Cascais: Where Atlantic Breezes Meet Timeless Portuguese Charm

Our favorite way to experience Cascais is simply exploring the historical center: discovering intimate seafood restaurants tucked between boutiques, watching the day unfold from seaside cafés with gelato in hand, and letting the town’s easy-going pace guide our steps.

The coastline around Cascais tells different stories at every turn. Praia da Poça buzzes with local life, while tiny Praia da Rainha feels like a hidden jewel tucked between the rocks. Then there’s Praia do Guincho, where Atlantic winds meet towering mountains in a display of raw natural beauty.

The local charm is infectious—from exploring the scenic Parque Marechal Carmona to watching boats bobbing in Cascais Marina, with the dramatic sea arch of Boca do Inferno providing a stunning natural backdrop.

Beyond the town itself, Cascais serves as the perfect base for day trips to Portugal's treasures like Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces, elegant Estoril, historic Évora, and medieval Óbidos.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal escape or an authentic Portuguese experience with easy access to both beach and culture, Cascais delivers that perfect balance where every evening ends with the sound of waves and the promise of tomorrow’s adventures.

Mercado da Vila: This vibrant local market (open Wednesdays and Saturdays) pulses with authentic Portuguese energy, offering everything from sun-ripened produce and fresh-baked pastries to an impressive array of locally caught fish that practically gleams in the display cases. Beyond shopping for ingredients, it’s a foodie paradise with quick-bite stalls serving everything you need for an impromptu picnic or casual meal.

Hifen: Perched right on the coastline with sweeping ocean views, this two-level hotspot perfectly captures Cascais’ laid-back sophistication. The downstairs bar buzzes with casual energy, where craft cocktails flow freely, while the upstairs dining room elevates the experience with modern Portuguese cuisine crafted from impeccable local ingredients—all with that stunning bay backdrop that makes every sunset drink feel cinematic.

Bodega Brava: This tiny Spanish-themed corner gem brings authentic tapas culture to Cascais with infectious energy and seriously impressive small plates. The chouriço picante com mel (spicy sausage drizzled with honey) and gambas com lima (lime-kissed prawns) are absolute must-tries, while their carefully curated cheese and jamón selection will have you lingering over wine long into the evening.

Jardim dos Frangos: No Portuguese coastal experience is complete without watching succulent peri peri chicken slowly rotating over glowing coals through the front window of this beloved local institution. The juicy, perfectly spiced birds paired with crispy chips draw both neighbors and visitors who know that sometimes the best meals come from the most unassuming places.

Santini: Since 1949, this Italian-founded gelateria has been creating what locals proudly claim as “the best ice cream in the world”—and after tasting their rich chocolate-hazelnut or vibrant fruit flavors made from natural ingredients, you might just agree. The weekend queues are legendary, but the quick service and exceptional quality make every creamy spoonful worth the wait.

Restaurante Marisco Na Praca: This seafood temple showcases the Atlantic’s daily bounty in a spectacular display case where you can handpick your meal from glistening catches, including those tiny slipper lobsters that are a Cascais specialty. Don’t leave without trying their famous prego—it’s the kind of simple perfection that defines Portuguese coastal dining.