Maria Guedes' itinerary for a perfect day in Cascais

"It's something I try to do whenever I have time, especially on weeks when work is a bit quieter. That morning walk completely transforms my day. The sea breeze, the sun, all of it... Sometimes I take my dog, sometimes I listen to podcasts. I try to go early, around eight in the morning or even a little before, so I can finish before the crowds arrive. It does me a world of good - it really sets the tone for the rest of the day. Whenever I can, I love clearing my head, thinking, and coming up with new ideas. It's incredible to have this privilege in Cascais, to have the beach and the promenade right here for a walk like this."

"I love Nicolau, mainly because you can go at any time. Whether it's an early breakfast, lunch, or later in the day, it's always a place I know will deliver and has great options. Whether it's brunch, salads, or desserts. I always order the eggs Benedict and a latte with almond milk. Then I mix it up. The tuna tacos are amazing, the tuna salad is also great, there's a fantastic grilled cabbage... Anyway, I really enjoy it, and it's easy to park the car. With family, with friends, during the week or on the weekend, it's a safe go-to."

"It's in Vale de Santa Rita and it's called Supermercado Tradicional, but we call it Senhor Chico. He's an older gentleman from the region who runs a gourmet grocery store with excellent products  - wines, cheeses, meat, amazing pasta, and fruits and vegetables that are truly different, with real flavor. If I don't go every day, I go almost every day. And it's great because it's family-run, with Senhor Chico and his daughters. It's a fantastic place that I absolutely love."

"Confraria is a classic. I've lived in Cascais forever, and Confraria has been around for 17 years – I think it's amazing that it has remained so relevant. It's still one of those places that, when we don’t know where to have lunch or dinner, remains one of the favourites. Now, there are other great spots, and we have more quality options in Cascais, which we didn’t have for a long time, but Confraria is still the go-to. Whether it's for ordering – many times on Sunday nights we order to have at home or for the dinners we sometimes have at home with friends – or even just to go there. My kids are older now, and whenever we can, we head to the Confraria terrace for lunch. The quality of the sushi is incredible, it’s never lost its touch. It's really a special place in Cascais. I remember going to Confraria when I used to go out at night with my friends, and now I go with my kids, which is fun."

"I often go to Izakaya because it has a great atmosphere, always playing music - mostly from the 90s, a bit of hip-hop. We know the chef, the cooks, and the people serving, so it's a super family-like vibe. We always sit at the counter. It's not a place for big dinners, I usually go with my husband or a friend, it's not really for more than that. But for just two people, it’s amazing. It’s perfect for catching up, having a glass of wine, listening to music, and chatting. Even if it’s a Tuesday night, it feels like a real plan because there’s always a great atmosphere and wonderful food. It’s small, super cozy, and it’s one of those places where you can be sure everything will go perfectly."