Cascais is a charming beach town that is a fantastic choice for a day trip or the perfect weekend getaway if you’re based in or around Lisbon.

The area around Cascais offers a variety of beaches such as Anto Amaro, Oeiras and Carcavelos, which are the largest and most suitable for families. But there are also urban beaches in the center of Cascais.

The old town of Cascais is well worth a visit, with its charming old houses covered in traditional Portuguese tiles and the narrow streets that wind through the town; here you’ll find cute souvenir shops and cafes perfect for a leisurely meal of simply prepared seafood and Portuguese wine.

Hire some single-speed beach bikes and ride to Guincho beach – not so easy on a single-speed bike with a strong headwind. The beach is extremely windy and the waves seem huge, but these are apparently the best conditions for the local kite and wind surfers. So if the weather is just too uncomfortable to spend time on the beach, take a walk through the dunes just behind the beach.

Highly recommended is a visit to the Casa da Guia Cascais on the way out of town towards Guincho beach. In the quiet grounds of this antique villa you will find a number of small shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Have a delicious lunch at the restaurant “Grelhas” (the fish soup is fantastic) in a very cosy atmosphere and with great views of the sea.

We also highly recommend a day trip to “Cabo da Roca”, the westernmost point on the European continent, with its steep, rugged cliffs from where there are unlimited views of the open Atlantic.

Sintra, with its romantic ambience and rich history, has several stunning castles. The “Palácio da Pena”, one of Portugal’s most important sights and, with its fairytale exterior, is the attraction in the Sintra Mountains around 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this beautiful destination. Keep in mind that visiting during high season may be crowded, but with proper planning, it can still be a fantastic experience.