The Best Beaches in and Around Cascais

Cascais and Estoril have a string of easy town beaches along the bay, with the wild Atlantic coast of Guincho just beyond. Here are the best beaches in and around Cascais, from family-friendly coves to surf spots.

Quick answer: in town, Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha are the classics. In Estoril, Tamariz has a seawater pool. For space and surf, head to Carcavelos. For wild scenery, see Guincho, though its currents are strong. For a hidden cove, hike down to Praia da Ursa near Cabo da Roca.

Why go

Cascais is the easiest place near Lisbon for a beach day without a car. The train runs along the coast and stops a few minutes’ walk from the sand. The beaches inside the bay face south, so the water is usually calmer than on the open Atlantic coast. Round the headland, the coast changes completely, with big dunes, wind and surf at Guincho. You can try both styles in one day.

Cascais town

• Praia da Rainha: a tiny, pretty cove in the centre, named after the queen who used it when the royal family summered in Cascais. It is sheltered by rocks and gets very busy in summer, so come early.
• Praia da Conceição and Duquesa: sandy beaches by the train station with calm water. At low tide they join into one longer beach. There are sunbeds, cafes and a lifeguard in season.
• Praia da Ribeira: the fishermen’s beach in the centre. Good for a paddle and watching the boats, less so for a full beach day.
• Praia de Santa Marta: a small cove by the lighthouse and museum quarter, a short walk west of the marina.

Estoril

• Praia do Tamariz: a beach below the casino gardens, with a seawater pool. The beach is wide and the pool is a hit with children. The pool is free in summer, and space around it is limited, so come early. Estoril station is right next to it.
• Praia da Azarujinha: a tiny cove close to Tamariz, reached by steps down from the promenade.
• Praia da Poça: a long beach between São João do Estoril and Estoril, with rocky edges and a relaxed, local feel.
• The seafront promenade: a flat walk of about 3 km linking Estoril and Cascais. Allow 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, with beach bars along the way.

Along the line

• Carcavelos: a big beach popular with surfers and families. It is one of the longest beaches on the line, with surf schools, beach volleyball and lots of space. The station is about a 10-minute walk away. At its eastern end stands the São Julião da Barra fort, which once guarded the entrance to the Tagus. See Carcavelos.
• São Pedro do Estoril: a small beach with a rocky reef that draws surfers when the swell is up.

The wild coast

• Guincho: dunes, wind, surf and kitesurfing, backed by the Sintra hills. It is about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from Cascais, or a longer ride on the coastal cycle path. See Guincho.
• Praia da Ursa: a dramatic cove below Cabo da Roca, reached by a steep, difficult path. Swimming is dangerous. See Cabo da Roca.

On the way to Guincho, stop at Boca do Inferno, a collapsed sea cave where waves crash into the rocks, a short walk west of the town centre. If you continue to Cabo da Roca, the clifftop is free to visit. The lighthouse opened to visitors in July 2026, with a paid ticket.

Which beach for what

• For children: Tamariz, Conceição and Duquesa.
• For surfing: Carcavelos and Guincho. See surfing in Portugal.
• For scenery: Guincho and Praia da Ursa.
• Without a car: any beach along the train line.

A beach day plan

• Morning: take an early train from Cais do Sodré to Estoril and swim at Tamariz or in the seawater pool.
• Late morning: walk the promenade to Cascais, stopping for a coffee at a beach bar.
• Lunch: grilled fish near the harbour in Cascais.
• Afternoon: relax at Conceição, or take a bus or taxi out to Guincho for the dunes and the wilder sea.

Food

The coast is all about seafood. Look for grilled fish of the day, sardines in summer, clams cooked with garlic and coriander (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato) and arroz de marisco, a soupy seafood rice. Beach bars serve sandwiches, salads and cold drinks. For something sweet, Cascais has plenty of ice cream shops. See the Portuguese seafood guide.

Getting there

• By train: the Cascais line from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon takes about 40 minutes to Cascais. Trains are frequent and stop at Carcavelos, São Pedro do Estoril, Estoril and Cascais. See day trips from Lisbon by train.
• Evening works: during ongoing modernisation works, replacement buses run between Caxias and Cascais on some evenings and early Sunday mornings. Check CP’s website for current times.
• By car: about 30 to 40 minutes from central Lisbon, depending on traffic. Parking in Cascais is mostly paid, and it fills up on summer weekends.
• To Guincho: local buses run from Cascais bus station. Check current times.

When to go

• July to September: the warmest sea, though still cool. September is often the best month.
• June: pleasant and less crowded. Lisbon’s June festivals are close by.
• Out of season: the promenade is lovely for walks all year.

Tips

• Train: the Cascais line from Cais do Sodré stops right by the town beaches.
• Water temperature: cooler than the Algarve. Obey the lifeguards’ flags in season.
• Summer weekends: busy, so arrive early.
• Guincho wind: it can be fierce in the afternoon, so go in the morning if you want to sit on the sand.

FAQ

What is the best beach in Cascais?

For an easy town beach, Praia da Conceição and Duquesa by the station are the most practical. For scenery and surf, Guincho is the most dramatic, though its currents are strong.

Can you swim in Cascais?

Yes. The beaches inside the bay face south and are usually calm, with lifeguards in season. The water is cool even in summer.

How do I get from Lisbon to the Cascais beaches?

Take the train from Cais do Sodré. It takes about 40 minutes to Cascais and stops near Carcavelos, Estoril and the town beaches.

Is Guincho good for swimming?

Only with care. It is a wild, windy beach with strong currents, better suited to surfers and kitesurfers. Swim only near the lifeguards and on calm days.

More: the best beaches near Lisbon, things to do in Cascais and the best hotels in Cascais.

See also: Estoril and Boca do Inferno.

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