Cascais

Cascais is a coastal resort town in Portugal, set on the Atlantic a short distance from Lisbon. It has the feel of a seaside town that has grown up around its beaches, with a relaxed pace and an elegant, well-kept centre.

What a visit offers

• Beaches: the town's shoreline is the main reason many people come, and it makes a easy day out from the capital.
• Nightlife: Cascais is known for its evening scene, so it suits visitors who want to stay out after dinner as well as those who prefer quiet mornings by the sea.
• Atmosphere: the streets around the old centre and the harbour give a sense of a resort that has kept its character.

Planning your trip

Because Cascais sits close to Lisbon, many visitors combine the two, spending days in the city and an afternoon or evening by the coast. It works well as a base for a slower stay, with the sea, the beaches and the town's restaurants and bars all within walking distance of one another.

Visitors who enjoy both lively evenings and a seaside setting will find Cascais a good fit. Those looking for large attractions or long historical sights may find the town better suited as a relaxed stop alongside time in the wider region.