In townOld Town, Marina & Praia da Rainha
Wander cobbled lanes and the Cidadela arts quarter, browse the marina, and swim at the tiny in-town Praia da Rainha.
Cascais, Portugal
Flight + hotel city breaks · Direct flights to Lisbon from Canada
4.7 · Cascais & the Portuguese Riviera, booked by Canadians
City Breaks · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Cascais
Flight + hotel city breaks on the Portuguese Riviera, with return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Cascais
Cascais is the elegant seaside town of the Portuguese Riviera, a former fishing village turned royal retreat just west of Lisbon. Cobbled lanes and a pretty marina meet dramatic Atlantic cliffs, belle-époque villas, and museums like Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. With frequent trains along the coast, it makes a relaxed base for day trips to Sintra, Lisbon, and Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe.
Cascais, Portuguese RivieraClimate
Climate
16–28°C · Mediterranean
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm, dry summers (25–28°C) and mild winters (12–16°C) — cooled by Atlantic breezes.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 CAD ≈ €0.68 · cards widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Up to 90 days · valid passport
Top Experiences in Cascais
In town
On the coastBoca do Inferno & Santa Marta Lighthouse
Walk the seafront promenade to the 'Hell's Mouth' cliff chasm and the striped Santa Marta Lighthouse and museum.
Day tripFairy-tale Sintra
Ride 20 minutes to Sintra for the technicolour Pena Palace and the mysterious wells of Quinta da Regaleira.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required to enter Portugal, which is part of the Schengen Area.
Visa & ETIAS: Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors — check requirements before you fly.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Portugal. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: Portugal uses 230V/50Hz with Type C/F plugs — bring a plug adapter and check that devices are dual-voltage.
Time zone: Cascais runs on Western European Time (WET), five hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Cascais
Jun – SepPeak season
Warm, dry, and sunny — best for beaches and terraces, and the busiest and priciest.
Apr – MayShoulder season
Mild, green, and blooming with great value and thinner crowds.
Oct – NovShoulder season
Still-warm days, fewer visitors, and lower hotel rates.
Dec – MarLow season
Mild but cooler winters, quiet streets, and the lowest prices of the year.
Where to stay
Cascais neighbourhoods
From the buzzing old town to the belle-époque calm of Estoril and the surf breaks of Guincho, here's how to choose your base along the Estoril Coast.
Cascais Old Town
Town centre
The historic core of cobbled lanes, the marina, the Cidadela arts quarter, restaurants, and the train station to Lisbon.
Best for
- First-timers
- Couples
- Foodies
Estoril
East, next stop
Glamorous resort town with the famous Casino Estoril, manicured gardens, and a wide sandy beach one train stop away.
Best for
- Elegance
- Beach
- Nightlife
Monte Estoril
Between towns
A leafy residential stretch between Cascais and Estoril, linked by the seafront promenade and its own train stop.
Best for
- Value
- Walkers
- Relaxed stays
Guincho
Northwest coast
Dramatic dune-backed Atlantic beach near the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, famous for surfing and kitesurfing.
Best for
- Surfers
- Nature
- Seafood
Beyond the town
Day trips & excursions from Cascais
Cascais is a superb base for the Lisbon region's palaces, capital sights, and coastline. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
UNESCO World HeritageSintra Palaces Day Trip
Full day · 7 hrsSintra · 20 min by car
Tour the candy-coloured Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle ramparts, and the initiation wells of Quinta da Regaleira.
Insider tips
- Book palace tickets ahead
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hills
Capital CityLisbon City Day Trip
Full day · 6 hrsLisbon · 40 min by train
Ride the scenic coastal line to Lisbon for Alfama's alleys, the Belém tower and pastéis, and Tram 28.
Insider tips
- Take the coastal train from Cascais station
- Try a pastel de nata in Belém
Natural WonderCabo da Roca & Guincho Coast
Half day · 4 hrsSintra-Cascais Park · 25 min by car
Stand at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, then take in the wild dunes of Guincho beach.
Insider tips
- Bring a windbreaker — it's breezy
- Sunset here is spectacular
Local FavouriteEstoril & the Riviera Coast
Half day · 3 hrsEstoril · 10 min by train
Stroll the belle-époque gardens, try your luck at Casino Estoril, and relax on the sandy Riviera beaches.
Insider tips
- Casino requires ID for entry
- Walk the seafront promenade back to Cascais
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Good to know
Cascais travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Portugal?
No. Canadians can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, so check the latest requirements before you fly.
How long is the flight from Canada to Cascais?
Direct flights from Toronto reach Lisbon in about 7 hours. Cascais is roughly a 40-minute train ride or transfer from Lisbon Airport.
When is the best time to visit Cascais?
June to September is warmest and best for the beach, while April–May and October–November offer mild weather, thinner crowds, and better value.
How do I get from Lisbon Airport to Cascais?
Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer (about 40 minutes), or ride the metro to Cais do Sodré and hop on the scenic coastal train to Cascais.
Is Cascais a good base for day trips?
Yes. Sintra is about 20 minutes away, Lisbon 40 minutes by train, and Cabo da Roca and Guincho beach are a short drive — ideal for a city break with excursions.
What currency is used in Cascais?
The euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere and ATMs are easy to find; carry a little cash for small cafés and markets.
Do I need a car in Cascais?
Not at all. The town is very walkable, coastal trains connect Estoril, Cascais, and Lisbon frequently, and day trips are easy without a car.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add trips like the Sintra Palaces Day Trip and the Lisbon City Day Trip to your booking at checkout.