Cascais with Kids: The Family Travel Guide to Lisbon’s Charming Coastal Escape
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon by car or train, Cascais is one of Portugal’s most effortlessly charming seaside towns. Once a quiet fishing village and later a royal summer retreat, it now blends relaxed coastal living with a touch of sophistication. For families, it’s an ideal destination: safe, walkable, packed with excellent restaurants, sandy beaches, and enough activities to keep both kids and adults happy.
Whether you’re in Cascais with kids for a weekend getaway from Lisbon or planning a longer beach holiday, here’s a complete family guide—from our favorite places to eat and stay to the best beaches, activities, markets, and cultural attractions. Pro-tip, Cascais is pronounced Ca’sh’Cai’sh’.
Why Visit Cascais with Kids?
Cascais is ideal for families thanks to its safe, walkable streets, excellent beaches, diverse dining options, rich culture, and proximity to Lisbon and Sintra. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer, it’s easy to find something for everyone.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cascais
Cascais is a food lover’s haven. Our favorite family dining highlights include a range of cuisines and experiences.
Where to eat in Cascais with kids:
Taberna Clandestina, Malacopa, and Sr. Manuel sit side by side along a pedestrian only section of Rua Afonso Sanches. We love the relaxed vibes and dining al fresco. Taberna Clandestina offers a mix of modern Portuguese petiscos (small plates) and Italian dishes. Malacopa serves up supreme Mexican food and great cocktails. While Sr. Manuel delivers fresh seafood and a solid wine list.
Emma is our go-to for brunch or lunch with the perfect location alongside Praia da Ribeira. (pictured)
Aqafarina is a gem for its charcuterie boards and handmade pasta. Unpretentious and extremely delicious.
For a modern take on traditional Portuguese cuisine, Hifen serves excellent petiscos (small plates) and delightful pitchers of Sangria. The large variety on the menu ensures there will be something for everyone in the family.
Santini, off of the central Alameda Combatentes da Grande Guerra, is a favorite for a post meal ice cream.
Where to eat for a night out in Cascais without kids:
Kappo offers an elevated omakase experience, and excellent choice for a special night out with incredible sushi and a tranquil atmosphere. Izakaya delivers bold Japanese-inspired small plates in a casual, fun setting. For those interested in a pre or post dinner glass of wine, Holy Wine, is great for sampling regional and biodynamic varieties.
Coastal Seafood Restaurants in Cascais
Some of the best seafood in Cascais is found along the scenic coastal road that heads west out of town. These spots combine fresh seafood with spectacular ocean views.
- Mar do Inferno: This beloved institution near Boca do Inferno serves fresh seafood with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Known for their shellfish platters, grilled fish, and hearty rice dishes, it’s a local classic for a reason. Make a reservation if you can—it’s popular for good reason.
- Cascais Entraguas: Offers an elegant atmosphere with excellent service and presentation. Their contemporary takes on Portuguese seafood classics make it a great choice for a special meal.(pictured)
- Furnas do Guincho: Located near Praia do Guincho, this restaurant features dramatic cliffside views and a menu focused on traditional seafood dishes. It’s a scenic, slightly splurgy option that’s worth the drive for both the food and the setting.
Try These Portuguese Seafood Recipes at Home
- Grilled Turbot Portuguese Style: A Guide to Cooking This Exquisite Fish
- Portuguese Grilled Prawns / Gambas Mozambique
- Baked Dorada: A Simple and Delicious Seafood Delight
- Perfect Grilled Lobster Recipe: Spiny European Lobster on the BBQ
- The Perfect Polvo Lagareiro: A Classic Portuguese Octopus Recipe
- Razor Clam Bulhão Pato: A Fresh Take on a Portuguese Favorite
- Grilled Tiger Prawns, Cervejaria Style: A Taste of Coastal Portugal at Home
Coffee & Casual Cafés in Cascais with Kids
Cascais has a growing third-wave coffee scene that rivals Lisbon’s. Whether you’re after a quick espresso or a laptop-friendly cafe, here are our top spots:
- Fábrica Coffee Roasters: Consistently good coffee and a modern, comfortable interior.
- The Coffee: Sleek design and well-crafted espresso drinks.
- Unity Coffee Roasters: Great roasts, perfect for takeaway when in the area. They have a nice brunch/lunch offering, but this place is more of a food service cafe than your typical coffee talk setting.
Our family’s favorite, however, is Café Joyeux Cascais. Beyond the great espresso and delicious tosta mistas (a favorite of our girls), Café Joyeux is part of a social initiative employing individuals with cognitive disabilities. It’s located in a beautiful central spot, offers free Wi-Fi, and has a welcoming, feel-good atmosphere that makes it ideal for catching up on emails or relaxing while the kids snack.
Markets & Specialty Shops
Mercado da Vila is a must-visit weekend market, lively with fresh produce, seafood, and butchers. It’s one of the few places in Portugal where we’ve even found dill! For gourmet goods, Fromagerie Maître Renard next to the Mercado stocks an impressive selection of French and Portuguese cheeses and wines, perfect for assembling a beach picnic. Casa da Guia is a 19th-century estate transformed into a cluster of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants set along dramatic coastal cliffs. It’s an ideal destination for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and al fresco dining. Operarock Cascais has a great selection of vibrant apparel at reasonable prices.
Best Beaches in Cascais with Kids
Praia da Ribeira, located in the town center, is our top pick for kids thanks to its calm waters and seasonal inflatable playground. Paddle boards and kayaks are available to rent, and beach bars keep everyone refreshed. Praia da Rainha, a small cove-like beach, can be accessed from Ribeira at low tide. There’s also a nearby inlet next to Casa-Museu de Santa Maria that attracts swimmers when the tides are right. This area is better for families with older kids.
For something wilder, Praia do Guincho offers a windswept, scenic setting against the Sintra mountains. It’s popular for surfing and long beach walks.
Outdoor Family Fun in Cascais with Kids
A great way to get a little active is renting bikes in central Cascais and riding along the coast to Praia do Guincho and back. We’ve rented bikes from Cascais Rent Bike that worked well. Mobi Cascais at Av. da República 299 would be another good option for a shorter bike ride with young kids. The route is flat, scenic, and very doable with kids.
For some kid centric fun the merry go-round in Jardim Visconde da Luz is always a hit with our kids. While the larger Parque Marechal Carmona provides a break from the city center with its turtle pond, roaming chickens, and shaded playgrounds.
In the Quinta da Marinha area, Freddy’s Ice Cream Park is a great space for kids to roam with an ice cream while adults enjoy cold drinks. Nearby, Polo 1921 serves delicious pizzas next to an equestrian center where horseback riding sessions can be arranged in advance. This scenic area is also home to several resorts and golf courses.
Cultural Highlights
Casa-Museu de Santa Maria is a beautifully preserved early 20th-century mansion filled with traditional Portuguese azulejos and coastal views from its windows. A great place to combine history with seaside ambiance.
Boca do Inferno, a dramatic natural cliff formation, is just a short walk from the town center and always draws a crowd to watch the Atlantic waves crash through the rocky chasm.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Cascais with Kids
Cascais has all the ingredients of a successful family trip: walkable streets, beautiful beaches, world-class food, and easy access to Lisbon and Sintra. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a cultural escape, or a break from urban travel, Cascais delivers a unique mix of nature, leisure, and local charm.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip a perfect espresso at Café Joyeux, spend the morning paddle boarding at Praia da Ribeira, and enjoy a seafood dinner on the cliffs at sunset—all in one day. For families, it offers both ease and inspiration. We can’t wait to return.
