Cascais, a seaside town situated on the gorgeous Lisbon coast, serves as an idyllic retreat for both local residents and tourists alike. Known for its radiant beauty and enviable location, Cascais has been a popular tourist destination for those seeking a leisurely day trip from the Lisbon region. One of the town’s major attractions that have consistently captivated visitors is its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, each uniquely captivating and worth a visit on its own. Here we outline the best Cascais beaches to visit. From a town once monopolized by fishing boats to the modern-day attractive respite from Lisbon’s urban center, you will not run out of things to do in this wonderful town so consider this day trip during your time in Lisbon.
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How to Get to Cascais
Getting to Cascais from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital is remarkably convenient. The Cascais train station is well-connected and easily accessible from Lisbon. A train leaves the station every 20 minutes and takes under an hour. Starting your journey from the Sodré station in Lisbon, you can enjoy a scenic train ride along the Lisbon coast, passing some of the best Lisbon beaches before arriving at the picturesque town of Cascais. Furthermore, Cascais’s location, just west of Lisbon, offers the added advantage of being in proximity to Lisbon airport, making it a convenient choice for tourists flying in.
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Overview of the Best Cascais Beaches
The beaches in Cascais are a testament to natural beauty, featuring golden sands, calm azure waters, and soothing sunshine. The tranquil sea is occasionally contrasted by strong winds at certain beaches, making them a haven for water sports enthusiasts. With a wide variety of options, the beaches in Cascais present a picturesque panorama that draws visitors from around the world. And there is something for everyone in your group.
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa
Situated within walking distance from the train station and the center of Cascais, Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa are popular beaches with golden sand. These beaches offer a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and wonderful hotels nearby making them ideal spots for a leisurely stroll or a relaxed sunbathing session. With easy access and an inviting environment, they serve as perfect choices for beachgoers in Cascais.
Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach)
Praia da Rainha, fondly known as the Queen’s Beach, is a small beach but a favorite among Portuguese people and visitors alike. At just a two-minute walk from the train station, flanked by Hotel Albatroz, we knew this was one of Cascais’ best beaches and consequently was where we chose to spend most of our day trip to Cascais. The beach is acclaimed for its crystal-clear water and stunning natural beauty. Nestled among cliffs, this small but picturesque beach is a charming escape offering a slice of tranquillity amidst the buzzing tourist scene. Restrooms and changing areas are available at Rainha Beach. A small terrace overlooks the area and is available for eating and people-watching. The beach is small and coveted by those in the know so arrive early if you want to assure yourself of a spot to spread out your beach towel. Lifeguards are on duty and discourage older kids from jumping off the rocks.
Praia de Carcavelos
As one of the best Lisbon beaches, Praia de Carcavelos offers a unique blend of sandy stretches and azure waters. This town is closer to Lisbon than Cascais but we include the beach on this list because it is so popular. Known for its exciting water sports and low tide, it is a popular spot among adventure enthusiasts. With the right conditions, you could spend some time learning to surf at Carcavelos Beach or just have fun body boarding. You’ll take the same train mentioned earlier but get off at the Carcavelos stop. The beach is a 10-minute easy walk from the station. Facilities like the parking lot and other amenities enhance the convenience factor, making this closer beach a preferred choice for day trippers. Lifeguards are on hand during the busier spring and summer months, also known as the traditional bathing season.
Guincho Beach
Guincho Beach, famed for its strong winds and water sports, offers an adrenaline-infused beach experience. This beach is located between Cascais and Sintra. You can take a bus or train from Cascais to enjoy this windy area. The bus station is located behind the village shopping mall.
Situated near the stunning Sintra-Cascais natural park, the beach attracts visitors in large numbers during the summer months and is a favorite spot of the international surfing scene. Whether you’re a surfing enthusiast or a nature lover, Guincho Beach caters to a more experienced adventurer so if you are not an experienced surfer you may want to focus on Carcavelos instead.
Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa
Nestled near Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa boast of unspoiled beauty and scenic views. This is a great place, if you prefer isolation and tranquility, these are the beaches for you. But they will take some effort to get to. The best way is to take the train to Cascais and from there you will need to grab a bus that departs every 30 minutes for the Sintra area. Get off at the Cabo da Roca stop just 25 minutes away.
With fascinating rock formations acting as a backdrop, these beaches are true natural beauties. However, Praia da Ursa is a secluded marvel, accessible only at low tide, making it a unique attraction in itself. There are no services at these locations so come prepared with your own food and water. Be aware that due to the isolation of these locations, some beachgoers prefer to sunbathe in the nude.
Praia da Ribeira and Praia das Moitas
Located near the bustling Cascais marina, follow the wave-patterned cobblestone walkway to Praia da Ribeira. Also known as Praia dos Pescadores or Fishermen’s Beach, you’ll note the many fishing boats bobbing in the water. There are no lifeguards on duty here and swimming is not recommended during off-season due to the number of fishing boats active in the area. But this is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful ocean views though and relax in the sand.
If you are following the promenade from Cascais to Estoril then this should be a stop for you. Praia das Moitas is a smaller beach that packs a punch when it comes to scenic beach views. This less crowded beach has fantastic water quality and serves as one of the best places for serene relaxation, offering beautiful vistas of the surrounding sea and landscape.
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Additional Attractions
Beyond beach time and natural scenery, Cascais has plenty to offer. As you walk across the street from the train station you will cross the Largo da Estacao toward a shopping mall. Here you can pick up souvenirs and even beach towels if you did not pack any.
One of the best things you can do is visit the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, a beautiful spot to not only enjoy the view but appreciate a bit of lighthouse history. Casa de Santa Maria, right next to the lighthouse, is for those who enjoy seeing what their house might look like if they won the lottery. Built by an Irish millionaire in the 19th century this home is now publicly owned and there is no entrance fee. Casa da Guia, built in 1895, was privately owned until 1973 and stands as a witness to the town’s rich history and culture. Now both the mansion and gardens are publicly owned and open to visitors. There are numerous shops and dining options inside.
For those seeking a bit of excitement, Casino Estoril, with its mesmerizing ocean view, promises a fun-filled evening. It is one of the largest casinos in Europe and was designed to rival the more famous Monte Carlo. It served as the famous inspiration for Ian Flemming’s first Bond novel when he visited the spot during World War II.
Dining and Accommodation Options
Cascais boasts some of the best restaurants, serving a range of delectable Portuguese cuisine and seafood. Try the highly rated A Nova Estrela, which is affordable and has daily chef recommendations on the chalkboard out front. They are available for lunch and dinner. You can also check out the Taberna Cladestina Cascais, a Mediterranean tapas bar with a menu that you may want to camp out for.
And speaking of staying longer than a day, for those wishing to extend their beach day into a weekend getaway, a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury hotels, are readily available. And some of the best hotels are right on the water! Looking for something upscale that is right by the beaches, then check the availability at Hotel Albatroz. This five-star hotel is next to Praia da Rainha. An affordable boutique option is Senhora da Guia Cascais which includes an outdoor saltwater pool, pool bar, and oceanfront restaurant. You may never want to leave!
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Cascais, with its beautiful sandy beaches and adorable town amenities, serves as a perfect short trip from Lisbon. Its easy accessibility, rich history, and wonderful natural beauty make it a spot on the Lisbon coast worth visiting. As a pro tip, visiting during the summer weekends promises an unforgettable beach experience, blending leisure and excitement perfectly.
The beaches of Cascais are truly a gem in Portugal’s crown, offering an irresistible invitation to experience its alluring beauty and charm. Another remarkable spot to enjoy while in Portugal are the islands of the Azores. For more information, check out our detailed guide to enjoying the Portuguese island of Sao Miguel.