Best of Cascais

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Cascais
Cascais offers a unique blend of attractions and landscapes not far from the capital city, Lisbon. Its location on the Lisbon Coast of the affluent Portuguese Riviera, plus its mild year-round climate, makes it an ideal getaway for travelers interested in golf, the sun, and watersports.

On your first visit to Cascais, you can explore the Centro Historico, a charming historic district with cobbled streets, shops, and restaurants. Beach lovers can head to Guincho Beach, a favorite spot for surfers, or Praia do Tamariz, a lively beach with calm waters and plenty of amenities. Marechal Carmona Park is a perfect place to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic. For those who want to learn a new skill, consider taking a surf lesson or a cooking class. Dolphin watching is also a popular activity in the area.
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Wildflowers along the trail to Cabo da Roca, Portugal
Map of Portugal: Sintra Heritage & Coastal Trails Hike - 7 Days
Portugal: Sintra Heritage & Coastal Trails Hike - 7 Days

Discover Portugal's beauty with this active weeklong trip, where you'll hike coastal trails and learn about the fascinating and mysterious region around Sintra. Your route starts in coastal Cascais and follows the blue coast through wide golden bays and breathtaking cliffs. Traverse Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, and experience great hiking within the Sintra Forest and its verdant hilltops.

Lisbon, Portugal
Map of Best of Lisbon & Porto: Lisbon, Porto, Cascais & Sintra - 8 Days
Best of Lisbon & Porto: Lisbon, Porto, Cascais & Sintra - 8 Days

You don't have to travel far to see, taste, and experience the best of Portugal. Start your adventure in Lisbon to explore the city's art, cuisine, and hills. From Lisbon, you'll head to Porto to taste its famous wines and then have your choice of where to explore along the coast, followed by a night each in Cascais and Sintra before you make your way back to Lisbon.

Madeira's colorful coastline
Map of Discover Mainland Portugal & Madeira - 13 Days
Discover Mainland Portugal & Madeira - 13 Days

Portugal was once considered the "end of the world" and still feels like the earth's edge with its wild landscapes and expansive ocean views. It also reflects life beyond its borders with its mix of histories, cultures, and cuisines. Explore the mainland and island of Madeira, beginning with a tour of historic Lisbon. Sip port wine by the Douro River in Porto, then fly to Madeira to experience its pristine scenery, and finally return to the mainland and the seaside resort of Cascais for some relaxing beach time.

A rainbow over Porto
Map of Portugal's History, Beaches & Gastronomy: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & Cascais - 13 Days
Portugal's History, Beaches & Gastronomy: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & Cascais - 13 Days

Food-loving and curious travelers will love this 13-day itinerary, which goes from Lisbon to Coimbra to Porto and various places in between. See the best of Lisbon on a tuk-tuk tour, wander the medieval streets of Coimbra, and experience Porto's spectacular food and wine firsthand with a cooking class and port tasting. Explore Cascais, the seaside town where Portuguese royalty once summered, and dive into some of the best waves in the world!

Porto, Portugal
Map of Discover Lisbon and Porto - 7 Days
Discover Lisbon and Porto - 7 Days

Explore Portugal's two major cities of Lisbon and Portugal, with guided walking tours leading you through historic streets filled with cathedrals, monasteries, and lively squares. Enjoy local food with stops at market halls and historic cafes, plus a live Fado performance to experience some of the country's traditional music. Take day trips to the countryside to find sites such as the Pena Palace in Sintra, the Douro Valley for wine tastings and a river cruise, and relaxing beach vibes of the Portuguese Riviera.

Sandstone formations at Camilo Beach (two beaches connected through a tunnel)
Map of Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & Lagos - 7 Days
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & Lagos - 7 Days

This is the ultimate weeklong introduction to Portugal's southern half. The trip starts in the vibrant capital of Lisbon, where you'll tour the city—and nearby villages—with a local. From here, drive into the Alentejo region for a night in ancient Évora's inner-walled town. Finish the adventure with a train ride to coastal Lagos for fabulous beaches and stunning views in and around the Algarve.

Praia da Rainha beach in Cascais
Map of Portugal Scenic Coastal Hike: Cascais, Azóia, Colares & Sintra - 8 Days
Portugal Scenic Coastal Hike: Cascais, Azóia, Colares & Sintra - 8 Days

Discover Portugal's wild side on this eight-day coastal hiking trip. The adventure will begin with a food tour of Lisbon and a rest day in the gorgeous beach town of Cascais. Spend the next four days trekking around the expansive Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, passing through forests, dunes, coastal towns, and hilltop sanctuaries. End with some downtime in Sintra, a charming village known for its impressive palaces and castles.

Sunset colors on Madeira
Map of Mainland Portugal & Madeira - 15 Days
Mainland Portugal & Madeira - 15 Days

With just over two weeks to spare, you can combine the best of mainland Portugal with the lush valleys and volcanic beaches of "the Island of Eternal Spring." Start with cycling and culinary tours of Lisbon, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, and a deep dive into the history of colorful Porto. Then it's time to jet off into the North Atlantic for four days on Madeira, before returning to the mainland for some downtime at the chic coastal resort of Cascais.

Moorish Castle in Sintra
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 10 Days

This 10-day tour guides you through Portugal's Jewish heritage, starting in quintessential villages like Marvão and Castelo de Vide, as well as the hillside medieval towns of Monsanto, and Sortelha. Explore the historic sites of Évora and Belmonte, then make your way to the Douro Valley for a wine tasting and a river cruise. End your trip with walking tours in the cities of Porto and Lisbon, plus a visit to the Pena Palace in Sintra and the Portuguese Riviera.

Jewish Quarter in Castelo de Vide, Portugal
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 13 Days

Explore the history and heritage of Portugal's Jewish communities in this 13-day tour, which guides you through cities like Porto, Lisbon, Évora, and Tomar, as well as Sintra and the National Palace of Pena. You'll enjoy a wine tasting and river cruise in the Douro Valley, plus visits to Almourol Castle, the Portuguese Riviera, and the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. Discover synagogues, old Jewish quarters, monuments, and museums in the country's small villages of Belmonte, Monsanto, and Sortelha, as well as Monsaraz, Elvas, and Castelo de Vide.

Bridge of S. Gonçalo in Amarante, Portugal
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 14 Days

This trip takes you from north to south, discovering Portugal's Jewish heritage with city tours in Porto, Lisbon, Évora, and Tomar, plus a visit to Sintra with its National Palace of Pena and the Portuguese Riviera. Relax in the Douro Valley with a wine tasting and a river cruise, and then explore the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça, the castle in Amourol, and the synagogue and old Jewish quarter of Castelo de Vide. Other highlights include the community museum in Belmonte, the Amoreira Aqueduct in Elvas, and Amarante's iconic stone bridge.

Medieval Synagogue in Castelo de Vide, Portugal
Portugal's Jewish Heritage, Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley - 8 Days

Starting with visits to synagogues, museums, and monuments in the small towns of Belmonte, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide, this tour takes you through the history of the Jewish communities in Portugal. Along the way, visit the Douro River Valley to taste wine and ride Rabelo boats, then enjoy a guided tour of Sintra and its National Palace of Pena. End in Porto and Lisbon, where you'll explore architecture, culture, and Jewish heritage.

Almourol, Portugal
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 11 Days

Explore Portugal's Jewish history with guided tours of cities like Porto, Lisbon, and Évora, visiting synagogues, museums, monuments, and castles. You'll learn all about Jewish heritage in the small villages of Portugal, such as Belmonte, Monsanto, Trancoso, and Sortelha, plus discover the Templar City of Tomar. Enjoy the Douro River Valley with a wine tasting and a boat cruise, then end your trip with a tour of Sintra, National Palace of Pena, and the Portuguese Riveria. 

Castelo de Vide, Portugal
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 12 Days

This trip takes you through Portugal's Jewish history, with guided tours of several cities and sites, including Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Belmonte, and the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. You'll explore synagogues, museums, and old Jewish quarters throughout the country, including in the small villages of Monsanto, Sortelha, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide. Enjoy some time to relax with a wine tasting and river cruise in the Douro Valley, plus a tour of Almourol Castle, Sintra, the National Palace of Pena, and the Portuguese Riviera.

Sip port wine along Porto's historic riverfront
Map of Luxury Portugal Flavors & Culture Tour - 10 Days
Luxury Portugal Flavors & Culture Tour - 10 Days

Savor the best of Portuguese luxury, gastronomy, and culture with this 10-day trip. You'll explore the country's rich cuisine and heritage, going deeper with tasting tours, a premium port wine cellar experience, a day trip to the Douro Valley, and multiple Michelin-starred dining experiences. Best of all, as you eat your way across Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and Cascais, you'll stay exclusively in lavish 5-star hotels, including historic palaces and forts that add an element of culture to your adventure.

Coimbra Riverfront at Night
Portugal's Jewish Heritage - 15 Days

This 2-week trip takes you through Portugal, revealing its Jewish heritage with visits to synagogues, museums, monuments, and old Jewish quarters in towns like Belmonte, Monsanto, Sortelha, and Castelo de Vide. You'll enjoy guided tours of cities like Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Évora, as well as Sintra with its National Palace of Pena and the Portuguese Riviera. Relax along the Douro River with a wine tasting and river cruise, plus explore the castle in Amarante, the monasteries in Batalha and Alcobaça, and the Amoreira Aqueduct in the walled city of Elvas.

Sip port wine along the banks of Porto's Douro River
Map of Luxury Portugal Flavors & Culture Tour - 14 Days
Luxury Portugal Flavors & Culture Tour - 14 Days

This two-week journey is designed for those seeking a more luxurious style of travel, with 5-star hotels and bespoke food and wine experiences. Over 14 days, you'll partake in gastronomic walking tours, a premium port wine tasting, a hands-on cooking class, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Explore the captivating cities of Lisbon and Porto, savor the natural wonders of Serra da Estrela, embrace the historic charm of Évora, and unwind in the coastal elegance of Cascais.

Your 5-star accommodations include a waterfront Algarve resort (photo courtesy of Palmares Beach Resort)
Map of Luxury Adventure in Portugal: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Porto & Cascais - 14 Days
Luxury Adventure in Portugal: Lisbon, Lagos, Évora, Porto & Cascais - 14 Days

Portugal is the perfect destination for a luxurious and laid-back adventure. This 14-day itinerary takes you across the nation, from Lisbon to Porto via the Algarve coast and Alentejo countryside. Start in the capital with private e-bike and Segway tours, then venture south to the Algarve, where you'll sail and kayak around rock formations and sea caves. Head inland to ancient Évora for an ancient aqueduct hike, tick off Porto with a bridge climb and river cruise, and finish in seaside Cascais.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

A bougainvillea-lined walkway in the Algarve
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 10 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 10 Days

This 10-day trip splits time between Portugal's exciting capital and its southern coast while moving at a relaxed pace. Kick off the adventure in up-and-coming Lisbon for a guided introduction to the "City of Seven Hills," including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, choose your own day trip before taking the train to Lagos for several days of golden beaches and picturesque villages in the Algarve.

Porto shimmers after sunset
Map of Highlights of Porto & Lisbon - 7 Days
Highlights of Porto & Lisbon - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure combines Portugal's two biggest and most captivating cities for a cultural trip like no other. With a mix of excursions and free time, you'll start off exploring Porto's iconic food scene, cobblestone streets, and nearby Douro Valley (home of Port production). From here, spend three nights in the historic capital complete with a day-trip to Sintra—a fairytale town tucked away in forested mountains.

Park and National Palace of Pena
Map of Highlights of Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days
Highlights of Lisbon & Sintra - 5 Days

This 5-day trip is the ultimate cultural immersion into Portugal's up-and-coming capital, nicknamed 'The City of Seven Hills'. Let a local guide show you ancient ruins, cobbled alleyways, and hip neighborhoods—as well as the romantic UNESCO-listed village of Sintra surrounded by parks and gardens. Along with guided excursions, you'll have free time to explore on your own rounding out this fun adventure.

The beachside resort of Cascais
Map of Magic of Portugal:  Lisbon, Sintra, Évora - 4 Days
Magic of Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Évora - 4 Days

Embark on this tour of Lisbon and nearby sites to discover the reasons why people come back to Portugal over and over again. Enjoy new flavors and dishes in Lisbon, visit the unforgettable Chapel of Bones in Évora, explore the incredible palaces of Sintra, and more on this four-day itinerary.

Lisbon's urban hillsides along the Tagus River
Map of Highlights of Lisbon - 4 Days
Highlights of Lisbon - 4 Days

This fun 4-day jaunt provides the perfect introduction to Portugal's up-and-coming capital, nicknamed 'The City of Seven Hills'. Let a local guide show you ancient ruins, cobbled alleyways, historic monuments, and hip neighborhoods—as well as the UNESCO-listed village of Sintra. In addition to excursions, you will also have free time to explore on your own to round out this Lisbon adventure.

Porto's colorful riverfront
Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora & Lagos - 14 Days

This two-week Portuguese odyssey combines cities, countryside, and coast for a road trip to remember. Savor traditional cuisine in Lisbon, lose yourself in the riverside neighborhoods of Porto, explore vineyards and cork forests around Évora, and soak up some sun on the golden beaches of Lagos. Along the way, a series of guided tours introduce you to the culture and customs of each city, while plenty of downtown means you can cut loose and choose your own adventure on day trips.

Freshly grilled Portuguese fish with lemon and herbs
Map of Food and Wine in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Douro Valley - 10 Days
Food and Wine in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Douro Valley - 10 Days

This trip is perfect for the epicurean and all-around bon vivant! Spend ten days traveling through Portugal's culinary epicenters and exploring its dynamic and unforgettable wine regions. You'll take food tours in city centers, visit a marketplace with a chef (then take a cooking class!), go wine tasting, and learn the stories and traditions behind Portuguese cuisine and libations. And, of course—no trip to Portugal would be complete without a lesson (and tasting or two) of iconic Port wine.

Other popular travel destinations in Portugal
Lisbon · Porto · Algarve · Alentejo · Évora · Douro Valley · Lagos · Sintra · Coimbra · The Azores · Madeira · Nazaré · São Miguel Island · Tomar · Braga · Funchal · Óbidos · Tavira · Sagres · Marvão · Guimarães · Peneda-Gerês National Park · Batalha · Mértola