12 Things to Do in Cascais, Portugal: My Favourite Spots

I spent a month in Cascais, from late November to late December, trading the start of a Canadian winter for coastal walks, seaside cafés, and temperatures around 10–18°C during my stay. I swapped my boots for sneakers and a light jacket and managed to get outside every single day.

I was working remotely, so exploring Cascais became part of my everyday life. Between work and longer excursions, I wandered through colourful streets, discovered coastal viewpoints, and returned to favourite spots like Emma’s by the sea and Kafeine in the marina.

These are my favourite things to do in Cascais, along with what made it such a wonderful base for a month in Portugal.

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My Favourite Things to Do in Cascais

1. Admire the Iconic View of Santa Marta Lighthouse

The viewpoint by Casa de Santa Maria, looking towards Santa Marta Lighthouse, is the picture-postcard scene I most associate with Cascais.

The blue-and-white lighthouse beside the little cove is a sight you’ll recognize in souvenir shops around town. I even bought a Portuguese tile depicting it – a small piece of Cascais to bring home with me.

This is a stop I’d include even on a short visit. Walk over to appreciate the setting, take a few photos, and give yourself a moment to enjoy the view beyond the camera.

2. Stroll Through the Colourful Streets of Cascais

One of my favourite free things to do in Cascais was simply wandering through its colourful streets.

I stayed in an Airbnb near the old town and explored the centre repeatedly throughout the month. The tiled façades, little shops, and streets opening towards the waterfront made walking around part of the pleasure of being here.

Give yourself time to browse, look at the buildings, and follow a street that catches your attention. The centre is somewhere I’d explore without a tightly planned route, leaving room for a café stop along the way.

3. Visit Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno was one of the most striking coastal stops during my month in Cascais. The steep cliffs and rocky chasm give this stretch of coastline a rugged feel, with views opening out onto the Atlantic.

Walking around the viewpoints gave me the chance to appreciate the rock formations from different angles. It’s a stop worth leaving time for as you explore the coast beyond the town centre.

My tip: Stick to the designated paths and viewpoints, respect warning signs, and keep well back from exposed edges.

4. Enjoy the Beaches Around the Town Centre

My favourite beach spot was near Emma’s Café. Having a place I loved by the sea, with a favourite café nearby, gave me a little routine I was happy to return to.

There are plenty of beaches to explore around Cascais, including Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, and Praia da Duquesa. Depending on the season, you might spend time relaxing on the sand, walking along the water, or watching a game of beach volleyball.

My own visit was in late autumn and early winter, so beach time was mostly about enjoying the coast on foot. Coming from Canada, being able to spend time comfortably by the sea in December already felt like a treat.

5. Spend a “Wave Day” Watching the Atlantic

Some of my favourite moments in Cascais were spent doing very little: finding a spot well back from the water and watching the waves. During my December stay, they were impressive, and I spent hours watching them build, roll in, and crash against the rocks. No itinerary needed. Just a “wave day,” as I like to call it, with nowhere else I needed to be.

Give the ocean plenty of space. Watch from a safe distance, respect warning signs and closures, and stay off exposed rocks or any stretch of the waterfront where waves are washing over.

If watching the Atlantic is your kind of experience too, read about my trip to see Nazaré’s giant waves, an outing I planned around the swell forecast during my month in Portugal.

6. Explore Cascais Marina

The marina was somewhere I returned to several times during my stay.

It became a familiar stop during my walks around Cascais. Kafeine, one of my favourite cafés, is located here, making it easy to combine a wander around the marina with a coffee break.

For a short visit, include the marina while exploring this side of town. If you’re staying longer, you may find yourself returning simply because you enjoy the setting.

7. Follow the Coast Towards Mexilhoeiro Bay and Guia

One of my favourite longer walks in Cascais took me around Mexilhoeiro Bay and towards the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Guia.

This stretch of coastline is beautiful, with rugged cliffs, rocky formations, and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a wonderful way to explore beyond the town centre and experience a wilder side of Cascais.

Along the way, you’ll also come across an outdoor fitness area overlooking the ocean. I loved the idea of being able to exercise outside with the Atlantic as your backdrop. It’s another little detail that makes Cascais such an appealing place for an active lifestyle.

Whether you’re heading out for a longer walk, getting some exercise, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, this is a lovely area to explore at your own pace.

8. Wander Through Parque Marechal Carmona

Parque Marechal Carmona was a lovely change of scenery during my month in Cascais, offering a peaceful green space away from the waterfront and busy town streets.

One of the things that made this park memorable was seeing the roosters and chickens roaming freely around the gardens. They added so much character to the place! Between the greenery, walking paths, and little encounters with the birds, it was an enjoyable spot to wander without any particular plan.

Since I visited in December, I also got to experience the park dressed up for Christmas, with festive decorations and a special holiday setup. It was a lovely surprise and added a little extra magic to my winter stay in Cascais.

My tip: Combine a visit to Parque Marechal Carmona with the nearby lighthouse and waterfront. It’s an easy way to enjoy a different side of Cascais without travelling far from the town centre.

9. Stop at Emma’s Café and Kafeine

My two favourite café stops were Emma’s by the sea and Kafeine in the marina.

Emma’s appears more than once in my travel notes, and it became one of those familiar places I was happy to return to. Sitting by the sea with a coffee was one of the simple pleasures of my stay.

Over at the marina, Kafeine became another favourite. Both cafés were part of my everyday routine, alongside coastal walks and sightseeing.

Kafeine was another favourite when I was around the marina. Both cafés became part of my month in Cascais, alongside the walks and sightseeing.

Give yourself time for a proper break. Sitting down somewhere you enjoy is part of experiencing a place, too.

10. Browse the Christmas Market and Enjoy the Festive Decorations

If you’re visiting Cascais in December, don’t miss the Christmas market in the town centre. I loved browsing the festive stalls, picking up a few souvenirs, and wandering through the town decorated with Christmas lights.

Seeing Cascais illuminated for the holidays made my evening walks even more enjoyable, especially with the mild December weather.

Check the Christmas market dates for your travel year before visiting.

11. Walk Along the Waterfront Towards Estoril

On my first full day in Cascais, I walked from my Airbnb near the old town towards Estoril. I needed to pick up a few supplies for my remote-work setup, but what started as a simple errand turned into a lovely introduction to the coastline.

The Cascais-to-Estoril waterfront promenade is a beautiful place for a walk, with ocean views, sandy beaches, rocky stretches of coastline, and plenty of places to stop along the way. I loved seeing the colourful fishing boats floating in the bay, watching the waves roll in, and discovering the oceanfront swimming areas.

You might even spot surfers heading into the Atlantic, a reminder that life along this coast revolves around the ocean year-round.

Why I Loved the Cascais Waterfront Walk

What I appreciated most was how easy it was to incorporate these walks into everyday life. Even an ordinary trip to buy supplies could turn into a little coastal adventure.

My tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and take your time exploring. You don’t need to walk all the way to Estoril to enjoy the scenery, and there are plenty of lovely spots to pause along the waterfront.

12. Wander Through the Citadel and Cidadela Art District

I also explored the Citadel and Cidadela Art District during my walks around Cascais.

The courtyards and artwork add variety to a day of exploring the town and coastline. Take your time wandering through and noticing the details rather than simply passing by on your way to the water.

I’d combine this stop with the marina, followed by a break at Kafeine. That gives you a few nearby places to enjoy without turning the day into a long checklist.

Visiting Cascais in Late Autumn and Winter

The weather was one of the things I appreciated most about my stay.

I left Canada as winter was settling in and arrived in Cascais to temperatures around 10–18°C during my month there. I could trade my boots for sneakers and a light jacket, which made heading outside feel wonderfully easy. I only had one full day of rain in the entire month. Even then, I managed to find time to get outside every day, and I had plenty of good weather for walking and exploring.

That describes my experience from mid-November until end of December, rather than what every winter visit will be like. I’d still bring layers and a rain jacket and leave some flexibility in your plans.

For me, it was the winter escape I wanted. I could enjoy the coast, keep moving, and spend time outdoors while continuing to work.

Why Cascais Was My Perfect Digital Nomad Setting

Cascais worked beautifully for the kind of month I wanted: a comfortable base where I could work remotely and enjoy life outside my working hours.

One of my favourite parts of staying here was watching the sunrise from my apartment every morning. Some mornings, the sky would turn incredible shades of orange, pink, and gold over the ocean. It was honestly one of the best ways to start my day. Before opening my laptop and diving into work, I could take a moment to appreciate the view and the simple privilege of being somewhere so beautiful.

Everyday Life While Working Remotely in Cascais

Staying near the old town made everyday life easy, with groceries, cafés, and walking routes all within reach. Whenever I had some free time, I could head towards the sea or a nearby park without needing much planning.

Those everyday details mattered as much as the bigger excursions. A working trip still includes ordinary workdays, and I loved having somewhere enjoyable to step outside when I had the time. From peaceful sunrises at home to afternoon walks along the coast, Cascais made even my regular working days feel special.

My favourite cafés gave the month a sense of familiarity, while the surrounding area offered plenty to explore on longer outings.

If you’re considering a similar stay, pay attention to your accommodation’s workspace, internet connection, location, and natural light. Being close to the places you’ll use regularly can make a real difference to your daily routine.

Along with choosing the right apartment, having a comfortable work setup makes a difference; my travel tech essentials for remote work cover the portable monitor, charger and other equipment I use during longer stays.

And if you’re lucky enough to find an apartment with a view of the sunrise, even better. Sometimes, it’s those quiet moments before the day begins that make a place truly memorable.

Have More Time? Day Trips from Cascais

I used Cascais as my base for exploring this part of Portugal. If you’re staying longer, these are a few outings you could add:

• Sintra: I spent a day hiking through the forest, visiting Pena Palace, and exploring the gardens. My Sintra day trip guide covers the experience and how I approached the day.
• Cabo da Roca and Praia da Ursa: A day of coastal scenery and hiking. My Cabo da Roca and Praia da Ursa guide covers the bus journey, coastal hike, and beach stop in more detail.
• Lisbon: I visited several times, including walks around Baixa-Chiado and Alfama. Staying nearby allowed me to explore the city over separate outings. If you’re planning time in the capital, my 3-day Lisbon itinerary will help you organise your sightseeing around Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, and more.
• Azenhas do Mar and Praia do Magoito: I took a local bus for a day of walking and sightseeing along this part of the coast.

I also travelled farther afield to places such as Nazaré, Ericeira, Arrábida, and Setúbal. Those outings involved more travel, so I’d give them their own planning time.

For more destination ideas, browse my 9 best day trips from Lisbon.

How I’d Spend One Day in Cascais

If you only have one day in Cascais, my biggest recommendation is to follow the Cascais City Tour walking route on AllTrails. It’s a great way to organize your sightseeing and discover the town’s main attractions on foot.

I’d start by exploring the colourful streets of the old town and the beaches around the centre, before continuing towards the Citadel and Cascais Marina. Along the way, make time for a coffee break at one of the local cafés.

Don’t miss the beautiful viewpoint near Casa de Santa Maria, where you can admire the iconic Santa Marta Lighthouse. If you have extra time and energy, extend your walk towards Boca do Inferno for some of Cascais’ most dramatic coastal scenery.

Alternatively, if you prefer a longer walk along the beach, follow the waterfront promenade towards Estoril.

My tip: Use the AllTrails route as your starting point, but don’t feel pressured to follow a strict schedule. Stop for photographs, enjoy a coffee by the ocean, and take your time exploring.

I had an entire month to discover Cascais, so my favourite places weren’t all visited in a single day. But with a good walking route and a little flexibility, you can experience many of the town’s highlights in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cascais Worth Visiting in Winter?

I loved my late-November and December stay. I experienced temperatures around 10–18°C, only one full day of rain, and opportunities to get outside every day.

That was one particular month, so leave flexibility for different conditions. My winter visit centred on walking, cafés, sightseeing, and enjoying the coast.

Is One Day in Cascais Enough?

One day gives you time to explore the centre, see a few coastal sights, and enjoy a café or beach stop.

Staying longer gives you room for walks towards Estoril or Guia, repeat visits to favourite places, and excursions beyond Cascais. I spent a month here while working remotely and appreciated having time to settle in.

Do You Need a Car in Cascais?

I found it easy to get around during my stay near the old town and did much of my exploring on foot.

For trips farther away, I used public transport and ride-hailing services. Whether you’ll want a car depends on your accommodation and the places you plan to visit.

Is Cascais a Good Base for Remote Work?

It was an excellent fit for me. I loved the combination of milder weather, coastal walks, favourite cafés, and easy everyday outings.

Choose accommodation with a suitable workspace and confirm the internet connection before booking. Your home base will shape how comfortable the working side of the trip feels.

My Final Thoughts

Cascais turned out to be exactly what I was looking for when I decided to escape the Canadian winter. The mild December weather, beautiful Atlantic coastline, and relaxed atmosphere made it a wonderful place to spend a month.

Looking back, it wasn’t about how many places I visited or how much I managed to fit into my days. It was about the freedom to enjoy where I was, even while balancing a full-time career.

It’s something I believe deeply and share in my Travel Mindset: You Don’t Need to Quit Your Job to Travel More article. Adventure doesn’t have to wait until you have unlimited free time.

You don’t always need a vacation to experience more of the world. Sometimes, you just need to change the view outside your window.