If Cascais isn’t on your wanderlust radar, it should be. This Portuguese resort offers the perfect mix of beaches and bars; it even was awarded the title of European Youth Capital 2018 for its modern, exciting atmosphere. This is where the Lisbon locals come to kick back and relax in the summer. Why not, when it’s just a short hop on a bus or train from the city centre? The beaches here are worth a holiday in their own right though, as well as the pretty marina and the striking Nossa Senhora de Luz Fort. Cascais holidays aren’t exactly off the beaten track, but they offer a fantastic taste of authentic Portugal that you might not find elsewhere.
Beaches
Portuguese praias – or beaches, to you and me – are all golden sands and inviting waters. Cosmopolitan Cascais offers some seriously stunning stretches of shoreline. The small but perfectly formed Praia da Rainha is framed by colourful buildings and natural rocky walls, and offers a great beach bar and gorgeous views out to the marina. This one is reached by steps though, so if you’re looking for a more accessible beach you might prefer to seek out the twin bays of Praia da Conceicao and Praia da Duquesa. These bustling beaches are great for watersports, cocktails and good old-fashioned relaxing on a sun lounger.
Food & Drink
We like peri peri sauce as much as the next Brit, but there’s much more to Portuguese cuisine than spicy chicken. Cascais has a selection of acclaimed restaurants and hidden gems with mouthwatering menus. For local seafood try Polvo Vadio – we have it on good authority that the octopus here is delicious. The town also boasts a wide range of international cusine; you’ll find everything from Italian to Indian restaurants here. Fancy a tasty snack? Try a pastel de nata with your coffee.
Culture
The culture in Cascais is a more intimate version of Lisbon’s lively music, art and history scene. You might be surprised to find that Cascais can often compete with the capital for things to see and do. If you fancy exploring beyond the beach, you’ll find the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, some impressive coastal forts and a diverse events calendar full of festivals and gigs. We especially like the look of the Lumina Festival, which sees the town illuminated with lanterns and colour for a few magical nights each September.
Nightlife
Cascais is a hotspot for Lisboêtas – or people from Lisbon – so you can bet that the summertime vibe is on point. From jazz clubs to cosy pubs, there’s every kind of bar to discover. Head to the Stairway Club for live music and DJ sets, or simply pick a bar along the beachfront to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea – bliss.
Important Information
Flight Time: 2.5 hrsTime Difference: +1 hourCurrency: EuroOfficial Language: Portuguese
Vaccinations
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Visa
British Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Cascais. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for any visa requirements.
