You don’t have to visit every “must-see” in Cascais to fall in love. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Between its sun-soaked beaches, pastel buildings, and cliffside views, this seaside town near Lisbon is easy to enjoy, but not every stop deserves your precious vacation hours.
After visiting Cascais myself, I learned what’s worth slowing down for and what you can totally skip without the FOMO. Here’s my honest take on what to see (and skip!) in Cascais.
Beach Time for Relaxation
With all the stress and chaos going on in your daily life (and waves hand – in the world!), you could probably use more rest. And while a couple hours on a beach will not solve your depleted sleep hours or melt away all of your stress, it’ll help an incremental amount.
So grab your sunscreen or head to Farmácia Cordeiro and buy some European SPF. Sink into a shaded beach bed at one of Cascais’s beaches.
Praia da Ribeira charges €40 with two beds under a tent but comes with food and drink service. It makes staying hydrated and fed effortless. Plus, it’s much easier to fully relax when you’re not worrying about your stuff every five minutes.
Visit or skip? Think of it as part of your recovery plan from real life. Even a couple of hours at the beach can do wonders for your mood.
Eat Your Weight in Clams
Cascais has several great restaurants that offer clams for dinner. My advice: go somewhere that specializes in seafood, like Mar do Inferno or O Pescador, and pair your clams with a crisp glass of vinho verde.
Eat it or skip it? If you’ve never had clams, don’t leave without trying them. Giving this recommendation a side eye? Order a half portion or get them mixed with spaghetti so it feels less adventurous but just as delicious.
Read about my dinner recommendations in Cascais
🦪 Where to Eat in Cascais: My Favorite Dinner Spots (and What to Order!)
Visit the Boca do Inferno – Mouth of Hell
Boca do Inferno is a chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to Cascais. Seawater reaches the deep bottom of the chasm and violently strikes the rocky walls, making it a pretty popular tourist attraction.
Visit or skip? Visit, but only if you’re able to visit without the crowds. Watching and listening to the waves crash against the rocks is very relaxing. And while natural rock formations are a wonder, you can’t really see it and the vibe is nonexistent once it gets crowded.
Tour the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum
You can see this beautiful lighthouse from nearly everywhere in Cascais and it’s a beaut. Built in 1868, the museum offers tours that include going to the top (bad-weather days excluded).
The museum offers an overview of lighthouses in general, along with specific exhibits on topics such as lighthouses in Portugal and the work of the lighthouse keeper. Tickets are €5 and include admission to Casa de Santa Maria next door.
Visit or skip? If the weather is nice, €5 gets you to the top of the lighthouse and those views are incredible. My timing never aligned with their open hours, but I love lighthouses (no idea why) and would definitely visit.
Grab Lunch and Zen Out at Lusophonica
Lusophonica is a coffee shop and cafe with a radio station right outside the Santa Marta Lighthouse. Depending on whether you enjoy the music the DJ is playing, this place is such a vibe.
Sagres and Sagres 0.0, a Porteugese beer is available alongside a fairly diverse menu. On a warm day, it’s nice to sit at the tables under the tent and look out over the marina.
Visit or skip? Stop by! It was quiet the two times I visited, the music is great, and it’s a perfect hideaway from Cascais’s busier streets.
Visit the Citadel
The Cidadela de Cascais (Citadel) is a massive seaside fortress that once protected the coastline from pirates and invaders. Today, it’s a mix of historic and modern — with an art gallery, a boutique hotel, and even an artists’ residency inside its walls. Walking around, you’ll find quiet courtyards, sea views, and a sense of calm you wouldn’t expect from such a fortress.
Visit or skip? If you enjoy architecture, history, or photography, the Citadel is a definite visit. But if you’re short on time or not into museums or galleries, you can appreciate it with a quick stroll from the outside.
Marechal Carmona Parque
A peaceful escape in the middle of Cascais, Marechal Carmona Park is full of shady paths, ponds with ducks and turtles, and free-roaming peacocks. SO. MANY. TURTLES.
It’s a lovely spot to slow down, enjoy a picnic, or grab a coffee at the park café. Families will especially love it, but it’s also perfect for solo travelers who want a quiet, leafy break from sightseeing.
Visit or skip? Visit! Even if it’s just for 20 minutes to recharge. It’s one of the most relaxing spots in Cascais, and it pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães.
Casa das Histórias Paula Rego
Designed by acclaimed architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is as much an architectural statement as it is an art museum. The striking red building, with its twin pyramid towers, feels almost surreal against Cascais’s leafy backdrop. Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of works by Paula Rego, one of Portugal’s most celebrated artists, known for her vivid storytelling and feminist themes.
Even if modern art isn’t usually your thing, the space itself is worth stepping into—quiet, thoughtful, and unlike anything else in Cascais.
Visit or skip? Visit if you’re into art, design, or just appreciate bold architecture. If your itinerary leans more toward beach days and seafood, a quick photo stop for the building alone is still worthwhile.
Mercado da Vila
Created in 1952 and open every day but Christmas, shop for fresh vegetables, fish, flowers, and a variety of other things from sellers. If you’re staying in an Airbnb in Cascais, this would be a great place to buy groceries for your stay.
There’s also a variety of restaurants, bars, and events – from pop-up markets to cooking workshops. Cascais Food Lab is at the market and offer classes like Cascais Sweets, how to make Cascais’s traditional delicacies and workshops like vegan cooking.
Visit or skip? If your time in Cascais is short, a quick walk through the mercado is fun, but it isn’t an essential stop.
Grab Ice Cream at Santini
Every day is better with ice cream! Head to one of the two Cascais locations of Santini, Portugal’s oldest ice cream parlor. Seventy-five years of making ice cream and sorbets with the same recipes is a recipe for success!
Portugal’s oldest ice cream parlor, Santini, has been perfecting its recipes for 75 years—and it shows. My pistachio was a creamy dream, and my BFF’s strawberry was equally divine.
Visit or skip? 100% visit. It’s a sweet slice of local history and worth every lick.
Final Thoughts: What’s Worth It in Cascais
Cascais is one of those destinations where even the “skippable” spots still charm you a little. But knowing where to linger—and where to save your time—makes the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Spend your hours soaking in the ocean breeze, tasting the seafood, and slowing down long enough to actually feel like you’re on vacation. Skip the crowds, follow the calm, and you’ll discover why Cascais is one of Portugal’s most effortlessly beautiful towns.
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