Cascais is one of those seaside towns just outside Lisbon that’s easy to underestimate until you actually spend time there. Once a royal summer retreat, it still carries that polished feel. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cascais, you’ll find a mix of Atlantic beaches, clifftop walks, small but excellent museums and plenty of solid seafood spots.
Top things to do in Cascais for first-time visitors
Explore Cascais Old Town and the Cidadela
Cascais old town is a tangle of cobbled lanes, whitewashed buildings and traditional calçada pavements, with small shops and cafés spilling into quiet squares.
The Cidadela de Cascais, a former fortress by the marina, now mixes contemporary art spaces with sea views and makes a good starting point for wandering.
Visit Boca do Inferno on the Atlantic coast
Boca do Inferno is a dramatic cliff formation just west of the centre, where Atlantic waves crash into a rocky chasm. It’s an easy coastal walk or cycle from Cascais town, and on windy days, the spray can be impressive.
Relax at Praia da Rainha and Ribeira Beach
Blue-flag beach Praia da Rainha is a small cove tucked between rocks right by the centre, with calm water and limited space in high season.
Ribeira Beach, beside the main square, is broader and livelier, handy for a quick swim between sightseeing stops.
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego and Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego stands out with its striking red towers and focuses on the life and work of one of Portugal’s most important contemporary artists.
Nearby, the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães sits in a romantic-style mansion surrounded by gardens, with paintings, manuscripts and a peaceful lake setting.
Walk or cycle to Estoril along the promenade
The seafront promenade linking Cascais and Estoril runs flat along the coast, making it popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Along the way, there are small beaches, cafés and views back towards Cascais marina.
Best beaches in Cascais and around Praia do Guincho
Praia do Guincho for surf and Atlantic scenery
Praia do Guincho sits within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and feels far wilder than the town beaches, with open dunes and strong Atlantic winds. It’s a well-established surf spot, though the currents and waves mean it suits confident swimmers more than casual paddling.
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa stretch east of the centre in one long sandy sweep with sunbeds, cafés and easy access from the train station. They tend to be busier in summer, but are practical if you want space to lay out a towel without leaving Cascais town.
Things to do in Cascais in winter
Museums, markets and indoor culture
In winter, Cascais leans into its cultural side, with the Paula Rego museum and the Condes de Castro Guimarães offering a warm break from cooler days.
Mercado da Vila is a good stop for local produce, casual lunches and a glimpse of everyday life beyond the beach crowd.
Coastal walks and storm watching
Colder months bring fewer visitors and moodier Atlantic skies, which make places like Boca do Inferno feel even more dramatic.
Temperatures are generally milder than much of northern Europe, so long coastal walks are still perfectly manageable with a decent jacket.
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