Is Cascais a good destination for a proper beach holiday?
Cascais offers beautiful beaches and a charming town atmosphere, making it great for a holiday that combines beach time with sightseeing, dining, and easy access to Lisbon. However, if your priority is warm water swimming and a purely beach-focused resort experience, destinations like the Algarve might be more suitable due to the Atlantic water in Cascais being consistently cold.
Is Cascais suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Cascais is generally considered family-friendly. The central town beaches like Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa, and Praia da Rainha have calm, sheltered waters, soft sand, and easy access to amenities. The town itself is walkable, safe, and offers parks and ice cream shops. However, the water is cold, and some beaches like Guincho are not suitable for young children due to strong waves and currents.
Can you actually swim in the sea in Cascais? Is the water cold?
Yes, you can swim in Cascais, but be prepared for cold water! Cascais is on the Atlantic coast, and water temperatures rarely exceed 18-20°C (64-68°F), even in peak summer. Many people find it refreshing for a quick dip, while others prefer sunbathing. The central beaches offer calmer conditions suitable for paddling and brief swims.
Which beaches in Cascais are best for swimming?
For calmer waters suitable for swimming and paddling, the town beaches are best: Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa, Praia da Rainha, and Praia da Ribeira (also known as Praia dos Pescadores). These are sheltered bays. Praia do Guincho and beaches further up the coast towards Sintra have stronger waves and currents, making them better for surfing and windsurfing than casual swimming.
Where is the best area to stay in Cascais for easy beach access?
Staying in or near the historic town centre provides the easiest walking access to the main town beaches (Ribeira, Rainha, Conceição, Duquesa) and the train station. Areas along the promenade ('Paredão') towards Estoril also offer good beach access. For proximity to Guincho, accommodation options are fewer and often require transport to town.
How do Cascais beaches compare to the Algarve?
Cascais beaches are typically smaller coves or town beaches along a scenic coastline, known for their charm and proximity to Lisbon. The water is significantly colder than the Algarve. The Algarve offers larger, wider beaches, warmer Mediterranean-influenced water, and a more developed resort infrastructure focused primarily on beach tourism. Cascais offers more of a mix between beach, town life, and cultural excursions.
Are the beaches in Cascais very crowded?
The central town beaches (Conceição, Duquesa, Rainha) can get very crowded, especially during peak summer months (July and August) and on weekends, due to their easy access and popularity with both tourists and locals from Lisbon. Beaches further out, like Guincho, or smaller coves might feel less packed, although Guincho attracts surfers and windsurfers.
How easy is it to get to the beaches in Cascais from Lisbon?
It's very easy. A direct train line runs frequently from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon directly to Cascais station, taking about 30-40 minutes. The main town beaches like Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa are just a short walk from Cascais train station.
Are the main beaches within walking distance from Cascais town centre?
Yes, several popular beaches are directly accessible by foot from the historic centre of Cascais. Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, and Praia da Duquesa form a continuous stretch along the town's waterfront promenade, making it easy to walk between them and access town amenities.
What is Praia do Guincho like? Is it good for swimming?
Praia do Guincho is a large, stunningly beautiful beach known for its wild, windswept landscape, strong waves, and excellent conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Due to the powerful waves, strong currents, and often windy conditions, it's generally not recommended for casual swimming or families with young children. It's more suited for watersports enthusiasts and enjoying the dramatic scenery.
What's the best way to get to Praia do Guincho from Cascais?
Praia do Guincho is about 8-9 km from Cascais town centre. The easiest ways to get there are by car, taxi/ride-share, or by renting a bicycle and using the scenic coastal bike path. There are also local buses (Scotturb lines) that run from Cascais terminal towards Guincho, though frequency can vary.
Are there facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and cafes on Cascais beaches?
Yes, the main town beaches (Conceição, Duquesa, Rainha) typically offer seasonal rentals for sunbeds and umbrellas, and have adjacent cafes, restaurants, and toilet facilities. Praia do Guincho also has restaurants and surf schools, with some offering rentals. Smaller coves may have fewer or no facilities.
Is it very windy on the beaches in Cascais?
Wind conditions vary. The town beaches (Conceição, Duquesa, Rainha) are relatively sheltered. However, Cascais can experience wind, especially in the afternoons. Praia do Guincho, facing the open Atlantic, is famously windy ('Guincho' relates to a sea shriek), which is why it's popular for wind sports. If you prefer less wind, stick to the town beaches.
Are there any quieter or less crowded beaches near Cascais?
While the central beaches are popular, you can sometimes find slightly quieter spots. Walking along the 'Paredão' towards São João do Estoril reveals smaller beaches like Praia da Poça or Praia do Tamariz (technically Estoril but easily reachable). For a wilder, less crowded feel (outside peak surf times), the coastline north of Guincho towards Sintra (like Praia da Adraga, though requiring transport) offers alternatives.
What is the 'Paredão' people mention?
The 'Paredão' is the popular coastal promenade or boardwalk that runs along the seafront from Cascais towards São João do Estoril. It's a flat, paved path perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, offering great sea views and connecting several beaches (like Conceição, Duquesa, Poça, Tamariz) and cafes along the way.
