Complete Itinerary to Enjoy a Day in Cascais

One day in Cascais may not sound like much, but with a well-planned itinerary it is possible to discover all its main attractions. From the town centre to the beaches at Guincho, we have created a perfect itinerary so that you, as a family, as a couple or even alone, can experience the best the region has to offer. We've included everything that makes for a productive, fun and relaxing trip: physical activity (moderate, don't worry!), stunning landscapes, delicious food and a bit of culture.

Start with a stroll up to Guincho beach

In a town built on the ocean, it makes sense to start the day with your eyes on the water, feeling the breeze and the scent of the sea. The cycle path, which connects the Cascais Marina to Guincho beach, already in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is exactly 5.46 miles that can be covered on foot, jogging, roller skating or cycling.

Have lunch in Rua Amarela “Yellow Street” 

Need to recharge your batteries? Then lunch can only be in Rua Amarela. Made up of three streets, it is a pedestrian area that not only has 13 restaurants with very different specialties, but also a terrace that is the stage for great life and entertainment. From the mexican at Malacopa, to the bruschettas at Taberna Clandestina, not forgetting the fresh oysters at Sr. Manuel, Cascais' food district pleases every taste and palate.

Explore the traditional shops 

Next, head to Rua Frederico Arouca, the heart of all the traditional shops in Cascais, known to locals as "rua direita"(Right street, even though it's uphill, or downhill, depending on your perspective). There are shops, restaurants, cafés, wine bars and ice-cream shops on the main street, as well as in the perpendicular alleys. If you want to impress your loved one, turn into Rua das Flores, go straight ahead until Rua Fernandes Tomás, go up a few yards and you will come across a sort of open-air balcony with what is most likely the view of Cascais with the greatest number of likes in social media.

Enjoy an ice-cream at the Bay of Cascais

When it opened, first in Tamariz, in Estoril, it was described as the "best ice cream in the world". Founded by the Italian Attilio Santini Mosena, the ice cream shop Santini opened its doors in Cascais in 1960, first in the former São José cinema and, years later, in Avenida Valbom, where it still remains today, continuing to offer the country's most renowned flavours. Make sure you include this stop on your itinerary. And if you want to enjoy the delicious flavours outdoors and overlooking the sea, head to the bay of Cascais and sit on the sea wall.  

Explore the Citadel

A few minutes’ walk will take you to the old Fortress of Cascais, today a series of buildings with a hotel, art galleries, restaurants and shops, all of which can be visited. Start, for example, at the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz (visits are only possible by prior booking), then stop by the Cascais Citadel Palace, once the summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family, and later linked to the Presidency of the Republic, and then stay on to discover the Cidadela Art District, featuring various pieces of artwork at different locations within the buildings.

End with a drink watching the sunset in front of the sea

The day has been long and it's time to sit down. Stop by the Farol Hotel and enjoy the sea view and sunset from this fantastic terrace. Order a refreshing drink and, in case you get hungry, make your way to the Mix Restaurant!