DominguesCascais is a captivating beach destination located just a few kilometers away from Lisbon, drawing visitors from all over the world year after year. Situated at the heart of the Portuguese Riviera, it boasts picturesque coves and tranquil beaches, all easily accessible and complemented by excellent infrastructure.
In this article, I’ll be highlighting these beautiful beaches and adding others you can explore from Cabo Raso to Cabo da Roca, where the sea is more lively, making it perfect for various water sports. Have you heard of Guincho Beach? It was elected as one of Portugal’s wonders in 2012, specifically in the sports-oriented beach category.
With an abundance of beaches, Cascais offers something for every taste. Let’s now uncover the best beaches this municipality of Portugal has to offer.
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Best time to visit the top beaches in Cascais and Estoril?
Cascais is a captivating destination year-round, thanks to its abundant beauty. However, the ideal time to fully enjoy the best beaches in Cascais is when the weather starts to warm up. The beach season here typically runs from May to October, so it is very large. 😉 That’s the perfect time to explore this stunning place in Portugal.
How to reach Cascais?
To make your trip easier, you won’t need a car during your stay in Cascais, unless you plan to visit Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Guincho region. In that case, if you don’t have your own vehicle, you can use Discover Cars for car rental searches and reservations.
Visiting the best beaches in Cascais and Estoril by train is highly convenient from Lisbon. As shown in the image below, there is a direct train line connecting the center of Lisbon (Cais do Sodré) to Cascais, offering easy access to the coastal beaches. For more details on schedules and prices, visit the CP – Comboios de Portugal website.
Accommodation tips to visit the best beaches in Cascais and Estoril
If you haven’t booked your accommodation in Cascais or Estoril region yet, consider doing it now by following my suggestions below or clicking the blue button to search for other available accommodations on your travel dates! This area is highly popular, especially during the beach season, so it’s best to make your reservations well in advance during that time!
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Vela Boutique Hotel | 8.9 | Cascais |
| Villa Vasco da Gama | 8.9 | Cascais |
| LEGASEA – Cascais Guesthouse | 9.1 | Cascais |
| Eurostars Cascais | 8.5 | Cascais |
| Cascais City & Beach Hotel | 8.6 | Cascais |
| Pergola Boutique Hotel | 9.2 | Cascais |
| Vila Bicuda Resort | 8.9 | Cascais |
| Hotel Pestana Cascais | 8.0 | Cascais |
| Vila Gale Cascais | 8.3 | Cascais |
| Hotel Baia | 8.3 | Cascais |
| The Albatroz Hotel | 9.2 | Cascais |
| Hotel Estoril Eden | 8.2 | Estoril |
| Vila Gale Estoril | 8.1 | Estoril |
| Hotel Smart | 8.4 | Estoril |
| ABLA Guest House | 8.4 | Carcavelos |
| Riviera Hotel | 8.3 | Carcavelos |
| Dream Guincho | 9.3 | Guincho |
| Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho | 9.0 | Guincho |
Best Beaches in Cascais and Estoril
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 22 different beaches in Cascais, providing ample tips for your next vacation in this beautiful region near Lisbon.
- 5 Cascais beaches near the town center.
- 7 Cascais beaches around Estoril and Parede.
- 3 Cascais beaches in Carcavelos area.
- Lastly, 7 more Cascais beaches belonging to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, all situated between Cabo Raso and Cabo da Roca.
Best Beaches in the center of Cascais
1. Ribeira de Cascais Beach
Let me introduce you to the most central beach in Cascais, located in the heart of Cascais Bay, right next to the 5th of October Square, where you’ll find the Town Hall and the tourist office. The picturesque Seixas Palace stands nearby, offering a lovely viewpoint in the back. For a hotel just steps away from this beach, the Hotel Baia is an excellent choice. 😉
This beach is named after Ribeira das Vinhas (Vineyards Stream), but it’s also known as Fishermen’s Beach or Fish Beach. It features a pier for small boats, where the catch is unloaded and later sold at the fish market.
2. Queen’s Beach
Queen’s Beach, also situated in Cascais’s historic center, boasts a more secluded ambiance compared to the previous one, as it is perfectly nestled between cliffs and accessible exclusively by foot. Its name derives from Queen D. Amélia, who used to frequent it for her summer baths when the royal family vacationed in Cascais. Interestingly, the popularity of this region as a summer resort blossomed during that time (the second half of the 19th century) when the entire Portuguese nobility began emulating the royal family’s choice of this destination for their summer holidays.
3. Conceição Beach
Conceição Beach is located between two beautiful palaces in Cascais, one of which I recommend in this article as a possible accommodation: the Hotel Albatroz. In my opinion, this is undoubtedly the best beach in the center of Cascais, and it’s also the closest to the town’s Train Station.
As a curious fact, the name of the beach comes from its proximity to a chapel built in honor of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. It is also the official starting point of Cascais Seaside Promenade, which runs along the coast all the way to Estoril, finishing at Azarujinha Beach.
4. Duchess Beach
Duchess Beach is a continuation of Conceição Beach, as their sandy areas are physically connected. The landscape is adorned by the majestic Faial Palace and the Palace of the Dukes of Palmela, with the latter giving the beach its name. There is plenty of supporting infrastructure available for visitors.
5. Santa Marta Beach
I conclude the beaches of Cascais center with Santa Marta Beach, located in a beautiful spot at the mouth of Ribeira dos Mochos and close to some of the town’s most important monuments, such as the palaces housing the Santa Marta Museum and Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum. While it may not be the ideal beach for sunbathing and swimming, it certainly deserves a visit due to its spectacular surroundings! Most likely, you will pass by it on your way to the famous Boca do Inferno.
Best Beaches in Estoril
6. Moitas Beach (and Alberto Romano Ocean Pool)
In Estoril area, I’ll start by telling you about Moitas Beach. The access is quite easy, as it’s very close to Monte Estoril train station. However, due to the presence of many rocks at the seashore, especially during low tide, it is preferable to use the Alberto Romano Ocean Pool for swimming, which is located nearby.
This Ocean Pool is situated next to the Palace of the Dukes of Palmela, mentioned before. Following the Cascais Seaside Promenade around it, you’ll reach Duchess Beach. The pool is free to access and was named in honor of a former president of the Costa do Estoril Tourism Board.
Fun fact: This beach is also known as Rat Beach, mainly among the locals. I was told that the reason behind this name is that several decades ago, there was an open sewer near the pier, which attracted rats, and they were seen walking around there, close to the sewer and on the beach. 😀 Don't worry, the water quality is excellent today!! 😉
7. Tamariz Beach and Ocean Pool
You will find another free-access ocean pool next to Tamariz Beach, which I consider the most central beach in Estoril, right in front of the gardens of Casino do Estoril, as you can see in the drone image below. It was once known as Elegant Beach and was highly frequented by the Portuguese high society during the summer.
8. Poça Beach
Poça Beach, also known as São João do Estoril Beach, lies in close proximity to the Fort of São Teodósio da Cadaveira, offering an excellent viewpoint of the beach. It has become one of my favorite beaches in Estoril due to its stunning surroundings, making it the perfect choice for the cover photo of this article.
9. Azarujinha Beach
Next is Azarujinha Beach, where the Cascais Seaside Promenade ends. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the cliff for access to the Azarujinha Viewpoint. This small but beautiful beach is an excellent spot for summer swimming, and it has a lifeguard during the beach season.
10. São Pedro do Estoril Beach
São Pedro do Estoril Beach is actually located in Parede area, despite its name including Estoril. The natural amphitheater of Pedra do Sal, composed of limestone and marl formations dating back 90 to 120 million years, is a definite highlight. It’s truly fabulous!
In the vicinity, you’ll find Bafureira Beach, which has very little sandy area. I consider it completely optional, mainly due to the significant danger of cliff collapse there.
11. Avencas Beach and Ocean Pool
Avencas Beach is located in a coastal area of high biophysical interest, classified as a Marine Protected Area. Similar to other beaches mentioned in this article, it features an ocean pool adjacent to the sandy area. However, during high tide, the pool may be entirely covered by the sea. Don’t forget to explore the viewpoints on the cliffs.
As a curious fact, the beach’s name comes from a special medicinal plant found there, known as “Avenca” in Portuguese. This plant is valued for its anti-inflammatory, laxative, expectorant, and diuretic properties.
12. Parede Beach
Lastly, Parede Beach, situated before reaching Carcavelos. This beach is rich in iodine, making it ideal for those with bone issues. The presence of Sant’Ana Orthopedic Hospital nearby was no coincidence. 😉
Best Beaches in Carcavelos
13. Carcavelos Beach
As you head towards the border with the municipality of Oeiras, specifically to the immense Fort of São Julião da Barra, you’ll pass by three other beaches: Carcavelos Beach, Gémeos Beach, and Moinhos Beach. This region offers a vast sandy area with ample tourist facilities and beach support.
Be cautious of the rocks that separate Carcavelos Beach from Gémeos Beach, as they are a treasure trove of marine fossils dating back approximately 18 million years to the Miocene era.
14. Gémeos Beach
15. Moinho Beach
Best Beaches in Cascais between Cabo Raso and Cabo da Roca
In the area between Cabo Raso and Cabo da Roca, you’ll find the remarkable beaches of Cascais, favored by water sports enthusiasts due to the stronger waves and winds.
These beaches, situated within Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, stand apart from the ones previously mentioned in the article. They possess a rugged and wild charm, offering a less developed infrastructure.
- To the south of Cresmina Fort lies Arriba Beach.
- Heading north, you’ll come across Cresmina Beach, also known as Little Guincho Beach, extending to Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho.
- Next is the delightful Água Doce do Guincho Beach, featuring an ocean pool for visitors.
- Finally, the magnificent Guincho Beach, a true marvel of Portugal, known for its extensive size and perfect conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing competitions.
- Let’s not overlook Abano Beach, situated near Velas Fort. Although the beach itself lacks sand and is made of stones, the surroundings boast the most beautiful scenery along this stretch from Cabo Raso to Cabo da Roca, offering an exceptional viewpoint overlooking Guincho.
16. Arriba Beach
17. Cresmina Beach
18. Água Doce do Guincho Beach
19. Guincho Beach
20. Abano Beach
21 e 22. Grota Beach and Porto do Touro Beach (Old Guincho)
Guincho is a true natural wonder, but during my visit, I couldn’t explore all of its corners due to light rain. I missed taking the trail along the cliffs from Abano Beach to Porto do Touro Beach, passing through Grota Beach.
Check out the route below, which I found on wikiloc. I recommend the section between Abano Beach and Porto do Touro Beach, but I don’t advise attempting the challenging trail up to Cabo da Roca, as I’ve heard it can be quite difficult.
If you happen to do this hike, please share your feedback in the comments at the end of this post. It’s on my list of trails to explore during my next visit, hopefully with better weather! 😉
Pictures of Cascais and Estoril Seaside Promenade
Don’t forget to enjoy a delightful walk along the Cascais Seaside Promenade! Keep in mind that electric scooters and bicycles are only permitted in designated bike lanes.
Map with the Best Beaches in Cascais and Estoril
Tours and Activities to visit Cascais and Estoril
For a time-efficient visit to the essential highlights of Cascais, consider guided tours to the region’s main tourist attractions, starting from Lisbon. These tours may also include visits to Cabo da Roca and the main palaces in Sintra. Check out the tips below and conduct further research by clicking on the blue buttons. Enjoy your trip! 😉
Suggestions of tours and activities in Cascais: 1 - From Lisbon: Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Full-Day Tour 2 - Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Daytrip 3 - Mountain & Ocean Wonders – Jeep & EBike Tour 4 - Cascais: Sunset Boat Trip with Welcome Drinks 5 - Cascais Deep-Sea Fishing Trip 6 - Sunset Trip in Cascais 7 - Surf Experience in Cascais 8 - Tour of Cascais, Cabo da Roca & Boca do Inferno
Don’t forget Travel Insurance
Also, consider getting travel insurance when visiting Portugal, especially if you plan on engaging in hiking and more adventurous water sports in the Guincho area. Opt for prevention against any potential mishaps!
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