10 Beautiful Beaches in Cascais & Estoril Near Lisbon
Portugal is one of the most beautiful places in Europe with its serene beaches, rugged mountains, and bustling city life. Most popular among tourists are the crystal clear waters and cave formations found in the Algarve, but the beaches in Cascais are well known among locals as one of the best places to vacation in Portugal!
I’ve been lucky enough to sunbathe across many beaches in Portugal and it often comes as a surprise when people hear that they can relax on golden coastlines just outside of Lisbon.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about the most beautiful beaches near Cascais and the small town of Estoril, how to get to Cascais on a day trip from Lisbon, and everything you’ll need to know about the Lisbon region to have a great trip.
Have a specific question in mind? Check out the links below! If you’re jetting off to Portugal, be sure to take advantage of our ultimate Portugal packing list and downloadable checklist!
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cascais
One of the most popular questions I get is, “how many beaches are in Cascais?”
Believe it or not, there are 17 beaches situated along this small section of coastline! No wonder why tourists travel from around the world to dip their toes in the refreshing, clear Portuguese waters.
The crystal clear waters and fine, white sand with little seaweed or rocks make for some of the most stunning beaches on the Western coast of Europe.
Heading to Cascais and want to know what beaches should be on your list? Here are the 10 best beaches in Cascais, Portugal!
1. Praia da Rainha
This is one of the most popular beaches in Cascais due to its close proximity to the Old Center. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by steep, jagged cliffs with a town situated above you.
Also known as The Queen’s Beach for Queen Amélia who previously frequented it, Praia da Rainha makes for one of the prettiest beaches in Cascais!
2. Praia da Duquesa
This beach is very close to the train station making it easily accessible for those lugging all of their beach and travel gear with them on the train. You’ll often find cute tiki umbrellas, lounge chairs, and crystal clear waters here!
It gets very busy in the summer, but is quite beautiful and should be on your list of beaches to visit.
3. Praia da Conceição
This beach is connected with Duquesa Beach at low tide forming one of the largest beaches in Portugal. On either end, you will find impressive landmarks including the Casa Faial, a well-known palace in Cascais, and the luxurious Albatroz hotel on the other.
The beach is protected by Cascais Bay, bringing in calm waters and low currents making it a great family beach. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer so you can ensure your kids will be safe here!
The beach is also within a short walking distance of the cafes and shops of the town, so you can easily grab lunch to enjoy in your beach chair under an umbrella. Praia da Conceição also provides a handicap-accessible ramp so you can bring the whole family!
4. Tamariz Beach
Known for its gold-colored sand and turquoise blue waters, Tamariz should not be missed when visiting Cascais! This beach has plenty of activities for everyone including restaurants and bars, a nightclub, tidepools, soft sand, and a scenic promenade that is great for running and walking on.
Technically located in Estoril, this beach makes for a great starting point to explore both towns in one day! For those that are on a tight schedule, this is a great beach to relax at before making your way through the local towns.
5. Praia de Santa Marta
This is a very small beach only accessible at low tide, but it is well worth a visit. Situated below the Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum, this small beach is ideal for couples and those looking to escape the chaos of the more popular beaches.
You’ll find cool, clear waters with a mix of sand and algae-covered rocks. It’s a beautiful spot and is one of the most Instagramable places in Portugal!
6. Ribeira Beach
Located near the marina, this beach allows its visitors to watch the boat launch and fishermen make their way out to sea. Also known as Fisherman’s Beach, Ribeira is situated just off the town square of Cascais, making it very accessible from Lisbon.
Due to the local boat pollution, the waters here aren’t the cleanest for swimming in comparison to the other beaches I have mentioned. However, the beach is conveniently located and offers prime sand for any beach bum!
7. Praia da Rata (Praia das Moitas)
Located almost directly between Cascais and Estoril sits this small beach known for its good waves and fun jetty! The sand forms a small strip that is backed by stone steps that lead up to the striking Estoril Sol Residence.
If the waves are a little too much for your young ones, then feel free to head down the beach to the Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano, a public saltwater swimming pool. There is no fee to use the pool and it makes for a great alternative to the local beaches for parents with young kids. The kids may even get to swim with fish if they get trapped when the tide goes out!
8. Praia da Poça
This beach is well known for its rocky coastline and close proximity to the train and restaurants. The beach extends from Cascais over the line to Estoril, making it another great beach for exploring both towns.
The beach is sandy in the center and has rocks and tidepools scattered around due to the rolling waves and rocky coastline which makes for a fun beach day for people traveling with kids!
9. Praia do Guincho
A little further north of Cascais sits the beautiful Guincho Beach which is situated inside of the Serra de Sintra park. Owing to its superb location opposite the Lisbon coast along the Atlantic, the beach provides surfers with unbeatable waves.
Being inside the Cascais Natural Park, the beach also boasts some of the most beautiful, natural scenery in the area. Windswept coastlines and rugged landscapes make this the adventurers’ beach in Portugal!
The beach is easily reached by bus or by bike ride for those looking for a more scenic route.
10. Praia de São Pedro do Estoril
East of Estoril sits this under-the-radar beach with calm waters and beautifully fine, white sand. Best for swimming, this is one of the best beaches to visit while in Cascais!
Located just 5 kilometers East of Cascais, you can make your way there by strolling along the promenade (3-mile walk) or by taking the local train. While it is not technically located in Cascais, I highly recommend checking it out on your next trip to Portugal.
Beaches in Cascais Map
To help you see where many of the best beaches between Cascais and Estoril are located, check out the map below!
You can also use it to see train routes and get an idea of where else you may want to go in the region.
How to Take a Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon
When you get to Cascais, you’ll have the option of exploring the town’s multitude of beaches or strolling through the Old Center filled with quaint souvenir shops and cafés.
Ready to check out Estoril? I recommend walking along the scenic promenade for 3 kilometers. It’s a beautiful walk that offers great photo opportunities and a chance to explore the Portugal coastline a bit closer.
Getting to Cascais from Lisbon is simple. The train departs from the center of Lisbon at the Cais do Sodre train station and makes its way to the Cascais Station in around 30-45 minutes. Trains typically depart every 20 minutes in the summer, but this may vary depending on the day of the week you are traveling.
How far is Cascais Beach from Lisbon? The public beaches in Cascais are located about 30 kilometers from Lisbon, making it a quick and simple train ride to reach them.
Need to know when there is a departing train? Here is the Lisbon to Cascais train schedule! Keep in mind, schedules may vary depending on season and availability.
Not much planning is needed for a day trip to Cascais or Estoril. In fact, we decided one morning in Lisbon as we were walking by the train station to hop on and just check out the town. It was a very easy day trip that didn’t require us to be on a tight schedule or carry along a bunch of items (i.e. backpack, food, etc.)
To get on the train, you’ll need to purchase a Viva Viagem card which costs €0.50. The card is reloadable, so don’t throw it away after you get to Cascais!
There are kiosks located all over the train station where you can add a one-way ride to Cascais for €2.25/€1.15 (adult vs child). Unfortunately, you cannot purchase round-trip tickets, so if you need a return trip, purchase two one-way tickets.
Once you have your ticket, you’re ready to go! That’s it, very simple.
If there are people in your party with limited mobility, no problem! Just hop back on the train and you’ll be in Estoril in about 5 minutes.
Things To Do in Cascais
Cascais is one of my favorite destinations in Portugal with its beautiful sites and exciting activities! Here are some of the best things to do in Cascais:
- Santa Marta Lighthouse – Provides a stunning backdrop for pictures and has a wonderful museum, as well. Located just south of the center of Cascais and is easily recognizable as a popular site in Western Portugal.
- Boca do Inferno – Incredibly scenic spot to view the rugged Portugal coastline. Great for pictures and watching fishermen. That’s me above! Don’t worry I didn’t climb down the cliff, there’s a small crevice you can go through to climb up to where the fishermen fish!
- Stroll the Old Center – Cascais is extremely walkable with dozens of small, authentic shops and restaurants. This cute down deserves a couple of hours of your time.
- Water Sports – Known for paddleboarding, kayaking, and wind-surfing, Cascais is a popular destination for water activities in Portugal.
- Casa das Histórias Paula Rego – Interesting museum that hosts many of the works of influential artist, Paula Rego, in an architecturally stunning building.
- The Citadel of Cascais – Monument with an interesting history that offers good views of the city.
- Check Out the Local Beach Art – In the spring and summer, locals have competitions for who can make the biggest and most artistically pleasing sandcastles on Tamariz Beach. Get there early to watch the full show!
↪️ Pro Tip: Don’t take pictures of the sandcastles unless you plan to tip the artists! They get angry when tourists photograph their art without tipping, so be mindful of that before whipping out your camera.
Top-Rated Tours in Cascais
Use the links below to book some of the best day tours around Cascais including food tours, yacht sailing tours, fishing tours, Cabo da Roca tours, and more!
Best Restaurants in Cascais
Portugal has some of the freshest seafood in Europe owing to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. You can find locally caught fresh fish, mussels, and octopus for a unique spin on dinner time!
My favorite meal in Portugal was squid ink pasta with a salmon filet and fresh mozzarella. Absolutely divine!
However, when we were in Cascais, we found some of the best Moroccan food we ever had. I know, it seems a little strange, but I still dream about going back there.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Cascais for cuisines of all kinds!
- Casa Davolta – Known for its fresh seafood
- 5 Sentidos Cascais – Excellent restaurants with everything from seafood, pasta dishes, and vegetarian appetizers
- HÍFEN – Popular beachside tapas restaurant and bar that uses creative flavors and interesting combinations
FAQ
Is Cascais Worth Visiting?
From my personal experiences, Cascais is absolutely worth visiting!
Everything from the food to the beauty of the coastline and the people make Cascais a wonderful stop on any Portugal itinerary.
Cascais makes for a great escape from the chaos of Lisbon and provides a more authentic Portuguese experience to its visitors.
How Many Beaches are There in Cascais?
Cascais is home to 17 different beaches, depending on how far you mind walking, hiking, or biking to them. For the most part, people primarily stick to the top 10 beaches I listed above.
There are four beaches that are very close to the center of Cascais town and are certainly among the most popular including the Praia da Rainha, Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Conceição, and the Praia da Ribeira.
Does Cascais Have Nice Beaches?
The public beaches in Cascais are beyond beautiful. Picturesque, covered in either white or golden soft sand, and usually bordering pristine salt marshes, moss-covered rocks, or beautiful jetties.
The beaches of Cascais almost seem like they were made for tourists! You’ll often see people of every age wandering the shores along this coastal town owing to their indefinite natural beauty.
Is Cascais Good for Swimming?
Outside of Algarve, Cascais is one of the best places in Portugal to go for a swim! Many of the beaches offer calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming for people of all ages.
There are a few beaches known for surfing on the outskirts of town (listed below) that you should be wary of if you’re bringing young children, as they have stronger riptides and currents than most others.
Outside of these few, however, you can confidently swim at many of the beaches in Cascais.
When is The Best Time To Visit The Beaches in Cascais?
Depending on how well you can tolerate tourists, mid-July to early September is the best time to visit the beaches in Cascais.
This is when you will experience the warmest weather, the least amount of rainy days, and watersports and beachside restaurants are in full swing.
However, this is also considered the peak season for Portugal. The beaches will be very busy and you’re much more likely to be sitting side by side with people you don’t know. If that doesn’t bother you, then I highly suggest visiting during this peak time as it is when you will get the best beach weather.
If you are like me and would prefer to not share your towel with someone else, then I highly suggest visiting earlier in the season! The time between late May and early July still offer beautiful weather and less of the tourists.
Now, that doesn’t mean you will have the beach all to yourself. You just won’t have people walking all over your setup. Portugal is an extremely popular tourist destination, and the beaches in Cascais lure thousands of travelers every year.
In May, temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the high-60s. June jumps up slightly with a range between the low 60s to the mid-70s, and July and August are the warmest months with temperatures averaging in the high 70s to low 80s.
There are outlier days as well, with temperatures dipping into the low 50s and up to the low 90s, on occasion.
How Much Time Do You Need in Cascais?
Cascais is not a big town and can be easily combined with other surrounding popular destinations such as day trips to Sintra or Estoril, but the ideal amount of time would be about 3 days.
This will give you the optimal amount of time to explore at least some of the beaches in Cascais, walk through the windy cobblestone streets of town, explore the outdoor markets, and maybe even go on a small trail hike along the coastline.
If you plan on visiting Cascais for less than 3 days, it is likely you’ll only get to see up to two or three beaches and you may miss out on some fun sights and activities.
So, while you can combine destinations such as visiting Sintra and Cascais in one day, you will likely feel rushed and will be wishing you had set aside more time.
Is Cascais Walkable?
Cascais is one of the most walkable cities in Portugal! Owing to its location backed against the railroad coming from Lisbon, it couldn’t be easier to get from Lisbon to Cascais for a day trip where you walk from place to place.
Cascais is made up of two things: beaches and cobblestone streets, so there is absolutely no need for a car rental. Just be sure to pack good walking shoes!
If you wish to see things a little bit more efficiently, renting a bike is also a great option. But, don’t be worried about getting around Cascais on foot. It’s extremely walkable and rather small in size, so there aren’t long distances between beaches and attractions.
To reach the beaches that are generally a bit further away in Estoril or up by the western coast of Portugal, simply jump on the train for a few euros for an easy, efficient, and affordable method of getting around.
Is Cascais, Portugal Expensive?
Cascais is typically cheaper to visit than Lisbon, but is within the same range regarding meals and transportation.
In Cascais, you can expect to spend between €8-15 per person for lunch and between €10-30 per person for dinner. Now, that may seem steep, but Portugal has everything from food stands to Michelin star restaurants. Where you eat will entirely change how much you spend on food in Cascais.
Trains usually won’t cost more than a few euros making it the most budget-friendly transportation method.
Cascais is relatively cheap to visit since many of the attractions are free. Most people visit for the beaches in Cascais along with the beautiful coastline and lush gardens.
It is easy to visit Cascais on a tight budget and I highly recommend that you do!
Which is Better Cascais or Estoril?
Personally, thanks to Cascais and Estoril being walking distance from each other, there’s no reason not to visit both!
Cascais and Estoril are extremely close to one another. In fact, you can walk between them if you are up for it (about a 45-minute walk along the scenic promenade). But, if you take the train for a couple of euros, you can go from one to the other in just 3 minutes.
There is absolutely no reason you cannot visit both during your trip if you have an extra day to spare. Not visiting the beach? Even better! You’ll be able to explore both towns in one day if you plan on staying on the move.
As for which is better, that depends on your preferences. Here is everything you need to know if you only have a very short amount of time and can only visit one of these towns.
The beaches in Cascais are similar to those in Estoril since they share a coastline. If you’re not sure which to visit, take a look at these main attractions of each:
➡ If you like to gamble, Estoril has the only casino
➡ Cascais has far more historical sites and museums
➡ Both are extremely close in food costs
➡ Both are popular watersport destinations
➡ Estoril is more of a scenic residential area with less of a town and things to do in comparison to Cascais
➡ Cascais has a scenic old town with authentic shops and cafés
People have been flocking to the beaches in Cascais for decades in order to experience their lovely, turquoise waters, soft sand, and unbeatable surf.
On your next trip to Portugal, be sure to make a day trip from Lisbon down to the stunning seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril for an authentic Portuguese experience along the country’s rugged coastline!
