Evolution Cascais-Estoril
DR Evolution Cascais-Estoril
DR Evolution Cascais-Estoril

The best terraces in Cascais to make the most of the good weather

From sun-drenched esplanades to signature cocktails, tasty bites to live DJs, these are the rooftops you won’t want to leave all summer long.

Ricardo Farinha
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There are few better ways to end a sunny day than on a good terrace. Whether you’re seeking shade or chasing the sun, you can soak up the fresh air – and that all-important vitamin D – while sipping a drink, nibbling on some snacks, catching up with friends or just enjoying the vibe at one of Cascais’ top rooftops.

Beyond the ever-popular spots at the Cascais Marina, there are plenty more terraces dotted around the town to suit all tastes. The best plan? Make it your mission over the coming months to work your way through the best terraces in Cascais this Spring and Summer.

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The best terraces in Cascais

  • Hotels

Perched on the seventh floor of the Evolution Cascais-Estoril hotel, The Upper Deck is where stylish sunsets meet seriously good cocktails. The panoramic pool overlooking Estoril is reserved for guests, but nothing’s stopping you from soaking up the atmosphere at the chic gastrobar. Here, you’ll find signature cocktails and tasty tapas crafted under the watchful eye of Ricardo Cardim — recently crowned Best Bartender in Portugal. During the warmer months, the rooftop also comes alive with laid-back DJ sets, making it the perfect spot to toast the season.

  • Hotels
  • Spa hotels

Set in one of Cascais’ finest hotels – once home to Italy’s last king, Umberto II – La Terraza Bar offers a rooftop experience fit for royalty. Perched atop the Grande Real Villa Itália, it’s the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or simply watching the sun melt into the sea. The menu keeps things simple but delicious, with a mix of Portuguese petiscos and Mediterranean flavours, all served in a laid-back, gastrobar setting. From May onwards, expect sunset DJ sets and Apericena sessions – the Italian take on a casual dinner made up of small sharing plates – every Thursday to Saturday, from 6pm to 10pm.

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  • Hotels

Right in the heart of Cascais, atop the Hotel Baía, this rooftop bar was revamped last year and now boasts one of the best panoramic views over the bay – golden sand, bobbing boats, and endless sea included. The terrace has even hosted open-air cinema nights and is a top pick for a sunset drink with a view. Sip on a cocktail and, if hunger kicks in, there are light bites to keep you going. In the summer months, the Blue Bar turns up the energy with lively sunset parties.

  • Vegetarian

One of Cascais’ most charming – and surprising – rooftops sits atop this café–gallery–lifestyle store hybrid, where creativity is served on every level. The menu leans vegetarian, vegan and even raw during the summer, with colourful salads, fresh juices, homemade cakes and herbal teas, all crafted according to the whim of the owner. Whether you’re popping in to browse the quirky ceramics, sip a drink on the sunny terrace, or enjoy a bite with a view, House of Wonders definitely lives up to its name.

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  • Greater Lisbon

In 2024, the restaurant at Hotel Villa Cascais was transformed into Corleone, an Italian gem serving up classic dishes from the south of Italy. Created by Italian chef Rodolfo de Santis, the menu is a celebration of traditional flavours, with an emphasis on simplicity and authenticity. But what truly sets it apart is the terrace – offering stunning views over the bay of Cascais. For anyone dreaming of Italy without leaving the village, this is the place to be.

Opened in 2024, Cacau is a more laid-back, all-purpose rooftop – but one that Cascais was missing. Right in the heart of town, it’s the kind of place where you can soak up the sun with a drink or sit down for a proper meal. The menu focuses on Portuguese cuisine and covers all bases: from petiscos to salads, seafood to dry-aged meats, with a special spotlight on the Madeiran-style skewers served here.

More outdoor Cascais

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens

If there’s one lesson from the pandemic, it’s that our bodies truly need fresh air. And if that fresh air comes from trees, even better. For years now, Cascais has been focused on revitalising and opening up a variety of parks, equipping them with gym facilities, attractions for kids, or simply comfortable areas to lounge in the sun. From this wealth of green spaces, we’ve handpicked the best parks and gardens for you to enjoy. And as a bonus, there’s one that stretches across both Sintra and Cascais, offering endless exploration. Greenery at its finest… it doesn’t get better than this.

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours

We’ve got nothing against soaking up the sun or binging on fish and seafood. But there’s so much more to do in Cascais, perfectly balancing history, nature, and fun.

These self-guided walking routes, from Guincho to Estoril, along the coast or through nature, promise to show you a different side of the region. For the more adventurous, the following information will be more than enough. The more cautious types can visit the Visit Cascais website and download the guide for each trail, which includes a map, as well as illustrations of the local wildlife and flora you might encounter along the way. So, the next time you're bored at home or complaining about not getting enough exercise, remember that the solution might be out there. All you need is some comfy clothes and shoes, pack a bag with essentials (snacks, water, phone, and camera), and hit the road.

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  • Things to do

Less than an hour from Lisbon – and just a stunning train ride away, first along the river and then by the sea – you’ll find plenty of beaches where you can lay down your towel and take a dip in Cascais. The local council opened the swimming season on 1st May, and now all 13 bathing beaches in the area are fully operational, with ten boasting Blue Flag status. From Carcavelos to Guincho, we’ve picked out the best beaches along the Cascais coast: all you have to do is choose where to soak up the sun and cool off in the water. And when hunger strikes, don’t just settle for the classic Bola de Berlim – there are plenty of restaurants and bars open all along the seafront, as well as near the best stretches of sand.

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