Portugals Cascais region is gaining a reputation as one of countrys best areas to visit. It is a place of wild coastlines, natural beauty, history, and Portugals famous cuisine and hospitality. And here are eight reasons why Cascais is becoming Portugals best region to visit:
1. Its easy to get to
Hugging mainland Europes most westerly point, Cascais is a region of wild nature and stunning scenery, yet is only 25km from Portugals capital and busiest airport at Lisbon. Whether you want to visit the beach, rustic villages, or countryside, its easy to get to the many attractions of the Cascais region. Its easy to visit as a day-trip, or for a holiday in itself.
2. Amazing sea and beaches
Cascais spans two stretches of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean from Carcavelos to Guincho Beach, and further north. All along this coast, which takes in Europes most westerly point at Cabo da Roca, youll find amazing beaches where its easy to relax or try out some windsurfing or sailing. In the town of Cascais a lovely promenade borders the beach, where a stroll and evening meal is a perfect way to wind down.
3. Sintra-Cascais National Park
Occupying much of the Cascais region is Sintra-Cascais National Park which has been a World Travel Awards winner for a number of years. The park manages to preserve historic monuments and villages in a wonderful rural setting, with the towns of Cascais and Sintra, and the spectacular Sierra de Sintra mountain range. Its perfect for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
4. A year-round destination
As Portuguese Nobel Prize in Literature 1998 winner José Saramago said, “the journey never ends”, and it is never more true in Cascais where the climate and attractions mean you can visit any time of year and enjoy what is on offer; from culture, to sport, history and cuisine.
5. A great place for sports
The coastline at Cascais is full of opportunities to enjoy surfing, kayaking, sailing or walking. Inland there are seven golf courses rated as among the best in Europe, each with a unique setting and professional facilities.
6. Tasty cuisine
Influenced by the Sea Food lovers will delight at the fresh seafood and cuisine on offer in the Cascais region. The Atlantic Ocean plays a big influence on the delicious traditional food served in cafes and restaurants throughout the area.
7. The beautiful town of Sintra
Few towns in Portugal offer such beauty and exuberance in its historic buildings as in Sintra, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is in the east of the national park with a hilltop setting of palaces, villas and other buildings, along with great places to eat and stay. An easy day-trip from Lisbon or the coast.
8. A luxury place to stay
Cascais is a region for lovers of the outdoors, but it is also a place of luxury. Hotels such as the Grand Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa, formerly the residence of King Umberto II of Italy, or The Oitavos Hotels offer 5 star accommodation within the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais National Park and in close proximity to the Atlantic coast.
Want to learn more about Cascais? Watch the video below and see why it’s being hailed ‘the charm of the Atlantic coast’…
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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15 Comments
Hey, great article! As a self-confessed sun worshipper I could really see myself cycling down that lovely coastal path – the sea looks crystal clear in the photos and good windsurfing too! I’ve never been to Portugal and Cascais would be really convenient from Lisbon, a city I’ve always wanted to visit. There seems to be something for everyone…hmm, very tempting!
Just discovered that there’s an art gallery dedicated to the work of Paula Rego. Seriously tempted now!
As a lover of really fresh seafood accompanied by fine local wines, Cascais sounds like a place I should visit! I would like to know more about walking opportunities in the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Are walking maps available locally and are hiking trails waymarked?
Hi Oliver,
I just did a quick web search as I’m also interested in hiking, and found several free downloadable hiking maps of the area. One site said that most routes are waymarked and have information panels too. The walking around Duna da Cresmina, a nature interpretation centre on the coast, looks especially fabulous.Hope this helps!
Hello Oliver,
I am the lover of beautiful and sandy beaches.Portugal has beautiful coastline and beaches.If I get the opportunity to visit Portugal I will definitely travel to explore the natural beauty around there.
I have been looking for somewhere new to go hiking. Sintra-Cascais National Park looks like somewhere I should explore…what is it like for hiking and does it allow overnight camping?
I’d not considered hiking in Portugal before reading this blog! Thanks Deborah for the online map info :D
Yes, good point Patrick. Do they allow wild camping in the National Park or are hikers restricted to official campsites? I guess this part of Portugal has ‘dark skies’ for quality stargazing? Hope to see you on the trail!
Hi Hitesh,
I quite agree – I love that wonderful blog photo of the wild sea beaches and the rugged cliffs! I cannot think of a better location for a walking holiday!
Great article! This has really piqued my interest. I have only been to a few parts of Portugal before, like the amazing Algarve, so I think it’s time to start exploring further afield.
Lovely article! I am a beach goer and love spending time with family and friends in great outdoors.
I will consider a visit of Cascais when in Portugal
Years ago, in 1976, I went there with a friend. It was a poor village and not well traveled, but the foods were amazing as was the beach and the views. The family that rented us a small cabin were wonderful! I always wanted to come back but the rest of the world was calling. Perhaps someday I will come and paint the city a painting of the most amazing sunset.
The couple we stayed with lived on the north-west area on Rua da Areia.
Caiscas is a fantastic place to visit. We stayed in Lisbon for a holiday and used the train to spend a day in Caiscas. It is a perfect day trip if staying in Lisbon and vice versa. The trains are clean, comfortable and regular and it is less than half an hour to be in the centre of either location. The beaches are a perfect tonic after a busy city break
Very perfect article,, thanks for sharing it with us.
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2. Amazing sea and beaches
Cascais spans two stretches of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean from Carcavelos to Guincho Beach, and further north. All along this coast, which takes in Europes most westerly point at Cabo da Roca, youll find amazing beaches where its easy to relax or try out some windsurfing or sailing. In the town of Cascais a lovely promenade borders the beach, where a stroll and evening meal is a perfect way to wind down.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cascais Tourism.
2. Amazing sea and beaches
Cascais spans two stretches of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean from Carcavelos to Guincho Beach, and further north. All along this coast, which takes in Europes most westerly point at Cabo da Roca, youll find amazing beaches where its easy to relax or try out some windsurfing or sailing. In the town of Cascais a lovely promenade borders the beach, where a stroll and evening meal is a perfect way to wind down.
3. Sintra-Cascais National Park
Occupying much of the Cascais region is Sintra-Cascais National Park which has been a World Travel Awards winner for a number of years. The park manages to preserve historic monuments and villages in a wonderful rural setting, with the towns of Cascais and Sintra, and the spectacular Sierra de Sintra mountain range. Its perfect for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
4. A year-round destination
As Portuguese Nobel Prize in Literature 1998 winner José Saramago said, “the journey never ends”, and it is never more true in Cascais where the climate and attractions mean you can visit any time of year and enjoy what is on offer; from culture, to sport, history and cuisine.
5. A great place for sports
The coastline at Cascais is full of opportunities to enjoy surfing, kayaking, sailing or walking. Inland there are seven golf courses rated as among the best in Europe, each with a unique setting and professional facilities.
6. Tasty cuisine
Influenced by the Sea Food lovers will delight at the fresh seafood and cuisine on offer in the Cascais region. The Atlantic Ocean plays a big influence on the delicious traditional food served in cafes and restaurants throughout the area.
7. The beautiful town of Sintra
Few towns in Portugal offer such beauty and exuberance in its historic buildings as in Sintra, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is in the east of the national park with a hilltop setting of palaces, villas and other buildings, along with great places to eat and stay. An easy day-trip from Lisbon or the coast.
8. A luxury place to stay
Cascais is a region for lovers of the outdoors, but it is also a place of luxury. Hotels such as the Grand Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa, formerly the residence of King Umberto II of Italy, or The Oitavos Hotels offer 5 star accommodation within the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais National Park and in close proximity to the Atlantic coast.
Want to learn more about Cascais? Watch the video below and see why it’s being hailed ‘the charm of the Atlantic coast’…
Hey, great article! As a self-confessed sun worshipper I could really see myself cycling down that lovely coastal path – the sea looks crystal clear in the photos and good windsurfing too! I’ve never been to Portugal and Cascais would be really convenient from Lisbon, a city I’ve always wanted to visit. There seems to be something for everyone…hmm, very tempting!
Just discovered that there’s an art gallery dedicated to the work of Paula Rego. Seriously tempted now!
As a lover of really fresh seafood accompanied by fine local wines, Cascais sounds like a place I should visit! I would like to know more about walking opportunities in the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Are walking maps available locally and are hiking trails waymarked?
Hi Oliver,
I just did a quick web search as I’m also interested in hiking, and found several free downloadable hiking maps of the area. One site said that most routes are waymarked and have information panels too. The walking around Duna da Cresmina, a nature interpretation centre on the coast, looks especially fabulous.Hope this helps!
Hello Oliver,
I am the lover of beautiful and sandy beaches.Portugal has beautiful coastline and beaches.If I get the opportunity to visit Portugal I will definitely travel to explore the natural beauty around there.
I have been looking for somewhere new to go hiking. Sintra-Cascais National Park looks like somewhere I should explore…what is it like for hiking and does it allow overnight camping?
I’d not considered hiking in Portugal before reading this blog! Thanks Deborah for the online map info :D
Yes, good point Patrick. Do they allow wild camping in the National Park or are hikers restricted to official campsites? I guess this part of Portugal has ‘dark skies’ for quality stargazing? Hope to see you on the trail!
Hi Hitesh,
I quite agree – I love that wonderful blog photo of the wild sea beaches and the rugged cliffs! I cannot think of a better location for a walking holiday!
Great article! This has really piqued my interest. I have only been to a few parts of Portugal before, like the amazing Algarve, so I think it’s time to start exploring further afield.
Lovely article! I am a beach goer and love spending time with family and friends in great outdoors.
I will consider a visit of Cascais when in Portugal
Years ago, in 1976, I went there with a friend. It was a poor village and not well traveled, but the foods were amazing as was the beach and the views. The family that rented us a small cabin were wonderful! I always wanted to come back but the rest of the world was calling. Perhaps someday I will come and paint the city a painting of the most amazing sunset.
The couple we stayed with lived on the north-west area on Rua da Areia.
Caiscas is a fantastic place to visit. We stayed in Lisbon for a holiday and used the train to spend a day in Caiscas. It is a perfect day trip if staying in Lisbon and vice versa. The trains are clean, comfortable and regular and it is less than half an hour to be in the centre of either location. The beaches are a perfect tonic after a busy city break
Very perfect article,, thanks for sharing it with us.