Just a short drive from Lisbon, Cascais is certainly one of the most convenient beach towns for foreign visitors and residents of Portugal’s capital. You’ll also come across magnificent beaches, sandy coves with crystalline waters and plenty of water activities. The modern marina is lined with luxury yachts and – to crown it all off – the town comes alive at night with trendy nightclubs and the iconic Cascais casino – one of Europe’s oldest and largest.

Time-travel back to the 19th and early 20th centuries when this former fishing village rose to become a resort town of regal choice. The wide esplanade, elegant architecture and general seaside grandiosity all lend the Cascais of nowadays an air of majestic cheerfulness that is contagious.

Just a quick 15 minutes from Lisbon, at the end of the suburban train line, you find yourself in a charming beach town with bags of recreational pursuits to offer. While Cascais may have been embraced by monarchy and glitterati – and continues to draw a cosmopolitan, jet-set crowd – it has never really strayed too far from its roots.

Today, the daily catch in Cascais is still auctioned in the harbour-side square and colourful boats still bob in the harbour – their owners often found mending nets on the quay. Naturally, you’ll find a healthy variety of quality fish restaurants, as well as a plethora of other types of restaurants nestled alongside chic boutiques, well-heeled hotels and specialty tourist shops selling typical embroidery and lace. Great for shopping.

As if all this picturesque charm was not enough – you’ll also come across magnificent beaches, sandy coves with crystalline waters and plenty of water activities. The modern marina is lined with luxury yachts and – to crown it all off – the town comes alive at night with trendy nightclubs and the iconic Cascais casino – one of Europe’s oldest and largest.

Just a short drive from Lisbon, Cascais is certainly one of the most convenient beach towns for foreign visitors and residents of Portugal’s capital.