Madalena Almeida's itinerary for 24 perfect hours in Cascais

“It’s such a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or an afternoon bite – honestly, you can go any time of day and it’s always worth it! The food is amazing, the team is super friendly, and the place itself is really cute and welcoming. On sunny days, you can sit out on the terrace, or stay indoors and enjoy the plant-filled décor. For me, it’s perfect because they have loads of vegetarian and vegan options.”

“I discovered the Rio da Mula Dam while filming the series Circo Paraíso – the dense forest made it the perfect backdrop for the show’s mysterious, fantastical (and slightly eerie) vibe. It’s such a peaceful spot, great for walking and ideal for trail lovers, dog walks, or even a picnic while watching the sun set behind the trees. A couple of fun facts: it started off as a small dam built in 1932 to help supply water during July and August, when the population would spike and water shortages were common in summer. It also marks the boundary between the Sintra and Cascais municipalities.”

“It’s right in the centre of Cascais and an absolute must for vegetarians! The food is a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, and I really recommend having lunch on the rooftop. Besides the restaurant, the space also includes a café-gallery where local artists can exhibit their work – you can browse unique ceramics, grab a juice or enjoy a lighter meal. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favourite places in the Cascais area for lunch or dinner.”

“To me, Paula Rego is the most important visual artist in contemporary Portuguese art. The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego is a museum she envisioned herself, offering a deep dive into her intense and provocative world through her work. Paula Rego was a sublime artist who gave painting a unique voice – a female perspective, and an unflinching, raw portrait of the female body and experience, without romanticism. The exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to discover, and the museum also has a lovely café and a peaceful garden – perfect for relaxing or reading a book after your visit.”

“It’s a really lovely little spot near São Pedro do Estoril beach that serves proper Portuguese petiscos. It’s a great choice for group dinners, since you can order and share a bunch of different dishes – and vegetarians, don’t worry, there are options for you too. The space is super cosy and has that ‘grandma’s house’ feel, with mismatched chairs and plates adding to the charm. And on warm summer nights, you can dine out on the terrace.”

“As the saying goes, ‘a good child always returns’, so I couldn’t leave out the Teatro Experimental de Cascais (TEC) as a perfect evening plan. TEC is one of Portugal’s oldest theatre companies, known for the bold direction of Carlos Avilez – a true pioneer who brought to the stage some of the most important playwrights in theatre history, dedicating his life to the art form and to the school he founded. The theatre offers a varied programme, hosts a wide range of directors, and also opens its doors to emerging companies and artists through the MostraT Festival, held every September since 2016. In the summer, you can also catch the final-year showcase performances from students at the Escola Profissional de Teatro de Cascais. Don’t miss the Espaço Memória, where you can explore the company’s history through costumes and set models from landmark productions. And to end the night? Head to Ray’s Bar for a drink after the show – highly recommended!”