Major city · Portugal
Cascais
Base in Cascais for 2 nights if you want beach plus Lisbon access; day-trip it from Lisbon if you only want the old town and Boca do Inferno.
Cascais is a former fishing town and royal resort 40 minutes by train from Lisbon, at the mouth of the Tagus where it meets the Atlantic. The historic centre, the Cidadela fort and the coastal path to Guincho are walkable; the beaches and the ocean-facing side are the reason to stay. It works as a quieter, cooler base for Lisbon and Sintra, or as a single day out.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, windy afternoons), Nov–Feb (rain)
- Airports
- LIS · CAT
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Portugal ↗Portugal is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Portugal ↗Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains assign seats: book Lisbon–Porto ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
- Portugal ↗Many motorways, including the Algarve's A22, use electronic tolls only: ask the hire company for a transponder before you drive off.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cascais112 ▾
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cascais, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Portugal-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU plans roam at home prices; others should check or buy an eSIM.Portugal-wide
- Tap waterSafe to drink from the tap everywhere; tap water in restaurants is on request.Portugal-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% for good service.Portugal-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Portugal-wide
- SafetyCascais is a low-crime, well-policed resort town; the real risks are the cold, current-heavy Atlantic, the summer wind on the cycle path…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use cafés.Portugal-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Monday; small shops close at lunch and on Sunday.Portugal-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLIS Lisbon Humberto Delgado (Train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais, about 40 min; taxi or transfer 30–75 min depending on traffic.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or baguette€2–5 (≈ US$3–6)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego)check current price€3 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LIS Lisbon Humberto Delgado (Train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais, about 40 min; taxi or transfer 30–75 min depending on traffic.) · CAT Cascais Municipal Aerodrome (Tires) (Small airfield; scheduled domestic services only, check current operators.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cascais: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small enough to walk. The coastal cycle lane and footpath run about 5 km from the marina past Boca do Inferno to Guincho; summer northwesterlies make the last stretch hard, with a tailwind back. Municipal BiCas bikes are free with ID and an accommodation address but are often unavailable or in poor condition. Bus route 27 loops the town and nearby sights, €2 cash on board. Trains run to Lisbon's Cais do Sodré in about 40 min.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 50 min
Train from Cascais to Cais do Sodré, about 40 min
Buy a return; keep the ticket for inspection.
Sintra
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Train to Lisbon then Sintra line, or bus from Cascais
Palaces need timed tickets in high season; go on a weekday.
Cabo da Roca
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus 403 along the coast, about 40 min
Westernmost point of mainland Europe; exposed and windy, few facilities.
Mafra
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus via Sintra or a car
The palace is the draw; check bus times before committing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cascais historic centre
Walk to the bay, marina and restaurants; the corso (beach road) is noisy at night, so ask for a room away from it.
Estoril
One train stop east, beachfront esplanade and casino; 20–30 min walk or a short train ride to Cascais.
Guincho and Quinta da Marinha
Beach and golf side, 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) west; you need a car, bus or bike for everything.Beach and golf side, 3.1–6.2 mi (5–10 km) west; you need a car, bus or bike for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or hotel1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Lisbon–Cascais train, return2 × €5 | €10 |
| Bus 27 single, cash on board2 × €2 | €4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €74 |
| Trip total≈ €205 per person per day, bed included | €818≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Sandwich or baguette | €2–5 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Bacalhau or grilled fish main | €12–22 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Glass of vinho verde | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Museum entry (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego)check current price | €3 (≈ US$4) |
| Train Cascais–Lisbon, single | about €2.50 (≈ US$3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Atlantic water is cold and the ocean side has strong currents and waves: swim near lifeguards, and note Guincho is a windsurfing beach, not a swimming one.
- Summer afternoons bring a strong northwesterly wind; mornings are calmer.
- The corso (beach road) is busy and loud at night: check your room's orientation before booking.
- Tickets on the Lisbon–Cascais train are checked and punched in both directions: keep yours.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CascaisCascais
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
Embassy
No embassies in Cascais; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Irish and New Zealand embassies are in Lisbon (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Cascais → Lisbon Cais do Sodré: about €2.50 (≈ US$3) single, about 40 min
- Bus 27 town loop: €2 (≈ US$3) cash on board
- Taxi Cascais → Lisbon Airport: €40–60 (≈ US$50–70), 30–75 min depending on traffic
Say or show
- Olá — Hello (oh-LAH)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah poor fah-VOR)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOSH-tah)
- Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kon kar-TOWNG)
- Onde é a casa de banho? — Where is the toilet? (ON-deh eh ah KAH-zah deh BAH-nyoo)
112 works from any phone; SNS 24 gives health advice in English.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cascais. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, windy afternoons), Nov–Feb (rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LIS: last train from Cais do Sodré, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: historic centre and Cidadela, marina and Boca do Inferno, Guincho, Estoril.
- Place pages with verified hours (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Museu do Mar, Santa Marta lighthouse) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and sea-state fixtures so beach and cycle days can go green or be swapped.