Best things to do in Cascais

Cascais Must-Sees

Cascais combines maritime history with 19th-century aristocratic architecture. This coastal town features the Boca do Inferno chasm, the 15th-century Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz, and the iconic blue-and-white tiled Santa Marta Lighthouse. Cultural highlights include the Eduardo Souto de Moura-designed Casa das Histórias and the eclectic Museu Condes Castro Guimarães. Sandy beaches like Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição line the shore, while the historic town center preserves its origins as a traditional fishing village and royal summer retreat.

Cascais Must-Sees — Map

Luiyo / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Boca do Inferno

Boca do Inferno is a chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to the Portuguese city of Cascais, in the District of Lisbon.

Jorge Franganillo / CC BY 2.0

B

Town of Cascais

Town of Cascais is a famous tourist destination for Portuguese and tourists alike.

Mister No / CC BY 3.0

C

Museu Condes Castro Guimarães

Housed in the 19th-century revivalist Torre de São Sebastião, this museum features Gothic and Manueline architecture. The collection includes Indo-Portuguese furniture, ceramics, and a library containing a rare 16th-century manuscript.

Johann Dréo / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Farol Museu de Santa Marta

Located within a 19th-century lighthouse, this museum documents the history of Portuguese coastal signaling and the daily lives of lighthouse keepers through exhibits of optical equipment and historical documents.

Pedro Ribeiro Simões / CC BY 2.0

E

Casa das Histórias Paula Rego

The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is a museum in Cascais, Lisbon District, on the Portuguese Riviera, designed by the architect Eduardo…

Akinranbu / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Rainha Beach

Although this beach is quite small, its easy accessibility makes it a favourite place of locals and tourists.

Minttu Somervuori / CC-BY-SA

G

Praia da Ribeira

Also known as Fish Beach, this central sandy cove is traditionally used by local fishermen to dock their boats. It is located directly in front of the Praça 5 de Outubro and the Town Hall.

Jorge Franganillo / CC BY 2.0

H

Conceição Beach

A sandy beach with shallow entrance to the water - suitable for families. However, be aware of the cold water!

Houtteman Ikse / CC-BY-SA

I

Palácio Palmela

A 19th-century Neogothic palace built for the Dukes of Palmela. The coastal estate features distinctive red-tiled roofs and pointed arches, serving as a prominent example of the summer architecture of the Portuguese nobility.

J

Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Luz

Part of the 15th-century Citadel complex, this fortification was built to defend the Tagus estuary. It showcases military architecture with thick stone bastions and currently houses a luxury hotel and cultural arts district.

Husond / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Santa Marta Lighthouse

The Santa Marta Lighthouse is situated to the south of the centre of Cascais, Lisbon District, Portugal, on the estuary of the River Tagus,…

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