Cascais: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

Lisbon is a fabulous and diverse city but sometimes one simply needs a little break from the bustling streets of the capital.

Cascais is the perfect place for a day trip from Lisbon thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich cultural history and mouth-watering culinary offerings.

It had humble beginnings in the 12th century as a fishing village but quickly grew to feed the city of Lisbon and help to protect it from Spanish forces thanks to its strategic position.

A day trip to Cascais from Lisbon allows you to explore this interesting history but also indulge in the slow pace of this sunny coastal treasure.

Continue reading our comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about Cascais, one of the most exciting day trips from Lisbon.

What is the easiest way to get to Cascais from Lisbon?

Cascais is only about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, the perfect distance for a quick day trip.

From Lisbon to Cascais by car

It is almost a straight shot from Lisbon’s city center to Cascais. You will drive west on the A5 for about 25 kilometers and then take the Av. de Sintra offramp south once your reach Alcabideche. Cascais is only about 4 km from the turnoff.

From Lisbon to Cascais by train

There are several trains a day between Lisbon and Cascais. You will get on at the Cais Do Sodre station and arrive in Cascais almost 40 minutes later.

Guided tour to Cascais from Lisbon

A guided day trip to Cascais is the most efficient way to see the town. You don’t have to worry about navigating public transportation or finding parking in the town’s tiny streets.

Your guide will also ensure that you see everything the town has to offer, and more, giving you excellent value for money.

What does a typical itinerary include?

Most tours to Cascais also include a visit to the charming town of Sintra with all its lavish palaces. You will leave Lisbon around 8:30 in the morning and head to Sintra to see the historic palaces, estates and villas.

Many of these have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Romanticist architecture is a wonder in its own right.

After some historic sightseeing, you will have free time in Sintra to grab some lunch and explore the city on your own.

On the drive down to Cascais you will also stop at Cabo da Roca to see waves crashing against the westernmost point of Europe.

In Cascais, you will have more free time to explore the elegant Marina and experience the charm of the town. The drive back to Lisbon is short but scenic, the perfect end to your day trip to Cascais.

What types of tours are available to go to Cascais from Lisbon?

Day trips to Cascais are immensely popular but you are sure to get even more value as tours include multiple stops along the way.

Private tour to Cascais from Lisbon

A private day trip to Cascais is bound to be a relaxing experience. Take your time exploring the monuments and attractions in Sintra before visiting the stunning resort town of Cascais.

You can customize your itinerary to see everything you are most interested in and your guide will be happy to extend your time in certain locations.

2-Day tour to Cascais from Lisbon

There are 2-day tours from Lisbon to Cascais that combine two different trips in one.

You will explore Lisbon and its treasures on the first day and head off to Cascais and Sintra on day two. Alternatively, you can visit Fatima and Obidos on your second day.

These tours do not include your accommodation but you can enjoy the convenience of two full days of sightseeing around Lisbon and Cascais without booking separate tours.

Day trip to Cascais plus Sintra from Lisbon

A day trip to Cascais will combine a lovely afternoon by the seaside with a sightseeing adventure through Sintra.

These full-day trips will take you on a journey through Portugal’s history and into the most beautiful locations in this corner of the country including the Pena Palace and Gardens and Roca Cape.

How much do day trips to Cascais from Lisbon cost?

Basic day trips to Cascais cost €75 per person. These are group tours and include your transportation from a central location and entry ticket to Quinta da Regaleira and the Pena Gardens.

There are shorter 5-hour options for €60 each, but it only includes entry to the Sintra National Palace.

Private tours to Cascais and Sintra cost €250 per person, however most tours have a minimum booking of three people. You will be picked up at your hotel, but you must pay for monument entry fees separately.

For 2-day tours to Cascais and Sintra expect to pay €150 per person, while private tours cost €330 per person. While these tours do not include accommodation, you will enjoy pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

What will you see and do?

A day trip to Cascais includes much more than just a visit to the charming town.

Visit Palaces in Sintra

Sintra is a historic treasure trove north of Cascais and most day tours make this their first stop. You will see lavish palaces from various eras and walk in their manicured gardens.

This includes the striking red and yellow Pena Palace, the Renaissance Manor of Quinta da Regaleira and the Gothic National Palace of Sintra with its lavish staterooms.

Enjoy some free time

Day tours to Cascais enjoy a comfortable pace and you will enjoy free time in both Sintra and Cascais to explore the towns on your own.

Grab a bite to eat, shop, walk along the beautiful marina or simply laze in the sun watching the world go by. Cascais is a walkable town with plenty to see on your visit.

Go west at Cabo da Roca

Cape Roco is the westernmost point of the Sintra Mountain Range and also of continental Europe. Some tours stop at this magnificent natural formation to see the dramatic cliffs plummet into the Atlantic.

This landmark is far removed from the busy city life you experience in Lisbon and offers you a chance to breathe in the fresh ocean air and marvel at the power of nature.

When is the best time to visit Cascais?

The best time for a day trip to Cascais is in the Spring or early in the summer. Summer months are great along the coast but the small town will be very full during the height of tourist season.

Travel tips

• Some tours include your entry ticket to sites in Sintra. Make sure you book a tour that covers the attractions you want to see and that you don’t end up paying for something you are not interested in.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are sensible to walk in.
• When you are not driving you will be outside in the sunshine. Bring some water and wear lots of sunscreen.