Cascais resort, Portugal. Cascais, Portugal – Guide to attractions and holiday destinations. Traffic in the city

The city of Cascais is a popular resort town in Portugal. In summer it is quite lively and crowded, like at any resort. But in February it is very quiet here, the city freezes in anticipation of the next season and only occasionally do you meet local residents hurrying somewhere about their business.

The first mention of this place dates back to the twelfth century; there was a fishing village here that provided the city of Sintra with fresh fish. Already in 1364, the settlement acquired the status of an independent city.

Cascais owes much of its architecture to the Spaniards, who captured it in 1580. Phillip II of Spain rebuilt most of the buildings in the city in the Renaissance style.

And despite the fact that Cascais was also heavily damaged during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, its appearance still sets it apart from the general mass of Portuguese cities.

There is nothing special to see here, there are several places that are considered attractions, but more about them later.

I walked around the city, the place is quite pleasant and cozy. In the summer, it must be really nice here.

There are a lot of nice houses in which you want to live.

For many years, the city's economy depended on fishing. This is still relevant; the entire embankment is literally littered with fishing equipment.

In addition to fishing, yachting is also popular here.

The Citadel, or Fort of Our Lady of Luz as it is locally known, was built at the end of the 15th century to protect the city. But he never fulfilled his role, given that the city was captured by the Spaniards a hundred years later, and in the nineteenth century the city was captured by Napoleonic troops.

The fort is closed to the public, but on Portuguese Wikipedia I read about an art museum that opened in March 2014 on the territory of the Citadel. I don't know if it's true or not. Write if you managed to visit inside.

Quite by accident, I ended up at a car exhibition, looked at the exhibits with pleasure and took photographs of the most successful ones, in my opinion.

One of the few attractions of Cascais is the Santa Marta lighthouse. Its height is 20 meters, it shines red. In case of thick fog, the lighthouse has a fog horn. Features: three seconds of audio and seven seconds of silence for ten seconds. Currently, the beacon is actively used to support navigation

Inside the lighthouse there is a small museum dedicated to the five centuries of Portuguese lighthouses, their history and the significance of cultural heritage.

Another attraction that, thanks to its unusual appearance What catches your eye is the palace of the Counts of Castro Guimarães, also called the Tower of Saint Sebastian.

It was built in the nineteenth century by George O'Neill, whose family used the palace as a summer home. It was later sold to Count Castro of Guimarães.

Responsible for the construction were Albrecht Haupt and Luigi Manini (known to us from) This is a Renaissance-style palace located in a small bay. During high tides, the foundations of the building are covered by waves. His style combines romanticism, very fashionable for that time, with elements medieval castle with a tower classic for this style.

Today it is a municipal museum that houses a huge collection of works of art collected by the Count of Guimarães.

Cascais is also very proud of the houses in which celebrities of the past once lived. While in our country a memorial plaque is usually hung on a house, in Portugal it is renamed. True, the sign is also placed nearby.

Here, for example, is the house of Enrique Sommer (don’t ask me who he is - I don’t know)

Church of the Igreja da Assuncao (Assumption of the Virgin Mary)

House-museum of the famous Portuguese artist Maria Paula Rego Figueroa.

The museum was opened in September 2009. The museum's design won an architecture award in 2011.

Theater of Gil Vicente, the founder of the Portuguese national theater, whose work dates back to the first third of the 16th century.

Well, for a snack there are a couple more beautiful houses

I have a very favorable impression of Cascais, but this city is more suitable for a quiet resort holiday. It’s worth coming here in the summer, staying in one of these pleasant houses, and from here traveling around all the surrounding areas.

This story is one of a series of stories about my road trip in Portugal in February 2013.

All photos can be viewed in a larger size, just click on any photo and view at your convenience.

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Cascais located on the coast Atlantic Ocean, 25 km from the capital Portugal– Lisbon and very close to. It is part of the municipality of the same name and is part of the Greater Lisbon agglomeration.

Peculiarities

Cascais is small, but extremely beautiful city has a reputation for being noisy tourist center, where millions of tourists, including hundreds of thousands of young people, come every year to have fun in local nightclubs, and at the same time enjoy swimming in the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, invariably, everyone finds something to their liking. Some “saddle” the wave, others perform exciting excursion routes, someone comprehends the secrets local cuisine, while others indulge in the joys of shopping.

general information

The territory of the resort city covers an area of ​​99 square meters. km. The population is about 35,000 people. Local time lags behind Moscow by 2 hours in summer and 3 hours in winter. Time zone UTC+0, summer UTC+1. Official website of Cascais www.cm-cascais.pt.

A brief excursion into history

In the 12th century, on the site of the present popular resort with a developed infrastructure, there was a tiny fishing village, the purpose of which was reduced to the banal supply of fish to the capital Lisbon. Along the way, the settlement served as an intermediate port for ships traveling in the direction of the main city. In 1488 it was erected here fortification, which fell under the onslaught of Spanish troops 92 years later. A little later, during the time of Philip II of Spain, the fortress was rebuilt in the spirit of the Renaissance. At the beginning of the 19th century, the French invaded Portugal, and after the defeat of Napoleon, the city plunged into the abyss of timelessness until it attracted the attention of representatives of the Portuguese crown, who made Cascais their summer residence. This is how the first benefits of civilization appeared here, and in 1896, in the premises of the Qashqai fortress, King Carlos I opened the first oceanographic laboratory in Portugal. The city acquired resort status in the second half of the last century.

Climate

The region is dominated by a temperate maritime climate. In winter, as almost everywhere else in the country, the air temperature almost never drops below +10 degrees. In summer, the thermometer fluctuates between +26 and +30 degrees, although it is often higher. The high season is considered to be the period from June to September, when clear sunny weather reigns and the water in the ocean does not drop below +20 degrees. In September-October, the resort's attendance remains high, but the water is already colder.

How to get there

Closest to Cascais international Airport is located in Lisbon, and from there you can reach your destination by bus, train or car. The service is regular and public means of transport run between cities several times a day.

Transport

The most convenient and economical way to travel within the city limits, as well as to neighboring Estoril, is by bicycle. It is this type of transport in this area that enjoys the greatest respect among citizens. At the same time, there are special free rental points. In order to take a bicycle, you just need to have your passport with you. For locals, of course, an internal passport, for tourists - a foreign one. The only trouble is that during the high season there are always very few free bikes, and they usually look quite shabby. However, for 8 euros per day you can rent a good bicycle at a paid rental office. It is better to travel long distances by car or by bus, especially since there are no problems with either of them in the city.

Beaches

The resort's magnificent beaches, along with its historical and cultural attractions, are the main advantage of Cascais. Central Beach, Guinho, is considered a real Mecca for lovers of surfing and other disciplines related to riding a board on the waves. Fans of a more peaceful holiday prefer the beaches of Torre and Riberia, where you can calmly lie on the sand, letting the sun's rays solve the problem of a beautiful tan. All beaches are equipped to the highest standards and have all the necessary amenities, including changing cabins, showers, toilets, rental facilities water transport and technical equipment for classes aquatic species sports, cafes and bars. Rescue teams monitor safety.

Attractions

Among the most interesting architectural sites of Cascais are the exquisite Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes, the Igreja da Assuncao church, which managed to survive the terrible earthquake of 1755, and a unique museum-library with a collection of 25,000 books related to different times. Worth a visit also Maritime Museum, with an impressive number of rare marine species and plants. The resort also has many natural attractions. One of them, the Grutus do Poco Velho grottoes, is located in the central part of the city and dates back to the Neolithic era. At some distance from the city limits, right on the coast, there is the legendary “mouth of hell”, which is the mouth of a cave formed over millions of years, against which ocean waves crash with a roar. In the vicinity of the city there are also interesting parks and rocky hills, from which fabulous views of the ocean open.

Entertainment

A wide selection of nightclubs, bars and discos has long been an integral part of Cascais and its distinctive logo. Music and dance lovers have the opportunity to spend all night long on the dance floors, and those who have little freedom can look into neighboring Estoril, where the choice of entertainment venues is no less.

Kitchen

In addition to beach pleasures on the ocean and night dancing in discos, in Cascais it is worth paying special attention to the variety and flavor of the local cuisine, especially since it is represented here by multinational dishes and drinks that are fully consistent with the colorful and vibrant atmosphere of the resort.

Shopping

Excellent conditions for good shopping ensure that shopping lovers do not leave here with empty luggage. Valuable souvenirs, expensive jewelry, clothing, shoes and other goods are always presented in abundance in the local shops and stores.

Cascais fully lives up to its status as a popular and well-promoted resort. It has a lot of advantages and invariably gives vivid impressions of staying on its shores to millions of tourists who choose to relax in these picturesque places.

Cascais (port. Cascais;) - city and sea ​​port in Portugal, the center of the municipality of the same name within the district of Lisbon. Population - 33.3 thousand inhabitants (city), 206.5 thousand inhabitants (municipality). The city and municipality is part of the Lisbon region and the Greater Lisbon subregion. Part of the Greater Lisbon agglomeration. The old way administrative division belonged to the province of Estremadura.

Location

The city is located 25 km west of the center of Lisbon on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality is bordered by: in the north - the municipality of Sintra in the east - the municipality of Oeiras in the south - the Atlantic Ocean in the west - the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality of Cascais includes the following freguesias (districts): Alcabideche, Carcavelos, Cascais, Parede, São Domingos de Rana, Estoril. The city is connected to Lisbon by an electric train line, as well as a highway, bus lines connect Cascais with Sintra and capital airport. The Cascais Municipal Airport is located near the city.

The emergence of a fishing settlement on the site of the current city dates back to the 12th century; it is known that already a century later, Cascais, ruled from Sintra, supplied Lisbon with fish. Cascais gained independence from Sintra in 1364, which is considered the year the city was founded. Locality and its surroundings were in the possession of a local lord, the most famous of whom is considered to be João das Regraça (d. 1404). During the Middle Ages, Cascais lived mainly from fishing, as well as agriculture (olives, grapes, and grains were grown in the surrounding area); Fishing boats heading towards Lisbon also stopped here. By virtue of geographical location at the beginning of the Tagus River estuary, Cascais became an important fortification that protected the capital of the empire from the sea. A small fortress was built here around 1488, but it was unable to hold back the Spaniards, led by the Duke of Alba, who captured Cascais in 1580 in a conflict that led to the Iberian Union. Subsequently, towards the end of the 16th century, the Cascais citadel was significantly rebuilt by Philip I (Philip II of Spain), acquiring typical Renaissance features. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 destroyed a significant part of the buildings of Cascais. Around 1774, through the efforts of the Marquis de Pombal, a royal woolen manufactory was founded here, which existed until the 19th century. In 1807, during the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal, Cascais was occupied by the French; General Junot lived in Cascais for some time. Subsequently, the settlement stagnated until its quality summer residence was not chosen by the kings of Portugal, who traveled to Cascais from 1870 to 1908. The highest attention brought to the city such benefits of civilization as electricity (1878, for the first time in the country), a casino, sports grounds, improved roads to Lisbon and Sintra, railway from the capital (1889). At the same time, luxurious mansions of the nobility began to appear in Cascais. In 1896 the last...

We'll tell you what must-see attractions in the Portuguese city of Cascais. In addition, we will discuss the weather and local beaches. Read it.

One of the most famous resorts of mainland Portugal, Cascais, is located on the Atlantic coast near the most famous landmark of the country, Cape Roca, the westernmost point of Eurasia.

Development of the railway network in late XIX century made the small fishing village of Cascais an accessible holiday destination for numerous tourists, and the attention to this area of ​​the Portuguese monarchs and the transfer of the official summer residence of the royal family to Cascais turned it into a modern resort town and a fashionable holiday destination.

Since its fishing past, Cascais continues to be famous throughout Portugal for the most delicious and fresh seafood in the country. Fishing is still the main industry in Cascais, and seafood caught by local residents in the cold and choppy ocean waters immediately ends up on the tables of coastal cafes and restaurants. Therefore, in Cascais there are always a lot of tourists and Portuguese who come here not only to relax on local beaches, but also delicious food!


Cascais is located 30 km west of Lisbon and is connected to the main city of the country by rail and bus services. However, traveling around railway will take much less time than traveling by bus. In addition, the railway station is located in the very center of Cascais, and the bus station is at a considerable distance from it.

Trains to Cascais depart from the stationCais do Sodré, located in the historical center of Lisbon opposite fish market Ribeira (Mercado Da Ribeira) and just west of Comércio Square (Praça do Comércio). From other areas of Lisbon, the train station can be reached by metro. The station is located at the green line station of the same name – Cais do Sodré.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

Railway transportation in Portugal is handled by the local company CP, an analogue of our Russian Railways. Train schedules and current ticket prices can be found on the company’s website. Trains run from the capital to Cascais around the clock and depart from the station every 20 minutes. Travel time is 40 minutes, and the cost of an adult ticket is €2.20. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices. Access to the train is through turnstiles at stations; there are also controllers on board the trains.

Do you want to visit Cascais, Cape Roca and Sintra in one day? Then it is more profitable to buy single ticket for this route, which includes return train tickets between Lisbon-Cascais and Lisbon-Sintra, as well as buses from these cities to Cape Roca and back. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and is not tied to a specific departure time of trains and buses, but costs €15 per person.

Things to do

  • Tripster - craft tours from local residents.
  • Sputnik and Wheatlas - excursions from professional guides.


Sights of Cascais

Cape Roca (Cabo da Roca)

Address: Colares, Estrada do Cabo da Roca s/n
The entrance is free

Cape Roca (Cabo da Roca) is the westernmost point of Eurasia and the place for which people from all over the world come to Portugal! The road here from the Cascais bus station (directly opposite the railway station) will take about 1-1.5 hours. Along the way there are amazing views of the Natural Park Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

The Cabo da Roca observation deck is located on a high cliff, at the foot of which the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash with tremendous force. The hiking trail is separated from the edge of the cliff by only a flimsy log fence, so you need to be careful on the cliff blown by all the ocean winds!

The only entertainment on site is a walk along the cliff, taking photos with a beautiful red and white lighthouse and a memorial sign “Cabo Da Roca”. In a small center at the entrance to the observation deck there is a modest souvenir shop, cafe and restrooms. Here, for €5.60, you can also purchase an “official” paper confirming that you have visited the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent.

Grotto "Devil's Mouth" (Boca do Inferno)

Address: Cascais, Av. Rei Humberto II de Italia 642
The entrance is free

The Devil's Mouth Grotto, or the Gates of Hell, is located along the rocky coast of Cascais, 3 km west of the main city beach. The grotto was formed at the foot of a large cliff and got its name because of the chilling noise and roar with which the Atlantic waves crash against the cliff. At its top is equipped Observation deck, and daredevils can go down rocky shore straight to the ocean and see with your own eyes that same “Devil’s Mouth”.

Guimarães Castle Museum

Address: Cascais, Av. Rei Humberto II de Italia, Parque Marechal Camona
The entrance is free

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Irish tobacco millionaire Castro Guimarães built himself a castle in a pseudo-Gothic style right on the coast of Cascais, surrounded by lush gardens and parks. After the death of the count, a museum was organized in the castle, which was transferred to the ownership of the city. The basis of the exhibition is a collection of paintings and antiques from the collection of the Count of Guimarães himself.

Next to the museum is Parque Marechal Carmona, where you can relax on the shore of a pond with ducks, visit a small zoo or watch peacocks strolling along the park paths.

Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum

Address: Cascais, R. Júlio Pereira de Mello
The entrance is free
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, daily (except Monday)

A tour of the exhibition of this very small but interesting museum will take no more than half an hour. Inside, various options for local fishing boats are collected and you can trace the history of the development of fishing in Cascais.


Lighthouse and Castle of St. Mary (Casa de Santa Maria Museum)

Address: Cascais, R. de Sta. Marta, R. do Farol
The entrance is free
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, daily (except Monday)

In the western part of the main city beach of Cascais there is a beautiful 20-meter blue and white lighthouse with small museum inside, and opposite it is one of the oldest castles in the city - Casa de Santa Maria.

The castle was built in the 19th century by another Irish-born tobacco industrialist, George O'Neill. Its interior decoration combined several architectural and decorative styles common in Portugal at that time: from classical local Azulejos to Arab and Moorish architectural traditions. The castle has preserved its historical interiors and is open to the public.


Casino Estoril

Address: Estoril, Av. Dr. Stlanley Ho
Entrance: free, 18+
Opening hours: 15:00-03:00, daily (except Sunday)

The two resort towns of Cascais and Estoril are connected by a long promenade along the Atlantic coast. Walking through it, you don’t immediately understand when you get from one city to another.

One of the main attractions on the coast of Cascais-Estoril, of course, after watching natural beauties, ocean landscapes and city attractions - Estoril casino. It is worth noting that it is considered the largest casino in Europe. In addition, it was Casino Estoril that inspired his regular English writer Ian Fleming to create the first book about James Bond - Casino Royale.

Every day there are live music concerts, a first-class restaurant and bohemian audiences from all over Europe gather to try their luck at the gaming tables. There is a strict dress code at the entrance to the casino – smart casual. Those. closed clothing and shoes, no shorts or sportswear. Also, to participate in gaming games, you may be asked to present a passport.


Beaches of Cascais

Praia da Ribeira

The main city beach of Cascais is more suitable for leisurely walks and lunch or dinner on the terrace of one of the coastal restaurants. Here you can also study the life of Portuguese fishermen, who have long and firmly occupied the beach and stored all their simple fishing belongings at its western end. Hence the name of the beach – Praia da Ribeira, literally “fish beach”. True, there are plenty of people here who want to swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean! However, for a good rest it is better to go to the neighboring beaches.

Praia da Rainha

The compact and pleasant beach is located in a bay between two low cliffs protruding into the sea and the Cascais-Estoril promenade. This is one of the most popular and, accordingly, busiest beaches in the city. Once upon a time, the bay of Praia da Rainha was considered private beach the last Portuguese queen - Dona Amelia. Hence the name – “Royal Beach”. Now the beach is open to everyone.

Praia da Conceição and Praia de Duquesa

The largest beaches on the Cascais-Estoril coastline are located right on the border of the two cities. In their vicinity the maximum number of cafes, shops and restaurants is concentrated, and beach area always busy with vacationers. In addition, the Portuguese themselves from the capital and neighboring cities like to come here on weekends.

Pure golden sand, calm Atlantic waters and developed infrastructure make the beaches of Praia da Conceição and Praia de Duquesa ideal places For family vacation and holidays with children.

Praia do Tamariz

Another large beach is located in the center of neighboring Estoril, directly opposite the famous Casino Estoril, and is no less popular with both tourists and local residents. The surrounding area of ​​the beach is home to numerous cafes, restaurants and nightclubs, so it is always crowded and fun.

Pure golden sand, almost complete absence of waves and good infrastructure Praia do Tamariz will provide a comfortable and calm beach holiday. In addition, over eastern part The beach is dominated by the well-preserved medieval fortress of Forte da Cruz.

Praia Grande do Guincho

The Atlantic coast of Portugal attracts not only vacationers who prefer a comfortable and leisurely beach holiday with a rich cultural program, but also thrill-seekers. High ocean waves and strong winds make Portuguese beaches ideal for surfing and kite surfing.

The Praia Grande do Guincho beach, located 8 km north of Cascais on the coastline, is specially equipped for surfers. National Park Serra de Sintra. The park itself is a forest untouched by man, unsuitable for tourist excursions. The only route to the beach runs from the bus terminal in the center of Cascais. Therefore, Praia Grande do Guincho beach is not only perfect place for riding waves and first-class surf schools, but also a secluded place for lovers of untouched European nature.

Weather in Cascais, Portugal

The high season in Cascais lasts from to. At this time, the air temperature during the day does not drop below +26°C. True, the water temperature does not rise above +20°C.

In winter (December-February), the average daily temperature on the coast drops to +15°C, and cold, piercing and knocking winds and rains also come from the ocean. However, the Portuguese winter is the ideal time to explore the local attractions. This is because during the low season, many local hotels, restaurants and cafes offer decent discounts to their customers!

The charming fishing town of Cascais is located on the western side of Lisbon's stunning coastline. It is a historic and prosperous city with stately buildings, carefully maintained parks and many interesting free museums.

Above the city, from which it is a stone's throw to luxurious sandy beaches, there is a lively atmosphere that encourages communication. Cascais is a fantastic holiday destination and makes for a fun day trip from Lisbon. This guide will introduce you to the wonderful resort town Cascais, which is located in central Portugal.

"Highlights" Cascais, Portugal

The wild beaches of Guincho, north of Cascais, with frequent strong winds, are ideal for surfers.

Attractive historical Center Cascais, replete with private family restaurants, cafe under open air and stylish bars, perfect place to relax on a hot summer day or chat with friends late in the evening.


Walk along the promenade connecting Cascais and Estoril..


A pleasant walk through a picturesque area

The Castro Guimarães Museum and its impressive 19th-century architecture.


Why Cascais?

It is unlikely that you will be able to find a more suitable and the best place for a holiday than in Cascais. Here you will find first-class hotels, Portuguese hospitality and unique attractions. The beaches of Cascais are truly fantastic and varied; Guincho Beach is an unrivaled beach for surfers, while the more intimate Carcavelos Beach is ideal for families.

Those not keen on spending time on the beach can visit bustling Lisbon, picturesque Sintra, which are just a short drive from Cascais, or take an adventurous walk through the Serra de Sintra National Park. To get an idea of ​​what there is to see and do in Cascais, please visit check this out a guidebook in which you will find a detailed recommended program for a week's stay in Cascais.


Day trip to Cascais from Lisbon

An excursion to Cascais from Lisbon is one of the most interesting and popular, as you will get to know the variety of historical monuments, majestic buildings and interesting museums. In the heart of Cascais lies the beautiful " Old city", preserving the traditional Portuguese spirit and historical heritage, which overlooks the fishing harbour. Away from the town and beaches, scenic coastal paths lead along the cliffs to Cabo Roca or Estoril. The beautiful city of Cascais has a lot to offer; to get an idea of ​​its main attractions, please.


Casino Estoril near Cascais

There are regular train connections between Lisbon and Cascais, making the city easily accessible for anyone wishing to visit. A huge selection of excellent restaurants and bars on the beach can satisfy the needs of the most sophisticated visitors. An excursion to Cascais is one of the most popular among tourists who come to relax in Lisbon for more than 4 days. We recommend the following order day trips from Lisbon: Sintra (2 days), Cascais, Obidos, Sesimbra (Serra da Arrábida) and Mafra.

Holidays in Cascais in summer 2019

Portugal is currently undergoing a process of unprecedented renewal; New enterprises are opening, hotels are being refurbished and modernized. All this instills a sense of confidence and optimism about the future of the Lisbon region. After a real tourism boom in the summer of 2018, Cascais is counting on an even greater influx of tourists next season.

This means booking your flights and hotel rooms well in advance if you want a cheaper trip. Fortunately, many hotels that can be booked through major websites do not require a deposit to book a room, saving you from paying a cancellation fee. reserved room in case your plans change. If you really intend to visit Cascais, we recommend that you book your hotel now, as the best ones sell out very quickly.

The map below shows the location of hotels and room rentals in Cascais; when you change the date of your vacation, current prices appear on the map


Why is Cascais called the city of kings and fishermen?

Unlike many other Mediterranean resorts, which appeared like mushrooms after the rain due to rapid development mass tourism, Cascais has become popular place recreation back in the early 19th century. Originally a small fishing port, the city's fortunes changed radically when King Fernando II (1816-1885) declared Cascais his summer residence.


The move of the Portuguese nobility from Lisbon to Cascais for the summer period led to the fact that representatives of the high society of 19th century Europe also began to flock to Cascais for vacation. This influx of money, politicians and nobles financed the construction of grand residences, luxurious entertainment venues and beautiful parks.

Cascais received the nickname "City of Kings and Fishermen" due to the two diametrically opposed segments of the population that lived in it. The trend, which began in the 19th century, continues to this day. Many of Lisbon's rich and famous residents live in close proximity to Cascais, giving the region an air of prosperity and sophistication.


Are there any great beaches in Cascais?

Cascais is surrounded by two completely opposite in structure coastlines: extend to the north wild beaches, blown by the wind, ideal for surfers, while cozy beaches, as if specially created for family holidays, stretch far to the east. Guincho Beach, located in the picturesque Serra de Sintra National Park, is rightfully considered one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal.


Beaches of Cascais

The coast east of Cascais is full of stunning beaches, including Carcavelos Beach and Sao Pedro Beach. These beaches are especially popular among the residents of Lisbon, who fill them during hot days. summer months. Getting to the coast from Cascais is very easy and convenient thanks to the regional railway connecting Lisbon and Cascais.

From Lisbon (and airport) to Cascais

There are regular and inexpensive train services between Lisbon and Cascais. The train departs from railway station Cais do Sodré (metro green line); The duration of the trip is 30-40 minutes. The cost of a round trip ticket is 4.30 euros. Full information Train information on the Lisbon-Cascais route can be found here. You can get from Lisbon Airport to Cascais by metro and train. It will take you approximately 1.5 hours. To find out how to get to Cascais from Lisbon airport, click.


When is the best time to visit Cascais?

Cascais and the Lisbon region will delight you with long and hot summers, pleasant and comfortable autumn-spring periods and mild but possibly wet winters. The weather in central Portugal allows you to spend time on the beach from mid-May to the end of September. The water temperature off the coast of Cascais even at summer time barely reaches 18C.


Average weather in Cascais, Portugal

In the first two weeks of June, holidays are held in Portugal in honor of the most revered saints. On the festively decorated streets of Cascais and Lisbon you can see crowds of people having fun and dancing traditional dances, and the aroma of grilling and barbecue is in the air. The best time to visit Cascais is in the spring or early summer, when the weather is comfortably warm and there are not many tourists. Cascais is a major center of tourism, so hotels, cafes and restaurants are open all year round, even in winter, when the weather can be quite nasty with an equal number of sunny and cloudy, rainy days.

Portugal relatively inexpensive country. Prices for food, accommodation and transport here are much lower than in most of the most popular tourist places, and especially compared to Greece or the Balearic Islands.