Cascais is often referred to as Portugal's corner of paradise on the Atlantic coast, and it's easy to see why. The town boasts magnificent natural beaches, where you can unwind after a day of exploration through its colorful streets, steeped in the history of an ancient fishing village.
Here are some of the best beaches in Cascais:
Praia da Azarujinha is a picturesque beach, shaped like a theater stage and nestled behind cliffs. Despite its hidden location, this beach offers all the comforts you need for a relaxing vacation, including bars, restaurants, an emergency room, lifeguards, umbrellas and deck chairs for rent, showers, toilets, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy their sport here.
Praia da Bafureira is a small beach surrounded by tall cliffs and a favorite spot for surfers. Access to this beach involves descending a long and high staircase, but the reward is a great spot for both relaxation and surfing.
Praia da Conceição is situated between the Albatroz and Charlet hotels, close to the train station. Its proximity to transportation makes it popular among tourists and locals alike. The beach is well-maintained, with lifeguards and medical staff on duty, as well as essential facilities like toilets, changing cabins, showers, and bars and cafes. Activities such as windsurfing, fishing, and kayaking are also available here.
Praia da Duquesa is located adjacent to Praia da Conceição. It's an excellent beach for diving, with a diving school available, and boasts clean, clear waters with good visibility. You can rent a yacht or try your hand at windsurfing here, and all the typical beach amenities are provided.
Praia de Santa Marta is a sandy beach in Cascais that was once the private beach of the Count of Guimarães. Access to the beach is through an old palace, now a museum. This beach is primarily used for sightseeing, and tourists don't typically relax here. Nearby, you'll find several bars and nightclubs.
Praia de São Pedro do Estoril is a sandy beach surrounded by a large cliff, popular among skilled fishermen for sport fishing. It's also suitable for surfers, with high waves. Additionally, parking is convenient, there's a nearby train station, two spacious cafes with lovely terraces, a windsurfing school, changing rooms, showers, toilets, a camping park, and a medical aid station.
Praia do Abano is a sandy beach known for its noisy sea and strong winds. It offers all the essentials for a beach vacation, although parking can be a challenge. Praia do Abano is well-suited for surfing and fishing.
Praia do Guincho is a popular surfing and windsurfing beach adjacent to Praia do Abano. It's located in a dune zone and often experiences strong northerly winds. However, it can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers. Tourists can sunbathe here and then enjoy the luxurious restaurants and bars near the 5-star Hotel Guincho.
Praia do Tamariz is another sandy beach situated next to the Cascais train and bus stations, although parking is limited. Several restaurants and nightclubs are nearby, hosting discos and events. There's a tunnel connecting the beach to the Estoril Casino Gardens, as well as numerous tourist shops and a free saltwater pool.
Praia da Grota is a small sandy beach in Cascais, nestled between cliffs, with a length not exceeding 50 meters. This beach is frequented by nudists.
Praia da Parede is one of Cascais' finest beaches, featuring outdoor cafes and restaurants with stunning sea views. It's an ideal spot to watch the sunset with a glass of wine while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach, and various amenities are available for tourists' comfort.
Praia da Rainha is a sandy beach accessible only via stairs. Located near the central area of Cascais and the train station, it was a favorite of Portugal's kings.
Praia da Poça is another sandy beach with excellent outdoor cafes and restaurants overlooking Forte da Cavadeira and Velho. This beach is adjacent to local attractions in Cascais, and you'll find casinos and bars nearby. Amenities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds.
Praia das Avencas is a sandy beach reachable only on foot, as the parking lot is located a distance away. There's a café with the same name on the beach, making it convenient for visitors. The beach is suitable for scuba diving, offering a wealth of marine life to observe.
Praia das Moitas is a sandy beach, but swimming can be challenging due to sharp rocks and underwater protrusions. Caution is advised to avoid foot injuries. The beach provides a medical center, lifeguards, sun loungers, umbrellas for rent, and various restaurants and cafes.
Praia de Carcavelos is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Cascais, renowned for surfing and windsurfing. The beach offers excellent waves, making it a venue for international competitions. All the standard facilities are available, and beachgoers often engage in soccer and volleyball activities.
