Things to Do in Cascais

One of Cascais' most dramatic natural attractions, Boca do Inferno is a spectacular sea cave and cliff formation where powerful Atlantic waves crash into the rocks with thunderous force. Located a short walk west of the town center along the coastal promenade, the site offers incredible photo opportunities as water shoots through the cave during rough seas. The name Hell's Mouth comes from the sounds the waves make as they pound the cavern. Free to visit and accessible 24/7, it is most impressive during stormy weather or high tide.

This wild and windswept beach is considered one of the best surfing and kiteboarding spots in Europe, having hosted World Surfing Championships. Located about 6km from Cascais center within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Guincho offers dramatic scenery with its vast sandy expanse backed by dunes and the Serra de Sintra mountains. The strong winds make it perfect for water sports but swimming can be dangerous due to powerful currents. Several excellent seafood restaurants line the beach road.

Housed in a fairytale-like palace that resembles a miniature castle, this museum displays decorative arts, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts from Portugal's colonial era. Originally home to a Portuguese count, the romantic 19th-century building features beautiful gardens and sits beside the crystal-clear waters of tiny Santa Marta beach. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with its tower and Gothic revival elements creating one of the most photographed buildings in Cascais.

This striking terracotta-colored contemporary museum was designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura to showcase the works of Paula Rego, one of Portugal's greatest 20th-century artists. Born in Lisbon and raised in Cascais, Rego achieved international acclaim for her powerful and often disturbing paintings and drawings. The museum houses hundreds of her works spanning her entire career. The building itself with its distinctive twin pyramidal towers is an architectural landmark worth seeing even from outside.

The modern Cascais Marina is a hub of activity featuring hundreds of yachts and sailboats, waterfront restaurants, trendy bars, and boutique shops. Originally a fishing port, it has been transformed into an upscale leisure destination that hosts international sailing events. The marina promenade offers beautiful views of the Atlantic and is particularly lovely at sunset when the boats bob gently in the golden light. Several boat tour operators offer trips along the coast or whale watching excursions from here.

This charming lighthouse dating from 1868 has been restored and converted into a museum showcasing the history and technology of Portuguese lighthouses. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Cascais, the coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse sits beside the picturesque Casa de Santa Maria and overlooks tiny Santa Marta beach with its iconic stone bridge. The exhibition displays original equipment, lenses, and explains how lighthouse keepers lived and worked.

The westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca is a dramatic cape with towering cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. Located about 18km from Cascais within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of standing at the edge of the world. A 16th-century Portuguese poet described it as where the land ends and the sea begins. The lighthouse and monument mark the spot, and you can purchase a certificate proving you visited Europe's western frontier.

The historic Cascais Citadel, a 16th-century fortress built to protect the coastline, has been transformed into a vibrant arts district. Today it houses art galleries, boutique hotels, restaurants, and cultural spaces while maintaining its impressive military architecture. The citadel was notably the first place in Portugal to have electricity in 1878. Wander through the stone walls to discover contemporary art exhibitions, enjoy coastal views, and soak in the unique atmosphere where history meets modern creativity.