Cascais is a famous & chic vacation spot in Portugal by the Atlantic Ocean, quite close to Lisbon (about 25 km; 30 minutes by train, 15-20 minutes by car).
Center of Cascais in summertime
Cascais is a pleasant mix of history, tourism and local life. Once a small fishing village, nowadays packed with elegant boutiques, luxury hotels and restaurants. But still many small colourful fishing boats are bobbing up and down in the water in front of the village’s sea front. Fresh fish every day! 🙂
Fishing boats in the bay of Cascais, Portugal: Praia dos Pescadores
Cascais is situated on the north side of the mouth of the River Tejo which flows through the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Cascais’ popularity dates from 1870, when King Luís I decided to convert the 17th century Citadela here into his summer residence.
Cascais, very popular place for tourists: Rua Direita , 2016 ( nowadays this street is called Rua Frederico Arouca)
Portuguese pavement workers are real artists! What a lovely design, you feel like you’re walking on waves like Jesus did 😉 😉
Terrace restaurant, cafe & bar ‘O Poéta’ Cascais
Restaurants Cascais center & aggressive waiters
On this square aggressive waiters try to entice you to eat in their restaurant.
Football lovers : huge screens are strategically placed outside and inside the restaurants.
Vegetarian restaurant House of Wonders in Cascais: great, quiet location 🙂
Vega Restaurant House of Wonders Cascais: Sofia, Pasang, Sandeep & Bipek, November 2019
My favorite vegan restaurant and roofterrace in Cascais is House of Wonders, delicious vegetarian food
Lovely new terrace Vega Restaurant & cafe House of Wonders Cascais
July 2019
Facebook House of Wonders Cascais
December 2019
Restaurant Maritimo, Cascais & Ben Weijers, owner of holiday paradise Quinta do Corvo in Colares (near Sintra)
In case you prefer fresh fish or meat, go to nearby restaurant Maritimo
Set under 2 centuries-old trees there’s tiny restaurant Maritimo ‘s terrace where you can enjoy fresh fish and salads. Instagram
Restaurant Maritimo Cascais & delicious prawns with garlic: 15 euro.
The big square next to the restaurant is an ideal place to let the kids play. Portuguese family restaurant Maritimo (closed on Sunday).
Largo Cidade de Vitória 37, Cascais
Cascais in September
There’s free bike-rental for tourists, and the nearby (5 km, easily accessible by bus or by train) popular Guincho beach is one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing beaches in Europe.
YouTube movie Graham goes Guincho
Cascais: Museum Conde Castro Guimarães
This Municipal Museum is near by the sea and it keeps a very original architecture because its aim is to promote art. The palace is from 19th century and it was property of Manuel Castro Guimarães (a Portuguese Count from Cascais). MORE
How to get there from Lisbon?
Lisbon, train to Cascais
Cascais is easy to reach from Lisbon by train: ‘Linha de Cascais’ (name of the train line joining Lisbon to Cascais) from Cais do Sodré, Lisbon’s major bus, metro, ferry and trainstation.
Return ticket: cheap.
Cascais & wonderful pavement, November 2019
Great beaches, and a promenade that connects Cascais to Lisbon providing one of the most spectacular costal walks available.
More: Visit Cascais
With chequered tablecloths, big windows and walls hung with fishing nets, this sunny restaurant is known for its superb chargrilled fish – shrimp piri-piri is delicious.