Beautiful, glamorous and serene, this town with the sea on its doorstep and the mountains outside its window has a lot to discover and offer. That’s why we’ve created a list of things to do in Cascais, with must-see places.
Cascais is a charming Portuguese town, located on the north coast of Lisbon, very close to Estoril , and bathed by the Atlantic.
Cascais’ origins date back to the 14th century, when it became an independent entity in 1514, after receiving its own charter. From then until now, Cascais has grown and established itself as one of Lisbon’s main suburbs and a popular tourist destination.
Book now for a trip alone, as a couple or with the whole family.
Table Of Contents
- Cycle path to Guincho
- Casa de Santa Maria and Santa Maria Lighthouse
- Library Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimarães
- Fort of São Jorge de Oitavos
- Paula Rego House of Stories
- King Carlos Museum of the Sea
- Cascais Cultural Center
- Cascais Citadel
- Town Museum
- Portuguese Music Museum Casa Verdades de Faria
- Mother Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Marechal Carmona Park
- Quinta do Pisão
- Estoril/Cascais seafront promenade
- Cresmina Dune Interpretation Center
- Beaches
Cycle path to Guincho
If you like walking or cycling as much as we do, or simply love admiring the ocean that our waterfront offers, perhaps this trip along the cycle path that takes you from Cascais to Guincho could be the plan you’re looking for.
Between the sea and the mountains, the dunes and the beaches, Estrada do Guincho is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful in the country, with around nine kilometers that are good not only for your health but also for your soul.
Casa de Santa Maria and Santa Maria Lighthouse
One of Cascais’ picture postcards, this house designed by architect Raul Lino was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Jorge O’Neil, a descendant of the Royal Sovereign House of Ireland.
Inside, the beautiful tiles and wooden ceilings stand out .
Next door is the Santa Maria Lighthouse, which now houses a museum dedicated to the former lighthouse keepers.
Library Museum of the Counts of Castro Guimarães
Also built by Jorge O’Neil in 1900, this incredible revival-style building houses a valuable art collection and a library with rare specimens, including a manuscript from 1505.
Fort of São Jorge de Oitavos
A military building built in the 17th century to defend the coast, it now houses a museum about this fortification on the seafront.
Paula Rego House of Stories
Since 2009, this building designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Mora has been showcasing the life and work of painter Paula Rego.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, it usually hosts various temporary exhibitions and activities promoted by the educational service.
King Carlos Museum of the Sea
Inaugurated in 1992, this is one of the places in Cascais that evokes the town’s connection to the sea, through collections of natural history, ethnology, underwater archaeology and models of old boats, among other pieces.
Cascais Cultural Center
One of the most important cultural venues in the municipality, it is located in the former Convent of Nossa Senhora da Piedade.
Cascais Citadel
An imposing 16th century fortification built by the sea, it now houses a luxury hotel (Pestana Cidadela Cascais), an Art District and the Museum of the Presidency.
Town Museum
Located right in the heart of Cascais, it shows the history of the town, from the Neolithic period to the present day.
Portuguese Music Museum Casa Verdades de Faria
Another beautiful place in Cascais designed by the architect Raul Lino. As well as countless musical and ethnographic objects, it houses the collections of two key figures in Portuguese music, Michel Giacometi and Fernando Lopes-Graça.
Mother Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the churches most cherished by the people of Cascal. Inside, there are beautiful tile panels, a gilded altar and paintings by the artist Josefa D`Óbidos.
It was here that the daughter of King Humberto II of Italy was married .
Marechal Carmona Park
Located in the center of town, this is one of the places in Cascais with a pleasant green park, with large lawns, leafy trees, a picnic area and a path along the Ribeira dos Mochos.
It also has a children’s library, a playground and a mini zoo.
Quinta do Pisão
Located at the foot of the Sintra mountains, this is one of the best-kept places in Cascais.
It has more than 380 hectares of pure nature and even a cave where remains from the Chalcolithic period and the Bronze Age have been found.
It organizes woolly donkey rides , birdwatching, hikes and guided visits to beehives. Admission is free.
Estoril/Cascais seafront promenade
There are more than three kilometers of seafront between São Pedro do Estoril and Cascais, inviting you to take relaxed strolls by the sea. Along the way, there’s plenty of exercise equipment.
Cresmina Dune Interpretation Center
The dunes of Guincho and Cresmina, located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, serve as the backdrop for this environmental space that invites you to get to know the fauna and flora of the area by taking a stroll along the walkways that lead to Guincho Beach.
Beaches
Cascais’ 12 official beaches include Guincho, the most beautiful and natural; Tamariz (Estoril), the most cosmopolitan, and Carcavelos, the most popular.
