Cascais

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A restored townhouse and contemporary extension combine local art with a façade created by Vhils. The rooftop pool and location near the citadel and waterfront are particular strengths.

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A laid-back seaside town for combining beach relaxation with town life. Visit alongside nearby Lisbon and Sintra for a varied trip.

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A convenient lunch or drinks stop at Guincho’s northern end, where the beach generally offers more shelter from summer winds.

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The author recommends this beach near Lisbon for its surf and energetic ocean atmosphere.

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Best reached on the scenic coastal walk from Cascais, this collapsed sea cave and rock arch are particularly dramatic in rough seas. Sunset is the author’s favourite time to visit.

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This striking coastal cliff formation was a highlight of the author's afternoon exploring Cascais.

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Explore an ornate former summer residence with turrets, tiled interiors, decorative arts, and an important illuminated manuscript. Its waterside setting and free admission make it worth visiting while in the park.

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The author included a quick stop at this museum before returning to the hotel, pairing it with the surrounding park.

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Fondly remembered for its welcoming atmosphere, quirky décor, generous portions, and good-value Portuguese cooking. Try grilled octopus, bacalhau, or the daily specials.

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Well suited to families or two couples, with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small balcony. The beach and station are extremely close, although some street noise is inevitable.

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This gallery showcases Paula Rego’s work alongside pieces by Victor Willing and temporary exhibitions. Its striking red pyramid towers make the architecture worth seeing too.

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Walk through the historic fort for sea air, galleries, artists’ studios, and outdoor art installations in its courtyards.

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The author’s favourite apartment option for couples combines thoughtful natural-material interiors with a well-equipped kitchen. Guests have a private terrace and access to a shared heated plunge pool.

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This restored family chalet offers nine distinctive rooms, preserved historic details, and a secluded garden with a saltwater pool. Breakfast featuring freshly baked bread and cakes is another highlight.

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A special-occasion restaurant serving a seven-stage tasting menu centred on Portuguese ingredients, with an open kitchen that keeps the experience relaxed. The menu costs €82 per person and reservations are essential.

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A well-reviewed, budget-conscious option for couples on a quiet old-town street near the beach. Best for short stays; it has no lift or permanent air-conditioning.

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This Wednesday market spreads outside Mercado da Vila with stalls offering clothes, ceramics, plants, and assorted household finds.

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The author’s top vegetarian recommendation, offering generous portions of colourful mezze, salads, shakshuka, and quiches, with vegan choices too. Best enjoyed over a leisurely lunch in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace.

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The author’s favourite ice cream in Cascais after comparing several parlours. Its ice creams and sorbets use fresh fruit and natural ingredients.

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A contemporary bay-facing restaurant for Portuguese sharing plates, seafood, and cocktails. Book ahead for an outdoor table.

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A characterful apartment in a nineteenth-century villa, with high ceilings, contemporary art, and a large private balcony. Breakfast is served in a shared courtyard, and several sights are a short walk away.

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A compact, characterful apartment with vintage touches and outdoor space overlooking Marechal Carmona Park. Best for couples who only need a kitchenette for simple meals.

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A central meeting place and a useful starting point for an early-morning wander through Cascais’ attractive old town.

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The author’s affordable, sociable choice, offering dorms, private rooms, communal spaces, and regular activities. Its quiet setting is around ten minutes on foot from the station.

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The author’s recommended central stop for a warm pastel de nata following the closure of Bijou.

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A special-occasion seafood lunch spot with a clifftop Atlantic outlook. Choose from raw seafood, charcoal-grilled fish, seafood rice, and sharing platters.

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A lovely place for a picnic or a shady break among gardens, ponds, and roaming birds. There is also a playground and a Saturday organic market.

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Locals recommended this harbour-side restaurant, where the author enjoyed excellent seafood and Portuguese wines. Book ahead for dinner, especially in summer.

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An informal seafood option at Mercado da Vila where you select fish or shellfish from the counter. It is priced by weight and cooked to your preference.

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A small traditional tasca recommended for an uncomplicated, reasonably priced lunch. Look for daily Portuguese dishes, grilled fish, and homemade desserts.

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Visit on Wednesday or Saturday morning for fresh produce, flowers, and fish, or come later for its permanent restaurants and bars. It is especially useful for stocking up when self-catering.

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Free interactive displays explain Cascais’ evolution from a fishing village into a royal seaside resort. It is not considered essential, but offers useful context for the town’s grand buildings.

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The former royal palace can be explored on a guided tour. Book ahead, as visits can be affected by the presidential schedule.

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The author briefly explored this park alongside Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães to round off the Cascais visit.

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An adults-only mansion with antique-filled rooms and a peaceful flower garden. Its central position is convenient without sacrificing a sense of retreat.

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Two suites open onto a secluded deck and private heated plunge pool at this thoughtfully designed property. It sleeps up to five and is around ten minutes’ walk from the centre.

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This handsome square faces the beach and bay, with the blue-and-white tiled town hall providing an architectural highlight.

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A good choice for a full beach day, sharing the largest central stretch of sand with Praia da Duquesa. Facilities include showers, loungers, water sports, and ramped access.

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This spacious central beach is recommended for a longer beach outing, with restaurants, showers, loungers, and water-sports equipment nearby. The promenade behind it continues towards Estoril.

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The author’s favourite town beach is a tiny, picturesque cove tucked between cliffs near the pedestrian centre. Arrive early in summer, as its beauty comes with very limited space.

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Although the author prefers the other central beaches, this harbour-facing beach is convenient for the main square and popular with families. Volleyball nets provide another reason to stop.

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Highlighted as an excellent surf beach within reach of Cascais. Surf lessons may take place here rather than Guincho when conditions are more suitable.

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A central two-bedroom apartment with air-conditioning and a private roof terrace overlooking the old town. Its location beside Praia da Rainha makes it a practical all-round choice.

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This pedestrian shopping street is an easy starting point for exploring the old town, with cafés, boutiques, and wave-patterned paving. Go early to enjoy the surroundings before the crowds arrive.

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Visit the small museum about Portugal’s lighthouses and enjoy bay views from the old fort platforms. Admission is free.

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A romantic seafront splurge with bay-facing terraces and a saltwater pool above the ocean. Historic buildings and colourful Portuguese interiors add to its appeal.

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All eleven rooms have sea views in this historic residence above Praia da Ribeira. Its beachside location is excellent for being in the middle of town, though summer evenings can be noisy.

Along Dusty Roads

A personable villa stay suited to couples, with contemporary rooms and a generous garden pool. Beaches, old-town restaurants, and the station are within walking distance.