COME AND DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF CASCAIS WITH US
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN cascais
Cascais is a fantastic holiday destination for young and old with amazing beaches and many great outdoor activities you can explore, such as surfing, stand up paddle, golfing, hiking, cycling, strolling through the green parks, visiting the local market etc. No risk to be bored in Cascais as Cascais has it all!
Explore the city beaches
Whilst the beaches located in the center of Cascais are undeniably busy during summer, they’re actually very pleasant and picturesque.
Go for a swim or just relax on the soft yellow sand, and you will understand why Cascais was chosen as the Royal summer retreat.
Just walk from the center along the Paredão in the direction of Estoril and choose your beach!
The beach boulevard (called Paredão) is a reflection of Cascais’ lifestyle.
It is the perfect place to exercise as you will find many work out stations as well as drinking fountains, toilets and showers.
While walking along the Paredão near the ocean you will find several restaurants, bars and terraces so no risk to remain hungry or thirsty!

Surfing
For many visitors, Cascais is the ideal spot for surf lessons or a surf camp, with several recommended providers in the area.
Surfing or kitesurfing at Guincho beach, one of the top surfing spots in Europe, is for sure a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Alternatively lessons are also given in Carcavelos beach, depending on the waves.
Surf board rental can be secured from many operators for around 10 Eur for half a day, or 20 Eur for a full day.
We have some good contacts with great surf instructors so contact us for further info!

Stand-up Paddle
SUP or Stand-up Paddleboarding is one of the hottest water sports around at the moment and some of the reasons are it’s quick to learn and a great way to work out and be active in the water, without taking much risk. It’s fun and not as hard as it looks and suitable for all ages.
Can you imagine to learn to SUP in the turquoise waters of the bay of Cascais while enjoying the beautiful scenery?
Contact us to bring you in touch with a recommended SUP school so you can take your first class with qualified instructors so the entire family can learn to SUP and relax on the beach afterwards.

Boat Trip
Enjoy one of the most beautiful views and skyline of the Riviera Portuguesa in a 46ft sailboat, departing from the marina in Cascais ! Relax with a glass of wine, swim, dive and live a hands-on experience sailing over the Atlantic in the most western point of continental Europe. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and the max capacity is 8 people.
Alternatively you can opt for an unforgettable 2 hours boat trip to search for dolphins and view the best of what the Cascais shoreline has to offer. Max 12 people.
You will board a High Speed RIB (Rigid Înflatable Boat) of 8,6 m, the same as used by Portuguese Coast Guard. The boat is Eco-Friendly and has a state of art lead free petrol/low noise engine. The Dolphins deserve it!
Contact us for further information.

Hiking
There are many hiking opportunities in Cascais and the overall scenery is just stunning.
For an amazing hike along the coast line just walk from Cascais centre to Guincho. The path is about 8 km long with breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs. In about 2 h you will arrive at Guincho beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with the Serra de Sintra as a backdrop. If you still have energy keep walking and take the wooden walkways of the Cresmina-Guincho dunes.
Other amazing hiking trails, with different degrees of difficulty, can be find in the beautiful Sintra- Cascais Natural Park. You will be able to discover secret beaches, walk in the middle of the forest or make the most romantic route through some typical Portuguese villages.
Contact us in case you wish to book a guided tour to take you on these special hiking adventures!

Cycling
The more active visitors should jump on a bicycle and cycle down to Praia do Guincho at least once during their stay in Cascais!
There is a bike rental shop inside the train station and another one closeby. Bikes generally cost around 10 eur per day, including helmet, lock and basket if you need it. The city also offers free bike rental but those are taken quickly during summer.
The route from the centre of Cascais all the way to Guincho beach is impossible to miss: simply head west from the Santa Marta Lighthouse and follow the cycle path that extends all the way along the coast. Be prepared for strong winds so the trip might be a bit challenging at times, but what an exceptional work out it is!
A great stop to take a refreshment is the Duna de Cresmina bar where you can park your bike and rest on the terrace looking out over the Cresmina dunes and feel the special energy

Picnic in the Marechal Carmona Park
The Marechal Carmona Park, just behind the Marina, is a wonderful spot to take the family for a picnic or to have a rest in the shade on a hot summer day in between sightseeing.
There are several playgrounds and the gardens are beautiful and well kept. The kids will enjoy the chickens, peacocks and turtles wandering around.
The grounds also house the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a beautiful 19th-century mansion replete with castle turrets and Arabic cloister.
Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the winter, with hours extending to 8 p.m. during the summer months.

Golf
A round or two of golf is a wonderful way to relax and take in the fresh air of Cascais and Sintra.
The region has many courses that offer the perfect setting for every level of golfing expertise. Golf equipment is available for hire at most courses. The mild and pleasant climate is perfect for playing golf all through the year.
Cascais has become one of the best golfing destinations in Europe, and is home to the Oitavos Dunes, designed in 2001, positioned number 55 in the prestigious Top 100 Courses in the world and number 1 golf court in Portugal.
The Oitavos Dunes is the first golf course in Europe and second in the world to get the Gold Signature Sanctuary status, quality certificate awarded by Audubon International. All 18 holes of this field offer stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and of the Sintra Mountains.

Go for adventure in Palmela Park
The Palmela Park is hidden behind the ugly buildings next to Jumbo supermarket (5 min from the train station) and holds a wonderful spot to keep adventurous kids entertained. The park is a true oasis of calm on hot sunny days.
Pedaços de Aventura is offering tree top activities for kids from age 5 onwards. There are 2 treetop circuits interconnected by platforms, each with a different difficulty level. Besides fun and contact with nature, this activity promotes self-confidence, concentration and balance and is an excellent alternative for the beach.
The activity begins with a safety briefing, followed by a practice exercise. Safety is ensured through the careful supervision of monitors and the use of appropriate and certified safety equipment.
Opening hours: 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. in the winter, with hours extending to 6 p.m. during the summer months.

Pass by the market "Mercado da Vila"
Wednesday & Saturday are market days at the lovely Mercado da Vila.
This is the place where the locals go for grocery shopping. The local produce are really fresh and the prices are reasonable. Bread, cheese, olives, meat, fresh fish, seafood, flowers… you will find it here!
The Cascais Village Market also hosts regular themed markets such as the ones consecrated to chocolate, beer or sardines…and has several restaurants and small shops offering local gourmet products, so it’s actually worth to visit any day of the week.
Check the atmosphere here.
Visit Quinta do Pisão
The Quinta do Pisão is a beautiful ancient unspoiled farm restored into an agricultural, natural and urban park, providing bucolic landscapes, picnic spots and many trails for walking, cycling and riding. Just 15 min from Cascais in the heart of the Sintra – Cascais Natural Park.
The Quinta has a beautiful “horta” (garden) where you can pick and choose your own organic vegetables straight from the garden!
Opening hours: daily from 9.30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The horta (garden) opens daily from 9 – 12 h (on Sat from 9 – 13 h)

Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset from one of the many iconic spots in Cascais is a must do during your holidays along the Portuguese Riviera!
Amongst our favorite spots to watch the sunset are Guincho beach, Boca de Inferno and the Santa Marta Lighthouse. Afterwards you can have dinner at Bar de Guincho or Furnas de Guinho, Casa da Guia or in one of the restaurants of the Cascais marinha, a perfect way to finish the day!
Of course you can also go all the way to Cabo da Roca for an amazing sunset experience at the very edge of the European Continent….
Watch the beautiful sunset colours over de Santa Marta Lighthouse here.