Cascais, Portugal is the Ultimate Summer Vacay Destination

Tucked along the Portuguese Riviera, just 30 minutes west of Lisbon, Cascais has long been the summer destination of choice for Portuguese royalty and locals. It has everything that more popular summer vacation destinations offer – a stunning coastline, incredible food and warm weather, without the overwhelming crowds or expensive prices. Once you finally travel to Cascais, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to go in the first place.

Cascais is home to several beaches, but Praia da Rainha, “Queen's Beach,” earns its name. Located right in the heart of town, it's a small, stunning oasis. Arrive earlier in the day to beat any crowds, bring your book, a towel and enjoy the soft sand and turquoise waters. The beach itself looks like it came straight off of a postcard and the walk back into town for lunch takes at most three minutes.

Cascais's historic center is best experienced by foot, without a set itinerary. Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with azulejo-tiled buildings and check out the local boutiques that feature handmade ceramics and local treasures. The town is small enough to see in an afternoon but charming enough to spend an extended stay.

Portugal's most iconic pastry is an absolute must try if you value the culinary side of traveling at all. The pastel de nata is a flaky, buttery tart filled with silky egg custard and dusted with cinnamon. It’s best eaten warmed, straight from a local pastelaria. In Cascais, you'll find them everywhere, but look for smaller, local bakeries over the touristy places or coffee chains.

For more of a historical activity, the Cascais Citadel is definitely worth an afternoon. The ancient royal fortress rests atop the waterfront and houses the Citadel Palace, gardens and art exhibitions inside the Cultural Center. Most of it is free for entry and the views of the ocean from the lookouts are breathtaking. It's a beautiful and engaging site to visit and one that can easily take a few hours if you are looking to fill time.

Seafood is quintessential to Portuguese cuisine. And in Cascais, the seafood is fresh and prepared deliciously. You can find grilled fish, charred octopus, buttery clams in white wine and garlic and bacalhau prepared a hundred different ways. Snag a table at a local restaurant away from the main touristy sites and order the grilled dourada or any fish that sounds appealing to you. A cold glass of vinho verde paired with it is mandatory, not optional.

Cascais sits at one end of a spectacular coastal road that winds its way toward Sintra — one of Portugal's most magical towns, tucked away in the hills, packed with palaces, gardens and fairytale architecture. It's only a 40-minute drive by car and is worth the day trip. Head on up to the Pena Palace for panoramic views or walk around the Quinta da Regaleira before heading back to Cascais.

Only a short walk to the west of Cascais — Boca do Inferno, AKA Devil's Mouth, is an infamous sea cave carved into the rocky cliffs, looking out into the Atlantic. It’s the perfect scenic location for some photography, especially as the sun begins to set. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon to find a spot on the rocks above the cave, and watch the sky change colors over the ocean. It’s definitely a worthwhile view to catch before you leave Cascais.

Portuguese nightlife tends to start well into the evening and stretches well into the early hours of morning. Plan to start your evening with the traditional Portuguese ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur served in a small glass or a chocolate cup at a local bar before moving on to dinner. After dinner, expect the town to get lively — outdoor terraces fill up, live music can be heard from every which way and people are in no rush to get home.