Portugal is one of my favorite places to travel to in Europe. There’s just something about it — the food, the people, the beautiful landscapes — it’s magical. So when I was given the opportunity to travel to a new part of the country, it really was a no-brainer. Last summer I visited Porto, Lagos, Sintra, and Lisbon. This trip brought me back to Lisbon and Sintra but it also gave me the chance to explore Cascais, a beautiful seaside town in Lisbon proper. And Cascais is a quaint town, that offers the perfect location to base yourself for a holiday to Lisbon.
48 Hours in Cascais, Portugal
Of course, I wanted to stay even longer in Cascais so I could spend more time exploring the cute beach town, but 48 hours was all I had. And if that’s all you have, don’t worry, you’ll be able to see the best things surrounding Cascais.
Day 1
Fly into Lisbon! Instead of driving to Cascais, why not get a boat to take you! You can hire a boat from the Belem Marina and head to Cascais from there.
For your first lunch in Cascais, I suggest Restaurante Maria Pia. It’s located right on the water and offers beautiful views of the harbor. You’ll also enjoy deliciously prepared fresh fish — start with the tuna tartar – it’s incredible.
After lunch, it’s time for an adventure! Book a tour with Extremo Ambiente. Ours took us to Sintra National Park where we visited Peninha, Buraco do Fojo, and painted tiles. Make sure to bring your camera with you — the views here are jaw dropping!
Next up, check into your hotel! I highly suggest Hotel Cascais Miragem. It’s a stunning property located right on the promenade. You get insane views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to an outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa, gym, and several on-site restaurants. Your favorite part of your stay though will be the staff. They were so wonderful and will really make sure your stay is the best it can be.
After settling into your room, it’s time to head out to dinner! Dine at the Farol Hotel and watch the sunset over the harbor. My favorite part of the meal was definitely the duck, but really all of the food is tasty!
Day 2
Wake up early and head to Sintra! Sintra is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is home to several places like the Pena Palace. It’s also the perfect place to try some traditional Portuguese pastries. Make sure to stop into Casa Piriquita for the best!
Following your satisfyingly sweet breakfast, head over to Pena Palace. Visit the grounds and explore the Palace. The bright yellow and reddish-orange palace is a beautiful landmark in Sintra and you could spend hours wandering around.
When you finish hiking around the grounds and visiting the palace, hop in the car and drive back to Cascais. Stop for lunch at the Reverse Pool Beach Club. The seabass and shrimp were definitely my favorites there!
Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing at Hotel Cascais Miragem — you can even treat yourself to a massage!
Enjoy some Portuguese tapas for dinner at Pestana Cidadela Cascais!
Day 3
Start your last day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on foot to explore Cascais. Stop at the market for a fresh coffee and pastry before wandering down the quaint streets of the old town. You’ll come across tiled buildings, colorful murals, and friendly people. Simply pick a street and start walking, you’ll wind your way through the streets until it’s time to head back to Lisbon to catch your flight!
Don’t worry though, your trip isn’t over quite yet. Before heading to the airport, make a pitstop at Time Out Lisboa for some lunch. There are several stalls to choose from and you really can’t make a wrong choice. Afterward, take a stroll to the famous Pink Street before stopping at one of the many viewpoints located around the city. We chose to stop at Miradouro da Nossa Senhora Do Monte for its proximity to the airport! Make sure to stop at one for the best way to see the city!
Travel Colorfully was a welcomed guest of the Cascais Tourism Board, as always all opinions are my own!
Some of these links include affiliate links which offer me a commision at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting #TravelColorfully!
Pin It For Later:
