Cascais 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Cascais: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Praia da Rainha

A small sheltered beach in a cove, named after Queen Amelia who swam here. Calm water and fine sand, surrounded by cliffs.

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Bring a towel and swim before 10am to avoid the pack. The steps down are steep but short. No facilities, so bring water.

Hotels near Praia da Rainha →
Afternoon
Cascais Municipal Market

A lively covered market selling fresh seafood, local produce, and artisan goods. The fish hall is the main draw, with vendors shouting out daily catches.

🕐 Mon–Sat 7am–2pm, Sun closed

Free entry

💡 Go early (by 9am) to see the buzz. You don't have to buy anything—just wander. The upstairs cafe has cheap coffee and a view.

Hotels near Cascais Municipal Market →
Evening
Where to eat

Café do Naná · ££

Panisol - Murches · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Cascais

Morning
Cascais Marina

A modern marina with rows of yachts, fishing boats, and a promenade lined with benches. Great for people-watching and spotting seabirds.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Walk to the end of the jetty for a free view of the Sintra mountains. Pick up a pastel de nata from a nearby bakery for under €1.50.

Midday
Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimarães

A 19th-century palace with Moorish and Gothic details, now a museum. Free entry on Sundays (otherwise small fee). The gardens are always open.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–5pm, Mon closed; gardens dawn–dusk

💡 Check the museum website for free Sunday slot bookings—they fill up quickly. The garden has a hidden Roman cistern, worth a peek.

Evening
Dining tonight

Sítio do Bel

Casa Zé Viana

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Boca do Inferno

A dramatic sea cliff with a natural arch and blowhole, where waves crash into a deep chasm. Best visited at high tide for the full effect.

💡 Walk along the coastal path from the centre at sunset to avoid crowds. The free viewing platform gives the best angle.

Final meal

Coleção D'Aromas

Entráguas

Getting Around Cascais

Cascais Municipal Bus (Linha 418) From €1.50 20 min

Purchase a Viva card for multiple journeys; bus 418 stops near hotel clifftop location

Cascais Train Line (CP - Comboios de Portugal) From €2.15 35 min

Most scenic & reliable option; take taxi/bus from Cascais station to cliff-perched hotel

Airport Transfer Taxi Service From €30-40 45 min

Book via Uber or GetTaxi for fixed rates; avoid unmetered taxis at airport rank

Pre-arranged Hotel Transfer Service From €35-50 50 min

Contact hotel concierge for private transfer; ensures smooth arrival at isolated clifftop location

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Cascais?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Praia da Rainha and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Cascais?

See our full best time to visit Cascais guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Forte do Guincho, Cascais Bay Hostel, Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Resort. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.