Time Out and Visit Cascais

Halloween celebrations extend from 28 October to 1 November, but the settings are not haunted houses, dark forests or graveyards. Rather, they are much more pleasant places to spend an out-of-this-world Halloween...

We know how tricky these end-of-year school breaks can be. All the kids at home at once, eating more than usual and bursting with energy. That’s why we have the perfect solution for calmer parents and entertained children. Cascais Routes is reopening its Kids Nature Sports Centre with a programme packed with outdoor adventures. Trust us, they’ll come home so tired it’ll be “dinner, brush teeth, bed”. From December 15 to January 4 (with a strategic break on December 25 and January 1), the programme is designed to turn the school holidays into a daily adventure – free from screens, shopping queues, or toys scattered around the living room. Everything takes place in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with a simple idea: get kids closer to nature and help them discover what their bodies can do once they leave the sofa. Activities include surfing, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, natural gym, skateboarding, team games, and even lessons about the local environment – always supervised by qualified instructors and always outdoors. The format is flexible to fit the usual family chaos at this time of year. You can opt for the full week (five days) from 9.00 to 17.00, including lunch. If you don’t want to commit to so many days, you can choose individual days with the same schedule and lunch included. There are also half-day options, in the morning or afternoon, without lunch. Sibling discounts are available (just contact Cascais Routes). It’s the perfect program

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-6916f5d4-c7c4-8329-9eec-678e5367e86e-13" data-testid="conversation-turn-96" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Cascais isn’t just a summer getaway. It’s a coastal area full of stunning views and hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. To explore it properly, there are tours for every taste. Whether by bike, car, with local guides or in a group, here are some ideas for those days when a more offbeat adventure calls. By land With Cascais Happy Tours, it’s all about strolling through the town on foot and seeing everything up close. If you want a bit of everything, opt for a general tour that takes you through the best neighbourhoods. For those curious about the town’s history, there are tours of royal retreats and the summer residences of the local nobility. And if you want to discover the local food scene, try the gastronomic tour, which stops at spots offering authentic regional flavours. Walking might tire you out, but think of all the views you’d miss if you were sitting in a car! By sea Not everyone is ready for the waves, so why not explore the coast from Sintra? The Lisbon Bike Tour starts in Sintra, passes the Pena Palace and Peninha, before reaching Cabo da Roca, where you can feel the breeze and see the waves whi

Working in Cascais is a whole different story. And the CoWorking Cascais Visitor Center – the space by Turismo de Cascais designed for remote workers, creatives, and digital nomads – is open and has spots available. Here, the Wi-Fi is fast, the atmosphere calm, and inspiration comes from the uninterrupted sea view you can enjoy during your breaks. It’s right on Cascais Bay, with a diverse crowd, people from all over the world, and a mix of professions sharing the same space. If you’re already convinced, there are several plans starting from €15/day. The best part? Unlike many other coworking spaces, this one has life all around. Literally. Step outside to stretch your legs, and within minutes you’re at the town market or Casa Viana, where the dishes take you on a culinary trip to Brazil. Feeling peckish for something sweet? Check out the new Pão com Coração, offering traditional pastries and global-inspired treats to make every break even better. And there’s PAUL, right next door, perfect for breakfast – or an afternoon snack to keep your energy up. If you’ve been working from home and can’t face staring at the same wall another day, the CoWorking Cascais Visitor Center might be exactly what you need. Bring your laptop – and comfy shoes for lunchtime strolls. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-t

It’s true, Cascais keeps racking up the accolades. The five-star Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, perched between the Atlantic and the town, has just won the “Best for Meetings & Events” award at the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. In plain English? When it comes to picking a beautiful, efficient spot with the right view to discuss (and seal) deals – or celebrate achievements – this is the place to be. The Grande Real Villa Itália was already crowned “Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel” last year. Now it adds the title of best venue for events to its collection. Weddings, corporate retreats, gala dinners, intense brainstorms… you name it. The hotel offers naturally lit rooms, conference halls for up to 400 guests, and gardens and terraces overlooking the sea, perfect for relaxed chats that end with everyone smiling. And if your day has been a whirlwind of meetings, the spa is there to help you unwind. This isn’t a small-time award: the hotel stood out among contenders from the UK, Spain, and Italy. And it’s not just us saying it—Cascais really does have the very best.

The cold has arrived, but things are about to heat up in Cascais. Bossa’s Feijoadas are back – twice over – on November 9 and December 7. Get ready for two afternoons of great food, live music and Brazilian vibes at Lake House, Quinta da Marinha. Leave your coat at the door and get into the rhythm. The feijoada is served freely, alongside classic starters and desserts, and the open bar keeps everyone’s glass full – think wine, beer, caipirinhas and soft drinks. The soundtrack? Live bossa nova, MPB and samba, guaranteed to get you showing off those dance moves you’ve been practising. It’s a family affair too, with a kids’ area packed with activities and supervised fun, so grown-ups can enjoy their feijoada without distractions. Both editions run from 1pm to 6pm. On December 7, things take on a festive twist – the perfect excuse to gather your friends and celebrate before the Christmas chaos kicks in. Save the date and grab your tickets (for 9/11 and 7/12) early to keep things hassle-free.

This year, little trick-or-treaters don’t need to go door to door to fill their buckets with sweets. Bora Bowl, a new spot in town serving açaí, ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes and Brazilian snacks, has got it all covered. From 2pm on October 31, a pumpkin in-store will be inviting everyone to try their luck. You might pull out a treat or a trick – so choose wisely. The lucky ones who land a treat can claim some delicious prizes, including: two 240ml bowls for the price of one, two 375ml Ovomaltine or Paçoca milkshakes for the price of one, 10% off 500ml or 750ml bowls, 10% off chicken or beef coxinha bowls, or even a free paçoca. If you get a trick, don’t worry – you can still build your own sweet consolation prize from more than 35 toppings packed with flavour. Praça do Junqueiro 17D, Carcavelos. From 2pm.

Think the best time to catch up with friends or head out with the family has passed? Think again. For lovers of good drinks and great vibes, Palaphita is the place to be. The “Wine Not?” nights (16, 23 and 30 October) promise to make Thursdays extra special, celebrating the best of wine. On 20 October, the “Aurora Boreal Palaphita” will bring Northern magic to Cascais with a stunning light show for an unforgettable evening. The next day, 21 October, it’s time for the “New Moon Night”, the perfect excuse for a romantic evening under the new moon. Because Palaphita also means party, the weekends of 18–19 and 25–26 October are unmissable, with barbecues, live music and the perfect seaside view to go with them. Got a four-legged friend you hate leaving at home? Wednesdays are for you: the “Pet Friendly” nights (22 and 29 October) welcome dogs to join the fun. And for a midweek treat, Tuesday 28 October is “Burger Tuesday”, with irresistible flavours on the grill. To wrap up the month in style, don’t miss “Palaphita Meetpoint” (17, 24 and 31 October), the Friday hangout with Pala DJ and the much-loved “Sunset Connect in Cascais”, where you can dance the day (and night) away. Who said summer had the monopoly on sunsets and themed nights? Get ready to snack, sip and dance till you drop, Palaphita-style.

When autumn arrives, it always brings two things: cooler weather (though it’s taking its time this year) and hearty, flavour-packed comfort food. This time, it’s all about the Feijoada do Bossa – a true celebration of Brazilian flavour, served with lakeside views, live music, and endless caipirinhas. From 13.00 to 18.00, expect a lunch that turns into a party: all-you-can-eat feijoada, Brazilian snacks and desserts, an open bar with wine, beer and soft drinks, and an atmosphere that’ll transport you straight to Brazil without leaving Cascais. The soundtrack? Bossa Nova, MPB and Samba, of course – and the promise is simple: you’ll leave full, happy and humming a tune. Tickets are available here, so you won’t have to think about it when you arrive.

The end of summer calls for a celebration, and the Bossa Sunset BBQ is here to deliver just that: great food, tasty drinks, and fantastic music in a dreamlike lakeside setting. At 8pm, the gastronomic experience kicks off with an all-you-can-eat barbecue, sides, and irresistible desserts, all accompanied by wines, caipirinhas, beer, and soft drinks from the included open bar. Musically, the evening promises a mix of styles with live performances, DJ sets, and international pop-rock hits guaranteed to take you on a journey through time. The Lake House’s elegant setting, with stunning lake views, provides the perfect backdrop for photos you won’t want to keep to yourself. The party continues until 2am, combining sophistication, fun, and that quintessential end-of-summer vibe we all love. Entry is 16+ only, and tickets are available online for those who don’t want to miss out.  

Don Alfonso 1890 has unveiled a new menu designed to take your Italian dining experience up a notch. The idea? Casual dining with a sophisticated twist – relaxed, inclusive, and approachable, yet never losing the signature elegance of the brand. At lunch, the vibe is light and effortless, perfect for a flavour-packed meal without the fuss. Neapolitan pizzas still reign supreme, sitting comfortably alongside timeless classics like the Spaghetti Don Alfonso or the newly added, comforting Lasagna Bolognese. Evenings bring a fuller experience. Start with shareable antipasti (the Gamberi Tempura and Arancini are musts), then move on to iconic dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana or Carpaccio di Spigola. The Primi Piatti shine with fresh options such as Linguine al Frutti di Mare or chicken ragù ravioli, while the Secondi Piatti bring meat and fish to the table, served with your choice of sides, highlighting dishes like Pescato del Giorno, Tagliata, and Agnello. No Italian dinner is complete without dessert. The Tiramisù remains the star, now joined by new treats like Pineapple Carpaccio, Ricotta, the reimagined Tarteletta, and the surprising Dolcetti. All in all, the menu is a clever mix of tradition and innovation, comfort and sophistication – turning every meal into a memory worth savouring. Avenida 25 de Abril 528, Cascais. Mon-Sun 12.30-22.00. 210 540 560

Tucked away in the quiet, sloping streets of the area, Aires Estoril is your fast-track ticket to Buenos Aires the moment you step through the door. This is the place to grab a table and dive into a genuinely authentic experience – straight from Argentina. Now, with its new menu and sizzling dishes, it’s raising the bar once again (and it was already pretty deliciously high). D.R. Chef Marianela Ramadan and her team have brought fire, memory, and innovation to the table, creating dishes that pay homage to Argentina’s culinary traditions. On the new menu, some plates speak for themselves – but we’ll indulge you anyway. The Costillas Tiempo y Fuego al Chimichurri are for the patient food lovers, slow-cooked sous-vide for 12 hours before hitting the Josper grill – intense, rich, and utterly worth it. The Milanesa Aires de Wagyu – a Wagyu rump heart crumbed with breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and semolina, served with rustic potatoes – takes a classic to haute cuisine heights. Meanwhile, the Nueva Ensalada de Campo mixes smoked turkey breast, caramelised melon, and goat cheese for a fresh twist. And don’t miss the daring starters, like the Chorizo Bombón: little bites of criollo chorizo wrapped in a crunchy coating, drizzled with herb-infused honey, and finished with a hint of heat. D.R. But the true star remains the Parrilla Estilo Argentino, designed for two and loaded with iconic cuts like picanha, pork matambre, and blood sausage. The feast is rounded out with sides that trav

Pão com Coração, which shares a wall with Cascais Food Lab, opened its doors for the first time on September 3rd, though the idea has been in the works since 2022. Behind this project is “a huge desire not to leave anyone behind”, explains Cláudia Mataloto, coordinator of the gastronomy sector at Cascais City Council. The initiative focuses on empowering people with specific needs, providing them with a training space to prepare for the job market. And who’s getting hands-on with the dough? A group of trainees from the Education, Rehabilitation and Empowerment for Inclusion Cooperative in Cascais (CERCICA). Step inside and it’s immediately clear this is a bakery with a welcoming atmosphere and a scent that whets the appetite. The display is packed with breads of every colour, shape and size – fresh, flavourful, and straight from the oven. But this new spot isn’t just about bread. Next to it, trays of sweets tempt you, putting any diet on pause. From Cascais’ iconic areias and nozes to the classic pastéis de nata, choosing just one is the real challenge. Open every day, this hands-on bakery will also host morning demonstrations of what the students are preparing – all available to buy later in the day. Rua Padre Moisés da Silva 8, Cascais