How to Spend a Weekend in Cascais: Lisbon’s Top Getaway
How to Get to Cascais
You can get to Cascais through two options, either by train or by car. Taking the train from Lisbon is quite simple. From the Cais do Sodré train station in Lisbon and take the Cascais train. You will take this suburban train all the way to the last stop, Cascais station. It takes about 40 minutes and is about 1-3 Euros. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in the Cais do Sodré train station. It takes about 40 minutes as well to drive to Cascais. I wouldn’t suggest renting a car because you don’t necessarily need one in Cascais. Most popular attractions are within walking distance but, if needed, there are public buses as well. Taxi’s are another great “car” option because they are quite inexpensive in Portugal.
Cascais: Beachside town in Portugal
Cascais: Beachside town in Portugal
Where to stay
Pestana Cidadela Cascais
The Oitavos
Airbnb
The Oitavos
The Oitavos
How to Spend a Weekend in Cascais
Friday
Lunch at Hífen
This bar-restaurant is in perfect view of Cascais Bay making it the perfect place to start your getaway. The food is inspired by Portugal cuisine and is made to be shareable dishes. Also, the interior has incredible trendy and airy vibes to it. On the weekends the restaurant plays music until 2 am.
Citadel of Cascais
The Citadel is a set of fortifications built between the 15th and 17th century. It is a great introduction into the beautiful city because it was the protection against attacks on Lisbon. Plus, it is only about a 5 minute walk from Hífen and gives beautiful coastal views along the way.
Old Centre of Cascais
After indulging in history at the Citadel, head back down to Cascais’ city center. This old village has some of the cutest and most colorful architecture. Rua Frederico da Arouca and Largo Luís de Camões are both popular pedestrian squares that boast eateries, bars, and beautiful views. However, this makes them very popular with tourists so it is recommended to visit the side streets of the city as well.
Grab a Drink at Blue Bar Baía
Blue Bar Baía is the bar at Hotel Baía and is a great way to enjoy your first sunset. You can grab one of their incredible cocktails and enjoy arguably the best views of the bay.
Dinner Mar Do Inferno
This is one of the most iconic restaurants in all of Cascais. It is home to the town’s best seafood. Mar Do Inferno is located near Boca Do Inferno (skip to Sunday for more info) and has beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean.
Statue in Downtown
View of Boca Do Inferno
Hit the Bars at Largo Luís de Camões
Largo Luís de Camões is, as stated above, a pedestrian square in the heart of Cascais. It is also home to the best nightlife in Cascais. The bars are open until late hours and many of them showcase all types of music.
Saturday
Coffee + Pastry at Lusophonica Online Radio
Lusophonica is a coffee shop as well as a radio station. It is a popular destination for coffee and a quick pastry. Although it doesn’t open until 10:00 AM, it is worth the wait.
Head to Mercado da Vila
Mercado da Vila is an open food market where vendors sell fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses, and flowers. There are also plenty of dining options. It is open from 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM and is located a few steps away from the city center.
Go to the Beach!!!
You probably came to Cascais for one thing and that would be relaxing on the beach. Cascais is home to nearly a dozen beautiful beaches making it hard to choose from. A lot of the beaches offer calm seas however some do offer waves for those coming to Cascais to surf. Firstly, Praia da Rainha is the most popular beach and is closest to the city center. Rainha beach is known as Queen’s beach and will be filled with people. Next, Praia da Duquesa is a beautiful beach with its location closest to the train station. If you are going to Cascais for a day trip, this is the easiest one to visit. Also, Praia da Conceição is a short walk from cafes and restaurants and is connected to Praia da Duquesa. The lifeguards on duty all summer season make it a great destination for families. Finally, Guincho beach is perfect for surfers. Located further north than most of the beaches, it is perched inside a nature park. This is the perfect place if you are wanting to surf or escape crowds and enjoy nature’s best scenery.
Walking to the Beach
Dinner at LOVit
LOVit is a Japanese-inspired cuisine that offers sushi and burgers. I can’t name a better combo! This cute restaurant shack offers beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean.
Saturday
Start Your Day at Boca Do Inferno
Also known as Hell’s Mouth, it is a unique sea-arch and rock formation. Waves continually crash on the cave here which makes it a beautiful and engaging destination. There is a viewpoint that you can go to and is free to visit. You can get here by taxi because starting your day here means you can follow the walking path downhill to the Museum quarter and lighthouse.
Walk to Santa Maria Lighthouse
Santa Maria Lighthouse is a short walk from Boca Do Inferno in the direction of the city center. Along the walk you will se beautiful views of Cascais and the Atlantic ocean. Santa Maria Lighthouse gives light to Cascais and Marina da Cascais located next door. Honestly, it is a beautiful site to see.
Head to Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães is located across the street from Santa Marta Lighthouse. As a Gothic Revival Castle, it displays a collection of art. It is 4 euros to enter and is open from 10:00 AM- 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. From this museum, you can also explore Marechal Carmona Park and Casa de Santa Maria. Admission to Casa de Santa Maria is 5 euros and includes entrances into the Santa Maria lighthouse
Continue to the Rest of the Museum Quarter
From there you can walk to the Museum Quarter for incredible history and the Museums of Cascais. Some of the most popular spots include Cascais Cultural Centre which is home to art exhibitions. Duarte Pinto Coelho House was the former home of the Guards of the Castro Guimarães Counts Palace. King D. Carlos Museum of Sea showcases stories of local fishermen and is home to studies of the sea.
Dinner at Terroso
This restaurant is more of a quant restaurant located in the heart of Cascais. With its romantic atmosphere and Portuguese cuisine it is the perfect place to have your final meal in Cascais.
One Last Drink at Bar Farol
Bar Farol is located in Farol Hotel and is a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of Cascais Bay. It is the best place to end your trip.
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