If you’ve spent any time researching Cascais, you’ve likely noticed most blog posts and Reddit threads recommend taking a tour of Cascais and staying in Lisbon.
That Cascais is only worth a day trip — just travel from Lisbon!
Well, boo to that advice!
Cascais is capital B beautiful with some damn good food.
Many visitors to Lisbon pencil in Cascais as a quick escape — a seaside stop just 40 minutes away by train. But once you step off the platform and wander its cobbled streets, it quickly becomes clear: Cascais deserves more than a single afternoon. Between golden beaches, world-class dining, and boutique hotels with royal backstories, this coastal gem invites you to slow down and savor the good life, Portuguese-style.
Getting to Cascais couldn’t be easier, which makes it even harder to understand why so many people only visit for a few hours. Whether you’re arriving straight from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport or spending a few days in the capital first, the trip to Cascais is quick and scenic. You can be checking into your hotel, walking along the bay, or ordering your first espresso in less than an hour.
So, should you stay in Cascais or just visit for the day? Let me convince you it’s worth more than a day trip.
Getting to Cascais from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport
Cascais is super easy to get to from Lisbon, making it an ideal first or last stop on your Portugal itinerary.
The fastest route from the airport is by Uber or Portugal’s alternative, Bolt. But if you’ve got time before hotel check-in (or you’re a proud public transportation enthusiast), Lisbon’s transit system is efficient and easy to navigate.
Using Rome2Rio, I quickly figured out what the Lisbon Metro symbol looked like and how to transfer between lines. You can tap your credit card to pay for rides (slightly higher fee) or purchase a reloadable card. If you’re debating between the two, you can’t tap to pay for the train — you’ll need to purchase a card.
To reach Cascais, take the red line from the airport for eight stops and transfer to the green line at Alameda. From Alameda, you’ll travel six stops to the end of the green line at Cais do Sodré station. Hit up the ticket machine and buy your card to transfer to the Cascais Line train.
Download a Lisbon metro map for easy reference from the official Lisbon metro website.
God knows I can’t navigate my way out of a paper bag on a typical day, so the first stop was the Nespresso stand. No lattes on the plane, and I needed a clear head to make sure I was paying attention to where I was going.
Once you arrive, it doesn’t take long to see why so many people fall for Cascais. The air feels different here, a mix of sea salt and sunshine (and sunscreen). The streets open up to views that stop you in your tracks – so pretty! With so many charming hotels tucked along the bay and in the historic center, choosing where to stay becomes part of the fun.
Why You Should Linger Longer
The magic of Cascais unfolds slowly. Spend a morning cycling the coastal path to Boca do Inferno, where waves crash dramatically against the cliffs. Linger over coffee at a sidewalk café as the town wakes up. Take a day trip to Sintra — or simply stay put, watching the sun dip below the Atlantic from a seaside promenade.
Cascais is more than a day trip from Lisbon — it’s a destination in its own right. Stylish yet unpretentious, historic yet full of life, this former royal retreat still knows how to make visitors feel like they’ve discovered something special. Give it at least a few days, and you’ll see why no one really wants to leave.
Beyond the Beach
Yes, Cascais has beaches that rival any in Europe — sun-kissed, relaxed, and just steps from the heart of town. Praia da Rainha, once the private beach of Queen Amélia, is small but perfectly framed by rocky cliffs and turquoise water. For a livelier scene, head to Praia da Conceição or the scenic stretch along Praia do Guincho, where surfers chase waves against a backdrop of rugged dunes. But the real charm lies in how effortlessly Cascais blends nature and culture.
A short walk from the waterfront leads you to the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a striking terracotta-red museum honoring one of Portugal’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Inside, Rego’s deeply personal and imaginative works give you a window into Portuguese storytelling unlike any other.
A Walk Through History
Cascais has always had a regal flair. In the late 19th century, King Luís I transformed it from a sleepy fishing village into a summer retreat for Portuguese nobility. Their elegant homes still line the Avenida Dom Carlos I, many now reborn as boutique hotels — each one telling a story of its aristocratic past.
Stay at one of these restored residences, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by history without sacrificing comfort. From sea-view terraces to breakfast in sun-filled courtyards, these hotels offer an atmosphere that makes it easy to linger.
Where Food and Leisure Meet
Cascais is also a haven for food lovers. Start with a scoop at Santini, the family-run gelateria that’s practically a local institution. Wander to Mercado da Vila, where chefs and artisans fill the market with fresh seafood, pastries, and vibrant local produce. When it’s time for dinner, indulge in grilled fish by the water or a relaxed night at Souldough Pizza, where every bite tastes like the Mediterranean in disguise.
The Perfect Home Base for Sintra and Beyond
If Sintra’s fairytale palaces are calling, consider staying in Cascais and making a day trip instead. The train or a short drive connects you easily to Sintra’s misty hills and pastel castles, but at the end of the day, you’ll be glad to return to the coast. Cascais offers what Sintra can’t — ocean views, relaxed restaurants by the beach, and evening strolls along the promenade instead of climbing steep cobblestone streets.
Using Cascais as your home base gives you the best of both worlds: proximity to Sintra’s magic without the crowds or the uphill hikes. You can explore Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point, or take the scenic train to Lisbon, all while coming “home” each night to sea breezes and sunset dinners.
Final Thoughts
After a few days in Cascais, I was ready to move; what’s the Portuguese Zillow equivalent? 🥰 Cascais is magical. I just didn’t know how magical it was until I visited.
Sure, you can see Cascais in a day. But when you give yourself time to wander the narrow streets, linger at a café, or catch a sunset over Praia da Rainha. You’ll understand why so many visitors fall in love with this seaside town and never want to leave.
So take the train — but pack an overnight bag. Cascais is worth it.
