How to Plan a Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon + Cascais Itinerary 

Everything you need to know to plan a fun day trip to Cascais

Is Cascais worth visiting?

Yes, Cascais is definitely worth visiting, but you don’t need to take my word for it. I am sure that after reading this Cascais Travel Guide, you will be impatient to discover this coastal Portuguese town.

Once you arrive in Cascais, you will be welcomed by the calçada portuguesa lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. I have to warn you that each place will be calling your name, so you simply have to add some time for shopping and people-watching.

From beautiful white sand beaches to historical sites, such as the Cidadela de Cascais, and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, Cascais has something for everyone.

And can we talk about stunning views over Boca do Inferno or easy access to the coastline of Sintra Municipality? The iconic Cabo da Roca is just a 30-minute ride away. If you had any doubts about visiting Cascais, I am sure they are fading away already.

Cascais Historical Background

Cascais has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village. Its transformation began in the late 19th century when King Luís I chose the town as his summer residence, making it a fashionable retreat for Portuguese nobility. 

This royal patronage led to the construction of beautiful palaces, mansions, and gardens. Most of these places are still accessible today, which means that you can easily add them to your one-day Cascais itinerary.

Cascais’ history as a fishing village is still evident in its vibrant marina and traditional Portuguese architecture. So if you are on a budget, don’t worry! You can plan an affordable day trip to Cascais from Lisbon.

How long does it take to visit Cascais?

I am someone who will always vouch for longer stays over packed itineraries; however, I believe one day is enough to see the best of Cascais. And to be fair, the journey to Cascais is so easy that it almost feels like you have never left Lisbon.

Unless you are looking for a comfortable beach destination instead of a cityscape, you should stay in Lisbon and simply follow this easy Cascais itinerary that you can do in one day from the Portuguese capital.

How to reach Cascais from Lisbon?

Lisbon and Cascais offer multiple convenient connections, and we will cover all of the available options. I will start by saying that the train is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Cascais from Lisbon, however, Uber is a great alternative for bigger groups.

From Lisbon to Cascais by train

The most popular method is taking the train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. The journey takes about 40 minutes, with trains running frequently every 20 minutes (with additional services during peak hours). 

A train ticket from Cais do Sodré to Cascais costs 2.40 euros. You will also need to purchase a Viva Viagem card (0.50 euros) if this is your first time using public transport in Lisbon but don’t throw it out after as you can reuse it for other rides.

The only downside of taking the train from Lisbon to Cascais is the crowds during peak season. You will find long lines for ticket machines and might have to stand the entire journey. You can either wake up earlier or get on the train as soon as it arrives.

From Lisbon to Cascais by Uber/Bolt

For a comfortable journey, Bolt and Uber are available. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes but can vary with traffic conditions. Traffic can also affect the price, but you can expect to pay between 15-25 euros.

Taxi is more expensive and overall, not recommended option for foreigners visiting Lisbon.

From Lisbon to Cascais by car

If you prefer driving, you can take the A5 motorway from Lisbon to Cascais. The drive typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are various parking options in Cascais, though parking can be limited in the town center, especially during peak times.

Considering the affordable Uber prices and convenient train connections, I don’t recommend a car for visiting Cascais or exploring Lisbon. However, it could be a great idea if you want to explore beyond Cascais and move up to the coastline of Sintra municipality afterward.

—> Get your car rental here

How to move around Cascais?

Cascais is a compact town, meaning you can reach everything just by walking. A walk from Cascais Train Station to Boca do Inferno along the coastline takes 30 minutes. During these 30 minutes, you will pass by the best attractions in Cascais.

Yes, that’s how easy it is to navigate Cascais. As an alternative, you can use Uber/Bolt, grab a taxi, or rent a bike. I recommend booking a private tour from Lisbon if you have limited mobility.

When is the best time to visit Cascais?

If you are solely planning to spend time on the beach, summer is the best time to visit Cascais. However, if you want to see the town and explore everything Cascais has to offer, the best time is during spring (March to May) and early fall (September to October).

Winter (November to February) is mild, with temperatures from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F). It’s a quieter time to explore cultural attractions, and accommodation is more affordable. But you can forget about beach time and some places might be closed.

How to plan your one-day Cascais itinerary?

• 8 am – Depart from Lisbon
• 9 am – Arrive in Cascais and explore town center

Begin your visit with a stroll through the charming town center. Explore the cobblestone streets, admire the traditional Portuguese architecture, and browse the local shops and cafes. 

Don’t miss the beautiful Palacete Seixas, a mansion overlooking the ocean, and try the famous Nuez De Cascais at the Bijou de Cascais. 

Other picturesque spots are the Miradouro Fernandes Thomás, the one of Praia da Rainha, and the nearby Church Of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia

• 11 am – Walk around the Citadel of Cascais and the Marina, and visit Dom Luis I Foundation

Take a peaceful walk around the Citadel of Cascais, where you can see the remains of the ancient fortress that dates back to 1594. The citadel has elegant interiors, a private chapel & sweeping bay views.

Cascais Marina, where you can enjoy views of the boats and the Atlantic Ocean. The marina area is lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a coffee or a refreshing drink with a view.

The Dom Luis I Foundation is a perfect stop to enjoy modern art exhibitions that include paintings, sculptures photographies and more

• 1 pm – Lunch at a Baía do Peixe

Enjoy lunch at my favorite Cascais seafood restaurant. This is the best place to try rodizio of fish or seafood and enjoy a panoramic view of the Cascais bay.

• 2.30 pm –  Visit Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães

Head to the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, located in a beautiful palace by the sea. Explore the museum’s collection of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits. Before leaving, don’t miss the Mirador Casa de Santa María.

• 3.30 pm – Explore Boca do Inferno

Visit Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation located right outside the town center. The name translates to “Mouth of Hell” due to the waves crashing into the chasm. 

It’s a great spot for photos and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast. You have the best view of Boca do Inferno from the water, but you can also walk to the site and appreciate it from the top.

• 4.30 pm – Relax on the Beach or Parque Marechal Carmona

Spend some time relaxing on one of Cascais’ beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Rainha or Praia de Ribeira de Cascais. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea before continuing your exploration. Enjoy an ice cream at Santini, one of the most famous ice creams in Portugal.

• 6 pm (or any time when you are done with the beach) – Return to Lisbon

Final thoughts…

This is the end of our Cascais travel guide and I am sure you know how to plan a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais and how to split your time.

I would love to hear your feedback, so feel free to leave a comment below. If you need further help with planning, check out these Lisbon travel tips, hotel recommendations, or food guides.