What to see in Cascais ?

Cascais was long the summer refuge of the Portuguese royal court, and that history still reads in the town's architecture—converted palaces and manicured gardens. The town holds a rare balance: lively enough to have character, small enough to walk without fuss. The waterfront around Baía de Cascais sets the tone—calm, unpretentious, fishermen coexisting peacefully with café terraces.

Spring and early autumn are your best windows: the light is sharp, the beaches breathe. Two days cover the essentials, including Fortaleza de Cascais and the coves towards Guincho. From Lisbon, the Cais do Sodré train is direct and takes 40 minutes—forget the car, parking is a nightmare in July. Don't stick to the main promenade: the real interest lies in the backstreets, which most visitors ignore.