Random-osity: A Seaside Day in Cascais

On our last day in Portugal, we headed out to the seaside town of Cascais. Cascais is about a 45 minute train ride from Lisbon and situated on the Atlantic Ocean. It has this magical mix of old-world charm and stunning coastal views that really made it a perfect last lesiously last day in Portugal!

We started down the promendade at the Boca do Inferno (the “Mouth of Hell”), a dramatic cliff formation just outside of the town. The views are amazing and you can climb down the rocks a bit to watch the waves crash into the rocky caves.

We then made our way into the town, walking along the coast. The views are just so spectacular so matter where we looked! As you approach the edge of the downtown there are some historic buildings that you can explore. The Santa Mara lighthouBuilt in 1868 and is now a little museum, but is still in operation to keep ships safe along the entrance to the river!

We quickly popped into the the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. This gorgeous old mansion feels like stepping back in time. It’s set right along the coast, with gardens that spill out toward the ocean, and the inside is full of interesting art and artifacts.

The old town is so picturesque, with its narrow streets, a mix of whitewashed and colorful buildings, and the kind of blue-and-white tiles that seem to shout "you’re in Portugal!" We grabbed lunch and enjoyed the town for a bit. It felt very beach town touristy to me having grown up in a beach town and it was packed so we made our way to the beach quickly!

We spent the afternoon strolling the seaside walk and seeing all the little beach coves. I got brave and dipped my toes into the ocean, it was cold but felt great and now I can say I have put my feet into both sides of the Atlantic Ocean! We didn’t do much more than that—just relaxed, people-watched, and took in the peaceful vibe of it all.

Cascais isn’t flashy, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a place where you can slow down, savor the simple things, and just be. There is no need to fill the day with activities or a packed itinerary. Cascais gives you permission to just enjoy the moment, which was perfect for our last day!