How to Plan Your Perfect Cascais Easter Holiday

Easter is a perfect time to explore the enchanting coastal town of Cascais, Portugal. With its mild spring weather and a blend of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, Cascais offers an ideal destination for your Easter holiday. In this guide, we’ll help you plan a memorable 7-day itinerary to make the most of your spring vacation or Easter holiday in Cascais.

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Why Stay in Cascais (over Lisbon)?

When deciding between staying in Lisbon or Cascais for your Easter holiday, consider your preferences and priorities. Lisbon, as the capital city, offers a bustling urban atmosphere with a rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous iconic landmarks. If you’re passionate about exploring historic neighborhoods, museums, and the lively urban scene, Lisbon might be your top choice. While early spring generally offers fewer crowds in Lisbon, Easter week is a clear exception to this.

On the other hand, Cascais boasts a more relaxed and coastal ambiance, with picturesque beaches and charming streets. It’s an ideal spring vacation destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat with easy access to Lisbon for day trips (via an easy and scenic 40 minute train ride). To make your decision, think about whether you want a dynamic city experience or a serene coastal getaway, or perhaps a combination of both, and plan your accommodation accordingly to best suit your preferences.

Easter Traditions

Experience the local Cascais Easter holiday traditions throughout Holy Week and on Easter. Small religious processions occur mainly outdoors, with Biblical re-enactments and Roman period costumes. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are national holidays. Most restaurants and bars remain open, though you may find many tourist attractions closed on these days.

If you are traveling with family, participate in an Easter egg hunt. An alternative we enjoyed this past Easter was a sea shell hunt, with long walks along the Atlantic beaches searching for the best shells, leading up to an Easter lunch al fresco at a seaside restaurant.

Try traditional Easter foods in Portugal include roast lamb or goat (cabrito), Folar da Páscoa (a traditional Easter bread), almonds, and Bacalhou (salted cod, traditionally eaten on Good Friday).

Day 1: Settling In to Cascais

Upon your arrival in Cascais, check into your chosen accommodation, whether it’s a charming boutique hotel or a beachfront resort (see Travel Tips below for our lodging recommendations). Spend your first afternoon getting acquainted with the town by strolling through its cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture.

Head down towards Boca do Inferno or Casa da Guia to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the ocean. You will find many people congregating between these locations, often bringing along a picnic or wine and cheese. We generally pick up picnic supplies on our walk over to the Casa da Guia area, often at Pingo Doce Guia.

After sunset, head into the historic center to Rua Amarela, where you’ll find an assortment of restaurants, including Taberna Clandestina, with classic Portuguese faire.

Day 2: Exploring the Historic Center

Start your morning by exploring the heart of Cascais. Take a half day tour or consider this for a possible independent itinerary:

• Visit the Cascais Citadel, a historic citadel and fortress with excellent views of the sea
• Head to the Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães, one of the most ornate of Cascais’ 19th century villas
• Head over to the Mercado do Vila to browse the fresh produce, fish, baked goods, as well as restaurants and shops attached. You’ll find a flea market or artist displays on designated days. Keep in mind that the Mercado is closed on Mondays. This could be a great spot for a coffee and pastry (such as the Pastel del Nata), or for lunch at one of the many restaurants.
• After lunch, take a walk on the beautiful Paredão de Cascais, a beautiful seaside path connecting Cascais with São João de Estoril. This accessible path runs 2750 meters in each direction (1.7 miles each way), with plenty of stopping points for a coffee break with a view.
• Afterward, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Praia da Rainha, one of Cascais’ most picturesque beaches.
• Wrap up your afternoon with Cascais’ best gelato at Santini’s.
• If you are a James Bond fan, don’t miss a stop at Bar Estoril (inside Palácio Estoril). Famous for being the espionage site of choice during World War II, this site inspired Ian Flemming to write Casino Royal in 1941.

Water Activities

If you would like to get out on the water during your Easter holiday, you have a few easy options in Cascais. One is a sea kayaking tour in Cascais harbor. Another option is to head out sailing–this private sailing tour can be arranged around your schedule. Cascais Surf Experience offers surf lessons (including needed wetsuits).

A unique option in Cascais is Open-Water Swimming Cascais. This is organized by Swim Together, who hosts almost daily open water swim workouts. This is a great option for those interested in trying open water swimming or for those experienced at open water swimming, wanting to join a fun group of swimmers. You can rent a wetsuit and swim buoy from them, or bring one along as I did. The coaches and other swimmers are incredibly welcoming, and make the cold water tolerable (the water was about 14°C [57°F] during our Cascais spring vacation).

Day 3: Exploring Cascais’ Natural Beauty

Spend the day exploring the natural beauty surrounding Cascais. Today we will rent a bike and head out towards Guincho Beach to explore. The multi-use sport path to Guincho Beach is separated from the road, and is roughly 8000 meters (approx. 5 miles) each way. It is fairly flat, though does have a few longer inclines on the way back into town. See Travel Tips for the easiest bike rental options. If you are concerned about the inclines, we’d suggest to rent an e-bike.

Follow the bike path from Cascais out towards Guincho. You will pass the Boca do Inferno, Casa da Guia, the Farol da Guia lighthouse, and the 17th century Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos. You will see a wooden walkway when you reach the sand dunes. Park your bikes here, and enjoy the short walk along the sand dunes to the interpretive center (Duna da Cresmina). This is a great spot for a coffee break and gorgeous view overlooking Guincho. They do serve pastries and light snacks as well.

Guincho Beach

After retracing your steps to your bike, cycle a short distance further until the bike path comes to an end. We recommend parking and locking your bikes here. Head across the street towards the beach to access Guincho Beach. You’ll have a bit of a walk over the dunes, followed by a roughly 800 meter walk to the far end of the beach.

Enjoy lunch al fresco at Bar do Guincho. This is incredibly popular with locals on weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons. If you decide to go on a Sunday, try arriving right at opening time to get a table. After lunch, enjoy the beach, or a walk to the Fort of Guincho, before heading back on your bikes. The beach is quite rough, better suited towards surfing or kite surfing than swimming. If you would like to organize surf lessons or surf rentals for this day or another, check out the Cascais surf experiences.

If you are in need of a gelato on your return trip, Santini’s has an outlet at Boca do Inferno, which you’ll pass on your way back to town.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

Take a short trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens. Sintra can get incredibly crowded, so a tour such as this one can be your best option for visiting a number of the sites in one day (see Travel Tips below). We generally recommend picking 1-2 sites, and saving the others for another day (or another trip). If you have more time, explore our post on Top 10 Activities in Sintra Off-the-Beaten-Path.

Castelo dos Mouros and Pena Palace are on top of a hill adjacent to one another. Most people will take a bus or Tuk Tuk up and back down the hill. There is a scenic (and steep) path with plenty of stairs, which we have always used. It has beautiful views over the town of Sintra, the National Palace, and the Coast. Keep in mind that the path, with cobblestones in parts, can be quite slippery if it has recently rained.

Quinta da Regaleira is closer in to town, and we found to be a nice respite from the crowds up at Pena Palace. It consists of a 16th manor, with beautiful surrounding gardens.

Convento dos Capuchos, is outside of town and far away from the crowds in Sintra. The remains of the convent and surrounding gardens offer a peaceful getaway, surrounded by huge cork trees.

Return to Cascais in the evening, well-rested and inspired.

Day 5: Day Trip to Lisbon

Take a day trip to Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal. Begin your adventure early in the morning, taking a scenic train ride from Cascais to Lisbon. You have a great view along the coast for most of the 40 minute ride.

Upon arrival, explore the historic neighborhoods. You likely won’t be able to visit them all in a day. I’d suggest picking 1-2, saving the rest for another day.

One option is to focus on Belem, visiting the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Take a walk along the river and take in the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). Don’t miss a stop at the original Pasteis de Nata. If you continue your walk, you end at the Doca di Alcantara, which is a great spot to have a drink or bite to eat while watching the sunset.

Alternatively, head into Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Baixa. We recommend a private half-day tour or a Tuk Tuk tour to make the most of your time in Lisbon.

Don’t forget to try delicious Portuguese cuisine at a local restaurant, such as the iconic Cervejaria Romero. If you have more time, explore our post on Top 10 Activities in Lisbon Off-the-Beaten-Path.

Day 6: Cabo da Roca and the Beaches

Cabo da Roca

Today you’ll embark on a memorable journey to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Begin your day with an early breakfast and then head to Cabo da Roca, where you’ll be greeted by dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are driving, an easy stop for breakfast en route is the Duna da Cresmina mentioned on Day 3. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic Cabo da Roca monument to commemorate your visit to this unique location.

Praia da Ursa

After exploring Cabo da Roca, continue your adventure by heading North on the path to Praia da Ursa, a secluded and picturesque beach nearby. Praia da Ursa is known for its rugged beauty, with massive rock formations and pristine sands. Please note that the path to reach the beach can be steep and challenging, but the effort is rewarded with stunning scenery. We saw plenty of people walking down in flip flops, but strongly recommend sneakers or closed toed walking shoes.

Spend your afternoon at Praia da Ursa, relaxing, sunbathing, or taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of the region. There are no facilities at the beach, so plan ahead and bring snacks or a picnic. You can find shady spots on the beach in the morning, but the shade is gone by early afternoon.

If you would prefer to explore this Sintra Nature Park area with a guide, we suggest a few tours.

• Mountain bike tour Sintra
• Guided Hike Sintra Nature Park
• Hiking Sintra-Cascais

Praia Grande

After hiking back up to Cabo Da Roca, drive (or take a bus) over to Praia Grande and enjoy a late lunch or sunset dinner at Bar do Fundo. Be sure to reserve this spot well in advance.

Day 7: Day Trip to Obidos

A day trip to Óbidos during Easter week can be a charming addition to your Portuguese holiday. Located about an hour’s drive from Cascais, Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval town known for its enchanting cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture. During Easter, Óbidos comes alive with festive decorations, including intricate flower displays and colorful ribbons adorning the streets. Though the festivities last for two weeks, Good Friday or Easter Sunday would be ideal days for a visit.

The highlight of your visit may be exploring the ancient Óbidos Castle. You can also sample the famous Ginja liqueur in chocolate cups, a delightful local tradition. Stroll through the town’s narrow alleys, visit artisan shops, and savor traditional Portuguese cuisine at local restaurants. A day trip to Óbidos offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and a chance to immerse yourself in the Easter spirit in a truly enchanting setting.

Travel Tips

Weather in April

Cascais experiences pleasant weather in April for your Easter holiday that marks the arrival of spring. The average temperature ranges from around 13°C (55°F) in the early mornings and evenings to approximately 18-20°C (64-68°F) during the daytime. While April can bring occasional rainfall, it typically sees less precipitation compared to the wetter winter months.

Visitors can expect the days to be mostly sunny, making the Easter holiday a delightful time to explore Cascais’ charming streets, historic sites, and beautiful beaches without the intense summer heat or crowds. The moderate climate in April allows for a comfortable and enjoyable Easter holiday in Cascais.

The water temperature is still quite chilly (14-18°C (57-64°F). You will see people in the ocean swimming and surfing, but many wear wetsuits at this time of year.

Getting to Cascais

Getting to Cascais for your Easter holiday is relatively easy, and there are several convenient options depending on your starting point. If you’re arriving from abroad, Lisbon International Airport (LIS) is the nearest major airport, located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Cascais. From the airport, you can opt for a hassle-free transfer by taxi or private car, which takes around 30-40 minutes.

Cascais is also accessible by road, so if you’re exploring other parts of Portugal, you can rent a car and follow the well-marked highways to reach this charming coastal destination. Not all lodging in Cascais offers parking, so double check this in advance if you decide to rent a car.

Getting around Cascais

Cascais itself is a very pedestrian friendly city. For most of your explorations about Cascais for your Easter holiday, we’d recommend walking or renting a bike.

Trains: you can take a direct train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station to Cascais, with a journey time of about 40 minutes, offering scenic coastal views along the way.

Buses: buses run frequently in and around Cascais and Sintra, making for a low stress mode of travel. Check the Mobi app (or the Mobi website here) for schedules and fares. You can easily take a bus out to Cabo da Roca, Sintra, etc.

Car rentals are an easy option. Keep in mind that there are very narrow streets in parts of Cascais and Sintra (and Lisbon), so a smaller car is preferred. Parking can be a challenge, but the Mobi app makes paying for parking easier.

Bike Rental Options

We recommend booking your bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and even motorcycles through BikesBooking. This ensures you the greatest selection and availability of bikes. If you choose not to reserve in advance, there are a few decent options in Cascais for picking up a bike last minute.

• MobiCascais has 5 stations across Cascais, allowing you to find bike rentals close to you. The app is quite convenient, and you can check out traditional bicycles (6 Euros for up to 1 day), as well as e-bikes (10 Euros for up to 1 day), and e-scooters (15 Euros for up to 4 hours). These standard bicycles do not come with gears, so they can be challenging when you get to the hills. You can rent helmets and padlocks for an additional 1 Euro each. Locks are important if you plan to park your bike when you get to the beach. Note that the traditional bikes do not have gears.
• Tomorrow’s Adventure is conveniently located in the train station, renting mountain bike rentals for the ride to Guincho (5 Euros for 2 hours, 10 Euros for 4 hours). They also rent e-bikes and scooters. Locks and baskets are included, helmets rent for an additional 1 Euro. The bikes have gears and the quality of the bikes is typically better than that of the Mobi bikes. That said, we have had some issues with tires low on air and gears not shifting smoothly. Do check the tires and gears before heading out.

Lodging

We prefer to stay on the North side of town, putting us within 10-15 minute walking distance of Casa da Guia, Boca da Inferno, as well as to the train station and historic downtown. Casa Vela Guest House is quiet and has lovely gardens, and is in a great location to reach all of the Cascais sites. Alternatives we would recommend:

• Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, beachfront resort
• Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, a waterfront Relais & Châteaux resort
• Sheraton Cascais Resort, a full service resort with both hotel rooms and residences
• Casa Laranja, a Boutique Hotel
• Pergola Boutique Hotel
• Ljmonade Hostel, providing budget accommodations
• Nice Way Cascais Hostel and Surf Camp, providing budget accommodations and surf lessons

Another unique alternative is the Vila Gale Palácio dos Arcos in Oeiras. Though it is mid-way between Lisbon and Cascais, it is certainly worth a mention. This is a refurbished 15th century palace, with beautiful views over the river, and easy access to the sea front paths. The main building with restaurant and chapel have been wonderfully refurbished. The guest rooms are primarily in a new wing of the building, providing spacious accommodations overlooking the gardens. It is a 5 minute walk to the train, which can be used to easily visit Lisbon or Cascais.

Recommended Tours

• Lisbon private half-day tour
• Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Private Sintra Tour
• Small Group Cascais Tour
• Small Group Tour Sintra and Cabo da Roca
• E-bike Tour Cascais and Sintra
• Mountain bike tour Sintra
• Guided Hike Sintra Nature Park
• Hiking Sintra-Cascais
• Sea Kayaking Cascais
• Off-the-beaten Path Tour of Sintra with Wine Tasting
• Private Sailing Tour Cascais
• Cascais Surf Experience
• Open-Water Swimming Cascais

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