The best beaches in Cascais

The long stretch of sand caters to everyone. No, it’s not the most peaceful destination – you might spend the afternoon listening to loud music and overhearing other people's conversations – but it’s easy to get to, and there’s plenty to do. You can play volleyball, skateboard, go for a jog, join a surf lesson, enjoy a Bola de Berlim, or browse through trinkets and sarongs for sale.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s a 26-minute train ride from Lisbon (a bit longer if you count the walk to the beach, but it’s a pleasant one – and quicker if you’re on a skateboard or scooter). If you prefer to drive, follow the Marginal road towards Cascais.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: For a snack between sunbathing and swimming, head to Windsurf Café, where you’ll find burgers and natural juices. Even Time Out’s beach café skeptic Alfredo Lacerda gave it four stars.

A wide stretch of sand, clear water, a pier for a stroll, and at low tide, plenty of rock pools for the older folks to dip their toes in and the younger ones to explore with their nets – yes, it’s worth bringing them along. Sheltered from the wind, the beach is protected by a high rock formation, the geological “accident” of Ponta do Sal to the west.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s a 15-minute walk from São Pedro do Estoril train station. If you’re driving, park at the Bafureira car park.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Yogurts with fruit and granola, and garlic bread the size of pizzas, sit side by side at the São Pedro beach café. And you, dear reader, with such a prime location, tables right on the sand, and the sea crashing before you, could happily live here too, even with that annoying colleague from the office sitting next to you.

Next to Parede Beach, Avencas Beach is one of the few with the status of a Protected Marine Area in the Lisbon region. At low tide, it’s easier to see why, as you walk along trails marked with orange ropes to avoid stepping on anything that might harm this ecosystem of sea urchins, starfish, limpets, and the like. A true “underwater safari,” as described by Cascais’ environment councillor, Joana Pinto Balsemão.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s quite a hike from Parede station – better to drive along the Marginal road. There are underground passages for those who park on the inland side.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Explore the best of Parede, including restaurants and traditional shops.

One of the best beaches to escape the wind, it’s a true postcard of the region. Sheltered by a rock where grand houses and palm trees sit, it’s so small it fills up quickly. There are some rocks on the right-hand side (if you’re facing the sea), perfect for pretending you’re in Croatia. You might not find characters like Bino, the old fisherman and lifeguard known for rubbing sunscreen on the girls’ backs, but other figures will be around this famous natural solarium.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s the same route as to Poça Beach, which we’ll talk about next, with just a few more steps. Alternatively, you can use the stairs accessed from Av. Marquês de Leal (parallel to the Marginal).

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Head to the Azarujinha viewpoint (search for it on Google Maps to find the exact location) and wait for the sunset. Preferably in good company, of course.

For what we’re after, stepping into Poça is highly recommended and sure to be a success. Get off at Estoril station and walk (about five minutes), always along the seafront, towards Lisbon. A staircase and a ramp will lead you to the beach, usually filled with families and surfers. The cliff and the S. João da Cadaveira Fort, perched on it, alongside an imposing summer house, dominate the landscape to the east.

HOW TO GET THERE: On the Marginal road, heading towards Lisbon from Cascais, turn into the car park on the right after passing Estoril. On weekends, it’s better to set your GPS to “Vale de Santa Rita”: there’s a tunnel that connects directly to the beach.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Run by the grandfather of famous surfer and multiple national champion Vasco Ribeiro, the Snack Bar Surpresa, with fresh fish, ice-cold beers, and a spacious terrace, is always a great plan on sunny days. The challenge is finding a table.

Your legs will thank you for the blessed location of Moitas Beach, aka Rata Beach (yes, you read that right – that’s how locals refer to this sandy spot on the coast), right next to Monte do Estoril station. It’s small and rocky, so be careful to avoid any accidents. Does your companion prefer calm waters? Guide them to the Alberto Romano ocean pool, just around the corner (towards Cascais). It’s open from 08:00 to 18:00 and has free access. But don’t give up on laying down your towel – the beach may not be large, but it’s inviting for sunbathing.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you took the train, get off at Monte Estoril station and head down to the seafront. Turn right towards Cascais, and Rata is the first beach you’ll find.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: A special toastie at Baiuka Grill is big enough to keep you going all day.

Marking the start of the 3 km seafront promenade that stretches to Azarujinha in São João do Estoril is Conceição Beach (there’s a small chapel next to the beach built in honour of Our Lady of Conceição, hence the name). The location, right in the heart of Cascais, is prime, situated between Chalet Faial, the former Cascais Court and a public monument, and the Hotel Albatroz, from whose terrace life becomes more pleasant for any mortal.

HOW TO GET THERE: At Cascais station, look for Hotel Albatroz. Right next to it is the entrance to the promenade – and this is the first beach you’ll find. Just after, you’ll find Duquesa Beach, great for stand-up paddleboarding.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: At EMMA, you can choose between snacks to take away, dishes to share, or fish to savour without rushing back to the sun.

Before Guincho and the Fort, you’ll find the smaller Guincho Beach, officially named Crismina but better known as Cresmina. Of great natural beauty, it’s characterised by strong waves and winds, leading to the formation of the “Guincho-Crismina” dune system, located in its surrounding area, as mentioned for Guincho Beach. It doesn’t have the same expanse of sand, but it’s ideal for families and offers views of the Crismina River mouth.

HOW TO GET THERE: Read what we wrote below about how to get to Guincho Beach. However, don’t go past the luxurious Porto de Santa Maria fish and seafood restaurant. Park right next to it.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Put on your trainers and walk the Cresmina Boardwalk Trail. The walk through the protected area to the Interpretation Centre is worth every step.

The large Guincho Beach, with its 1 km stretch, is divided into two parts: the north side, known as Abano, is home to the legendary Bar do Guincho. It has paid parking, a wave centre with a shop and surf school, and a small terrace overlooking the dunes. The south side, known as Muchaxo, is more popular with young people and surfers, and this is what we consider the true Guincho, where world championships in various sports, from surfing to kitesurfing, are held. It’s also worth noting that, due to the wind, the beach faces the dynamic geological dune system “Guincho-Cresmina” to the south.

HOW TO GET THERE: Don’t tell us you’ve never heard of the Guincho road, one of the most beautiful routes in the country? Drive along it towards the Sintra mountains, and voilà. If you’re coming from the A5, there are always signs – just stay focused. There are also buses from the centre of Cascais.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Stop at the unmissable Bar do Guincho to feed the kids lunch or enjoy a caipirinha at the end of the day. Even if it’s windy on that side, you’ll always be comfortable at this classic spot frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Next to Guincho, almost entering the Sintra mountains, is the discreet Abano Beach, slightly more sheltered from the wind and almost non-existent when the tide rises. It’s called Abano, but friends call it Abaninho. It’s also characterised by strong winds and waves, not recommended for families. There was a time when access was suspended, but the Cascais Council assures that it’s now monitored and signposted.

HOW TO GET THERE: On the dirt road to Bar do Guincho, continue straight after the car park. Next to the restaurant, there’s a long staircase.