Filipa Sáragga d'Orey's itinerary for the best possible day in Cascais

“Every Saturday morning, and whenever life allows it during the week, we go as a family to the Cascais Market. It’s not just about buying fresh fish from Carlos Eva, vegetables from Dona Ana, or still-warm bread. It’s a ritual that preserves the most authentic essence of this fishing town. The market is also the place where I can teach my daughters the simple joy of choosing seasonal fruit. Going to the market is, without a doubt, our favourite outing – in fact, it was the very first one I shared with my husband when we met.”

“Few places in Cascais have stood the test of time quite like Garrett. It’s very close to our home, and to me, it’s where you’ll find the best croissants in Portugal. I lived in Restelo until I was ten, and I remember my father, who has always lived in Cascais, religiously picking up croissants from Garrett every Sunday to bring us for breakfast. A simple ritual that’s lasted through the decades, and which I now carry on, sharing it with my daughters.”

“No visit to Cascais is complete without a moment spent at the Paula Rego House of Stories. Beyond the beauty of the project by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, it’s an exhibition space and a place of discovery. Paula Rego’s works confront us with what it means to be human, to be a woman, a daughter, a mother, and all the other invisible narratives we carry. It’s a museum that demands revisiting, because no two visits are ever the same.”

“An incredible restaurant – not just because of its location, right by the sea with a breathtaking view, but above all because of its quality. Every time I go there, I always say I’ve had the best fish I’ve eaten in ages. My favourite dish is the sea bass rice with scarlet shrimp, which perfectly embodies what I love most about Portuguese cuisine: simplicity and quality. That said, every other dish I’ve tried there has been excellent. I usually choose fish, because I think it would be a crime not to, but the meat is also fantastic. I’m a huge fan of the clams à Bulhão Pato, the gooseneck barnacles, and the prawns from the coast, which, as my dear mother says, ‘taste of the sea.’ And she’s not exaggerating. Here, the quality of the shellfish is every bit as good as the fish. Eating well in a beautiful spot is, in my opinion, one of life’s great pleasures – and at Porto Santa Maria, it’s all perfectly in place.”

“Quinta do Pisão is another of my favourite outings with the girls. It’s a truly unique spot in the heart of nature, with an organic vegetable garden that you can visit — and even pick and buy some produce. The entire ethos of the project is truly admirable. It’s one of those places that, in a natural and unpretentious way, teaches us the importance of caring for the land and respecting the rhythms of nature.

By the way, another thing we do almost every weekend is pony rides at Quinta da Marinha: riding horses through the countryside has become my daughters’ absolute favourite activity.”

“If you ask me what my favourite sushi restaurant in Cascais is, the answer is easy: Confraria. It’s a restaurant located in the historic centre of Cascais that, besides having a relaxed vibe, serves outstanding sushi. The fish is always incredibly fresh and of impeccable quality, and the menu offers a wide variety of options, from the classics to the more creative dishes. I’m especially a fan of the seared sushi, which for me is the best. They also have fantastic set menus, with loads of variety and perfect combinations for anyone who doesn’t know what to choose.

But what takes me there most often is the chocolate cake. I’m absolutely obsessed with that cake. I’d even go as far as to say it might be the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had. I’ve even found myself popping in mid-afternoon just to have a slice.”

“Because Cascais knows how to be bohemian, nothing beats an evening on Rua Amarela, especially on the warmest nights. It’s the perfect spot to feel the village come alive, with laid-back restaurants, drinks outdoors, and live music. In my opinion, it’s where the best summer nights are had. Rua Amarela sits right by Cascais Bay – to me, our town’s greatest postcard.”