The best things to do in winter in Cascais

Yes, we know terraces are made for sunny summer days — but there’s no shortage of covered or sheltered spots to enjoy during the colder months. Many even come equipped with heaters and cosy blankets for those who feel the chill. Looking for some suggestions? Just click “Read more.”

From Carcavelos to Guincho, the Cascais municipality is famous for its beaches. Winter might not be the best time for a swim or to lay out your towel, but a good seaside stroll pairs perfectly with the cooler temperatures, especially when the sun’s out. If you’re into surfing, any day with good waves is ideal for grabbing your board.

With its restaurants, shops, and a programme that includes the traditional market, as well as the boot sale and a series of workshops and showcooking events, Mercado da Vila has plenty of reasons to warrant a visit during the colder months (including a roof that shields visitors from the rain). Keep an eye on the agenda on the official town hall website and click "Read more" to discover what you absolutely can’t miss.

Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, near the border between the two municipalities, Quinta do Pisão is a 380-hectare nature park that has been revamped by the local council. It offers a regular programme packed with a variety of free activities, from workshops and organised hikes to donkey and horse rides, markets, and cultural performances. With its peaceful silence, it’s the perfect spot to unwind on a winter walk, as long as it’s not pouring rain.

Rainy drops? Cold temperatures? Leave all that behind and dive into the wonder that is the spa at the Evolution hotel in Estoril. With an endless view of the sea and a 700-square-metre area, you can enjoy the heated indoor pool, complete with loungers and hydro-massage jets; the sauna; the Turkish bath; the ice fountain; or the multisensory showers, not to mention the extensive list of treatments and massages. Here, the seasons don’t matter one bit.

Entertaining children in winter isn’t an easy task, but when the beaches, parks, and gardens are off the table, there’s an oasis for desperate parents: Anima Park, an indoor playground located in Alcabideche. Designed for children aged 4 to 12, it features a climbing wall, a treetop circuit, a slide, a ring slide, mini football, ball pits, trampolines, and a mini city for imaginative play.

It’s one of the biggest classics of Portuguese dining still going strong, as Time Out critic Luís Monteiro mentioned in 2023. With truly traditional dishes, game options, and a fireplace in its usual room, dining at Cimas English Bar is the perfect cosy comfort meal, which tastes even better in winter.

Every week, from Wednesday to Sunday, the Cascais Jazz Club hosts jazz, blues, and bossa nova sessions inside its venue. Entry is free, but the music definitely calls for a drink.

It’s another suggestion that follows the same rule: it might not be the ideal spot on a rainy day, but it’s perfect for a great winter day. With a variety of restaurants offering indoor seating, as well as terraces with stunning views, perfect for winter sunbathing, the space also features a range of shops and is always a great destination for strolls, whether as a couple or with family.

If it’s not a rainy day (and if it is, there are plenty of covered terraces), Cascais Marina is a place worth visiting 12 months a year. Located next to Parque Marechal Carmona and the Farol Museu de Santa Marta, in a prime area of the town, it also marks the start of the cycle path that leads all the way to Guincho beach. From Italian dishes to Portuguese seafood, and even Brazilian picanha, here you can eat and drink with views of the ocean and the boats. It’s also a great spot for shopping. Where? Click “Read more” to discover the best spots at Marina de Cascais.

The libraries in Cascais organise a series of storytelling sessions throughout the year for kids and families, featuring storytellers and guest authors. Keep an eye on the town's agenda — not only are they a lot of fun, but they’re free too. And they’re indoors!

The Sociedade Musical União Paredense has been one of the most active concert venues in the Cascais area. With an ambitious programme focusing on original music across different genres (and featuring artists from various nationalities), it’s one of the key cultural spots in Cascais, hosting performances throughout the year.