Lisboa in Four Acts: A Springtime Story (Part II)

Cascais: Stormy nights, Santini, and bossa vibes

The sea was calling, and we answered—by setting up base in Cascais, a charming beach town west of Lisbon and right on the Atlantic coast. This wasn’t our first time in Portugal, yet Cascais gave us something new: a slower rhythm, salty air, and a place to return to each night, gelato in hand. And one stubborn Storm Martinho.

Praia da Rainha

Our stay in Cascais was like hitting the pause button, stormy weather aside. Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, this beach town offered a much-needed escape, with the sea breeze and soothing rhythm of waves setting the pace. It’s a place where you can simply relax and let the day unfold.

The vibe of Cascais is undeniably relaxed, with plenty of local charm to spare. Walking around, we couldn’t help but be drawn into the easy-going pace of life here. The art galleries, (Galeria 5050 featuring local artists was a favorite) seafood restaurants, and little boutiques along the cobbled streets added a cozy charm that made us want to linger. Almost every evening, without fail, we made our Santini ice cream stop—arguably the best way to cap off a day. Their flavors? Let’s just say we had a hard time choosing, but the pistachio and mango were consistently our top picks. Even though we were a stone's throw away from Lisbon, it felt like a whole different world—one with a personality all its own. We got the best of both worlds: the peaceful retreat of the coast and the vibrant energy of the city.

What makes Cascais feel special is the balance of old and new. It’s a town that honors its history while embracing the contemporary. While strolling through the main shopping area, we came across signs marking the Santiago de Compostela and Santiago de Fatima pilgrimage route along the waterfront. It was a delight for us since we’re followers of the various Santiago de Compostela routes. The signs remind you that history is always a step away, even in places where you’d least expect it. One can also visit well-known attractions like the Parque Marechal Carmona and Cascais Marina in town, the sea arch cliff Boca do Inferno, and the popular nearby town of Sintra.

At the end of a week of adventures, we found ourselves at the Cascais Jazz Club for a perfect Friday night unwind. The cozy venue, brought to life by the charm and grace of its president, and jazz vocalist, Maria Viana, offered the ideal setting for a night of smooth sounds.

We had the pleasure of listening to father-daughter duo of Ella Blu and Grammy-nominated drummer Magrus Borges collectively known as Ella and the Bossa Beat, with guest Massimo Cavalli on bass. Their mix of bossa nova and jazz was a delight—soothing, rhythmic, and just what we needed to wrap up the week.

Ella and the Bossa Beat with special guest Massimo Cavalli, performing songs from their latest album, Paradise and treating us to an evening of Brazilian jazz.

Would we recommend staying in Cascais while visiting Lisbon?

It depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. The train or Uber to Lisbon takes around 35 minutes, which may not work for those on a tight schedule. But since we’d visited Portugal before, we weren’t set on staying in the city. Instead, having the beach vibe and a change of scenery after wandering through Lisbon all day was priceless.

We enjoyed the contrast between a small town’s relaxed pace (especially in the off-season) and Lisbon’s big-city energy. Cascais had its own charm—stunning coastal views, great food, and enough to explore without feeling rushed. At the same time, it was easy enough for us to get to Lisbon’s well-known landmarks and neighborhoods.

Another perk? Accommodations were more spacious and affordable in Cascais, especially for our group of six adults. Being off-season meant we had more options, lower rates, and staying in a larger flat gave us a comfortable home base to return to each evening.

For us, it was the perfect balance. But if it’s your first time in Portugal or you’re on a quick itinerary, staying in Lisbon might be the better call.

Cascais was a retreat, a home base, and a reminder that the best travels mix the familiar with the unexpected. Sure, Storm Martinho tried to throw a wrench in the works (with wind gusts reaching 100 km/hr), but honestly, it just made the sunshine feel that much warmer, the waves crash harder, and the moments together even more memorable.

One of our many Santini nights.

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Pronti? Via! 

During our stay in Lisboa, we did a combination of independent travel arrangements and organized small group tours to get around. We found local operators, ventured out on our own, or used trusted booking platforms like Viator. For suggestions on activities, check out our Viator Shop featuring our "Spring '25✨Lisboa Favorites & Top Experiences!

Have a trip in mind? Let's chat! As a Fora certified Travel Advisor we can help book your flights, accommodations, and activities. We curate your adventures based on your interests, group size, and budget. Would love to hear from you and be a part of your travels!