A charming coastal town west of Lisbon, Cascais Portugal is a welcome refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 30 minutes or so away, a Lisbon to Cascais day trip is quite possible for a day or two. A slower pace of life, Cascais is home to a thriving population of expats, nomads, retirees, and locals.
The narrow streets are home to a slew of restaurants, cozy bars, and shops. You’ll be surprised by the variety of cuisines you’ll find here. Cliff walks and quiet beaches can be found along the coast- making the beautiful town an ideal getaway.
If you choose to stay in Cascais and venture through Portugal from there, it’s around 3 hours via FlixBus to travel North to Porto. Can’t decide between Lisbon and Porto? Read the guide to decide where to stay.
Lisbon to Cascais Destination Snapshot
Best time of year to visit: May to September for weather
Travel by car: 30-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
Travel by train: 40 minutes or so from Cais Do Sodre
Where to Stay: Senhora Da Guia Boutique Hotel (luxury), Nice Way Hostel and Surf Camp (budget), Ljmonade Hostel (boutique hostel)
How to Get from Lisbon to Cascais
Travel by Car
A busy city, snagging an uber in Lisbon is never an issue. Believe it or not, the ride only takes between 25-40 minutes (depending on traffic) and should cost under 20 euros. If you’re planning a Lisbon to Cascais day trip and just want to arrive without the hassle of figuring out other modes of transportation, then I’d opt for this route. Try to travel early in the morning to beat the traffic if you can.
Travel by Train
A popular mode of transportation from Lisbon to Cascais, trains leave from Cais Do Sodre Station (map linked) on the green line, with the final stop being Cascais- easy! The only downside of the trains in the summer is how busy they get, so plan accordingly. Trains typically run every 20 minutes or so, with the journey taking anywhere between 35-45 minutes.
A public transport Navegante card will need to be purchased for 50 cents, which can then be reloaded when you travel. For a Lisbon to Cascais day trip you’ll want to book a roundtrip fare, which will be under 5 euros. Due to the business of the route with locals and beachgoers, it’s advised to take precautions when it comes to pickpocketing at night.
What to know about Train Travel
- Trains depart every 20 minutes from Cais Do Sodre
- Ticket machine wait times can be between 20-30 minutes on buys days
- To avoid waiting, get the Lisboa Card which includes free transport
What to Bring for a Lisbon to Cascais Day Trip
Whether you’re looking to stroll around local store-fronts or hike along the coast, Cascais has a little something for everyone. If you’re visiting purely for the beaches, then I’d suggest bringing a beach bag, towels, umbrella, and snacks (if you can carry them all). If you want to be comfortable and save money, bring your own and come prepared.
If you want to skip the beaches and explore the coastal walk, then it’s best to bring sweat-wicking clothes and comfortable shoes. The coastal walk is stunning, and will lead you to some beautiful spots like Estoril (3km) Promenade and other charming spots. While a slight breeze is more present in Cascais than Lisbon, it still tends to get pretty humid in the summer months (particularly between July-August).
Lisbon to Cascais: What to See
Lighthouse and Coastal Stroll
Farol de Santa Marta is no doubt one of the most beautiful spots in Cascais. A lighthouse and small museum are enclosed by a crystal blue bay of shallow water ideal for paddling on a warm day. Begin at Farol de Santa Marta and walk over 9 km along the coast until you reach Guincho Beach. You can walk it or do it by bike!
Boca Do Inferno
Free to visit and along the coastal walk, Boca Do Inferno allows travelers to witness the power of mother nature. Waves crash angrily against the cliff formation, which can be seen from the viewing platform. This is also a great area for avid bird-watchers.
Old Town and Harbor Area
A day trip from Lisbon to Cascais isn’t complete without exploring the Old Town and its beachfronts. While small in size, Cascais town has many charming restaurants and bars to visit. You’ll be surprised to find a diverse mix of cuisines, from Italian to Indian. Winding streets and enticing facades, it’s very possible to get lost in the Old Town simply wandering around at ease and window shopping. The harbor area has beach sports, swim spots, and an Aperol Spritz shack during the summer.
Visit Estoril
The Cascais-Estoril coastal walk is around 3 km, and passes many of the nicest beaches in the area. If you leave from Cascais, you’ll notice many cafes and shops to stop at along the way. There’s a lot to see along the coastal walk and beaches to choose.
