Cascais Day Trip: Top Things to See from São Martinho do Porto

Cascais by the sea

Cascais day trip from São Martinho do Porto.....

Just 45 minutes from Villa 6 in São Martinho do Porto, the coastal town of Cascais offers the perfect blend of sun, style, and seaside charm. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais has blossomed into one of Portugal’s most elegant and vibrant destinations. With its palm-lined promenades, historic mansions, buzzing food scene, and laid-back beach culture, it’s a day trip that delivers far more than just pretty views.

🏖️ A Stroll to Remember

On our latest visit, we stepped out of the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel just as the sun began its golden descent. The light shimmered over the ocean, the breeze was warm, and the town pulsed with life. As we wandered along the waterfront past Casa Santa Maria, the magic of Cascais began to unfold.

That evening, the town was electric—Sporting CP had just won the Portuguese football championship. Horns blared, flags flew, and locals cheered with a contagious energy that swept us right into the celebration.

🍣 My Blade Runner Birthday at Izakaya

Then came dinner at IZAKAYA—a birthday gift and an unforgettable culinary journey. With only 18 seats at the bar, this tiny, neon-lit gem feels like a secret club, straight out of Blade Runner (my all-time favourite film, by the way).

The vibe? Vibrant and edgy. The music? On point. The food? Next level.

Behind the bar, Rose, a Dutch cocktail virtuoso from Zaltbommel, worked her magic. Every drink was a performance. Plate after plate arrived—each one more delicious than the last YUM YUM YUM, with sake flowing, Cool music, a Fab vibe and conversation bubbly with the neighbour on the set next and waiters.

At 10:30, we gave up our spots to the next lucky diners and wandered back to our hotel—satiated, smiling, and slightly tipsy on joy (and sake).

Tip: It's open for Lunch and Dinner, but it's only got 18 seats around the bar.

🌊 But There’s So Much More to Cascais…

Cascais isn’t just about food—it’s a complete experience. Here are just a few reasons why it’s one of Portugal’s most beloved coastal destinations:

The Beaches

• Praia da Rainha – a postcard-perfect cove right in the town centre.

• Guincho Beach – a wild, wind-swept stretch of sand, ideal for surfers and sunset seekers.

The Marina & Museums

• Cascais Marina – a sleek spot for a stroll, with yachts, cafes, and Atlantic views.

• Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães – a fairy-tale mansion filled with art and history, perched on the cliff’s edge.

• Paula Rego House of Stories – a modern museum dedicated to one of Portugal’s greatest contemporary artists.

The Historic Centre

The cobbled streets are lined with boutiques, ice cream parlours, and colourful azulejo tiles. It’s the kind of place where you can just wander and find something beautiful at every turn.

Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth)

A dramatic cliff formation just outside town, where the waves crash into the rocks with theatrical force. A must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Great Food, Always

From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run seafood joints, Cascais delivers on taste. Try the grilled sardines, octopus salad, or a simple espresso at a streetside café—you can’t go wrong.

💡 Top Tip for Villa 6 Guests:

Leave Villa 6 around 9:00 AM, and you’ll have time for:

• A beachfront brunch

• A museum or market visit

• A long lunch (or early dinner) at IZAKAYA, don't forget to book.

• And maybe a cheeky gelato on the way back

  
  

You’ll be home in time for a sunset glass of wine on the terrace. Cascais is just close enough for comfort, and just far enough to feel like a mini-holiday inside your holiday.

Ready to discover Cascais? Book your stay at Villa 6 Silver Coast, your perfect home base for exploring Portugal’s hidden gems.