
Get a Picture of Santa Marta Lighthouse
This one’s pretty special. You’ll come across the Santa Marta Lighthouse as you walk along the coast from the marina. It’s hard to miss with its blue and white stripes and the little yellow house beside it that looks like something straight out of a postcard.
There’s a small museum inside where you can climb up for a view over the harbour. It only costs a few euros and only takes about fifteen minutes to visit, so it’s worth a quick look.
If you can, go in the late afternoon when the light hits the water just right. Even a quick phone photo looks good here. It’s an easy stop on your walk between the marina and Boca do Inferno.
Head to the Westernmost Point in Europe
If you have time, make the short trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe. It’s about 15 kilometres from Cascais and can be reached by car in around twenty minutes.
The views are stunning, with sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and endless Atlantic horizon. It’s windy almost every day, so bring a jacket even if it’s warm in town.
You can also get there by bus 403 from Cascais, which runs roughly every forty minutes and stops right at the viewpoint. Tickets cost about €4 each way, and you can pay the driver directly.
There’s a stone monument marking the exact spot. You won’t need long there, but it’s one of those places that feels worth the extra effort – standing on the edge of Europe, with nothing but ocean ahead!
Why I Book With Get Your Guide
I use GetYourGuide for almost all my activities when I’m travelling, mainly for these reasons:
‣ Free cancellation on most bookings: Plans change. It’s good to know you can cancel and get a refund if needed.
‣ Clear, detailed listings: You can see exactly what’s included, how long it takes, where to go, and what to expect before you book.
‣ Verified reviews: Makes it easier to avoid wasting time or money on something that isn’t worth it.
‣ Instant confirmation: Especially useful if you’re booking things last minute.
‣ Mobile tickets: No printing, no collecting tickets, everything is on your phone.
Where to Stay in Cascais
Full disclosure, I didn’t stay in Cascais, as I just took two separate day trips instead. But if you’re lucky enough to have some extra time to spend in Cascais, it would be nice to stay there.
I’ve done the research and here are some of of the most highly rated places to stay:
For a bit of luxury – The Albatroz Hotel
This 5-star boutique hotel sits right on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll literally wake up to sea views. It occupies a historic mansion and blends elegant heritage décor with modern comfort.
It has around 45 rooms and six suites, many with balconies overlooking the bay. With fantastic service and magnificent views, if you want to treat yourself and feel like you’re fully stepping into holiday mode, this is the place to stay.
Middle of the road – Hotel Baía
This one hits the sweet spot for comfort, location and practicality. Hotel Baía is a family-run hotel right by the sea, steps from the bay, the marina and the train station.
Rooms are clean and modern (if you stay here, try to get one with a balcony facing the ocean) and there’s an indoor pool and rooftop terrace.
Have a search for more popular hotels in Cascais:
Budget friendly – Ljmonade Hostel
A hostel doesn’t always have to mean compromise. This one is centrally located in Cascais, housed in a historic building with a terrace, communal kitchen and cosy lounge.
It’s just a short walk from the beach and local restaurants. Recent guests mention the friendly staff and value for money. If you’re travelling solo, on a tight budget or just want to keep things low-key, this is a smart choice.
Check out more hostels:
FAQs About Cascais
Is a day trip to Cascais enough time to see it?
Yes, absolutely. Cascais is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can see the beaches, Boca do Inferno, the marina, and the town centre in one full day without feeling rushed. If you have extra time, you could stay overnight to visit Cabo da Roca or nearby Sintra.
Is Cascais worth visiting?
Cascais is 100% worth visiting if you’re already in Lisbon, Portugal. Read the article above to see why.
How long is the train from Lisbon to Cascais?
The train from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Cascais station takes between 33 and 40 minutes. Direct trains run every 30 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Cascais?
Spring and early autumn are ideal, especially April to June and September to October. The weather is warm, the crowds are lighter, and the sea breeze makes walking around pleasant. July and August are busy but great for beach time if you don’t mind more tourists.
What language is spoken in Cascais?
The main language is Portuguese, but almost everyone working in restaurants, shops, and hotels speaks English. You’ll have no trouble communicating, though locals always appreciate a polite “obrigado” or “bom dia.”
Are credit cards accepted in Cascais?
Absolutely, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s still handy to have a bit of cash for smaller cafes, market stalls, or tips. Euro is the currency used in Portugal.
Can you swim in Cascais?
It would be a sin not to! The beaches in the town centre, like Praia da Rainha and Praia da Ribeira, are calm and suitable for swimming. If you prefer wilder waves, Praia do Guincho is nearby and perfect for surfing or bodyboarding.
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