A Week in Cascais
I’m writing this to you on a dreary fall day and can’t help but daydream of Mediterranean sunshine. This past summer I had the pleasure of visiting Portugal for the first time! I’m already itching to go back and see more of this incredible country but till then, I’ll reminisce on my few days in Cascais with a featured travel guide!
Cascais, pronounced “Kash-Ki-sssh”, is a small fishing village in the Lisbon District of Portugal. With expansive views, cobblestone streets and live music around every corner, it is the perfect European getaway. We decided to go to Portugal on our way to Sicily for a family wedding and I totally hijacked this portion of the trip with my parents. Oops! But it was SO worth it.
Check out some amazing hotels, airbnbs, restaurants, and attractions from our trip!
Accommodations
Where we Stayed:
We stayed at the Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel while in Cascais (yes, leave it to my parents to stay in an Italian hotel in Portugal but here we are) 🤷🏽♀️😂
But truthfully, this hotel was absolutely perfect. The staff was so sweet and incredibly accommodating, the food was spectacular and though we love to tour, we couldn’t help but sit around their glorious pool a few days. The hotel was about a 5 minute walk into the center of town, which was so convenient! We loved getting out of the city a bit and it overlooked the cliffs of Cascais. The sunrises from here were breathtaking and I loved that there was a bike trail along the cliffs, too! Every morning I’d wake up and run along the trail to the most unbelievable view. Yes, I’m having severe withdrawals as it currently rains in New York…
For Next Time:
Walking around town, I would’ve loved to also stay in Airbnb! There are tons of affordable and modern apartments to rent, each with their own unique style! I couldn’t help but include a few of these Airbnb options in this travel guide because they seem so perfect and quaint!
Apartment in Historical Cascais
Restaurants
I indulged myself in all the fresh seafood I could find while in Cascais. Everywhere we went was so delicious and affordable, too! I can’t tell you how many times we paid our bill at the end of dinner, SHOCKED at how reasonable it was. Here’s some Cascais faves!
Restaurante Mar do Infero – the seafood here was exquisite and I definitely recommend making a reservation! This restaurant overlooks the famous Boca do Infero, which is a cutout in the rocky cliffs of Cascais. At high tide, the ocean smacks against the cliffs so beautifully.
Cafe Galeria House of Wonders – This place blew me away! It is so creative and the owner is so sweet. Nestled in the side of a hill, this vegetarian restaurant serves the freshest produce, creating new dishes each day. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of their staff members who will direct you to the kitchen table. On the table you’ll see a variety of salads, quiches, vegetables and fruits where you can choose from for your meal. Once you select what you’d like to eat, head on upstairs to grab a drink and enjoy the rooftop views.
Restaurante Mia Pia – We stumbled upon this little spot on our first night in Cascais. We had a long day of travel and were STARVING. We all opted to try out their Bifa a Portugesa, which is a filet of beef prepared in their Portuguese style. Definitely ask your server to recommend a red wine from Portugal to go alongside and you’ll be in heaven 😍
Attractions
Boca do Infero – I mentioned this a little bit earlier, but definitely be sure to check out Boca do Infero. Originally meaning “Mouth of Hell,” this outcove in the cliffs of Cascais is not one to miss. There are multiple walkways along the Boca do Inferno for a variety of picturesque views. To read a little history about the attraction, head on over to the link above.
Estoril – Estoril is the next town over from Cascais and if you’re up for a walk along the shore, it’s a beautiful way to spend the day! We walked from our hotel to Estoril and had lunch and some sangria before heading back through town. Estoril is known for their luxury entertainment along with the Casino based right in town!
Cabo da Roca – If you have the chance to rent a car or get out of town for a bit, definitely head to Cabo da Roca. It is the westernmost tip of Portugal and the cliffs are beautiful. It was SO windy the day we went so definitely dress in layers and be careful!! But the views are incredible. I definitely recommend planning to watch a sunset from here!
Guincho Beach – There are multiple beaches right in the town of Cascais but my favorite beach was about a few miles away called Praia do Guincho. We headed to this spot right around sunset and as we walked down towards the water I felt encompassed by the cliffs. It was one of those moments where I couldn’t help but be in complete awe and I started running along the shore.
Shopping – Cause, why not?! I always love taking a peak at the town’s shops when I visit a new place! Portugal is known for their cork and a lot of their gift shops have items made from cork, like wallets or hats! We also saw gorgeous and ornate tiling decor in a variety of colors.
I can’t wait to get back to Portugal and visit more of this gorgeous country! Cascais is such a sweet town to visit if you’re looking for that Mediterranean, European flair while also ballin on a budget.
Want to see more of my travel adventures? Head on over to my travel guides here!
Got questions about Cascais? Drop a comment below!
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