Portugal is a brilliant sun holiday and Lisbon is perfect if you’re looking to feel the bright sunshine on your face during a city break. But the city gets steamy, particularly in the summer. Lucky for you dear traveller, there is an oasis shimmering on the coast just a short train ride away.
Cascais, just west of Lisbon on the Atlantic, has grown from a charming fishing village into a beach holiday favourite for the Portuguese and international visitors. The town makes an ideal day trip if you’re craving a bit of sea with your sun.
It’s a simple journey to the beach. A 30-minute train journey, grab the suburban train from the city’s Cais do Sodré station to Cascais station for only €1-3 – it’s the final stop.
Once you’ve reached Cascais station, the gorgeous beaches are less than a 10 minute walk away. Praia de Rainha is a buzzing, compact beach in the direction of the historic centre, while Praia de Ribeira de Cascais, Praia da Conceição, and Praia da Duquesa are city beaches that blend into each other. If you fancy treating yourself, there are beach bars where you can rent sun beds and have a few cocktails.
I couldn’t recommend Cascais enough as part of your trip to Lisbon – the town is so much more than just the beach. There’s a pretty and historic town centre and waterfront for you to explore with quaint restaurants, shops, and ice cream parlours.