The best things to do in Cascais in January

Food is one of the best reasons to visit Portugal – and Cascais is no exception. In fact, quite the opposite: the town has long been a pilgrimage destination for those seeking quality seafood and fish by the sea. Today, however, the region offers much more than that, with dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From fine dining Japanese to Italian cuisine with Nordic minimalism, not to mention award-winning Portuguese cuisine – including Michelin-starred establishments – we introduce six chefs who have been making waves in Cascais. Book a table and see them in action.

Recommended: Hungry? These are the best places for a snack in Cascais

We’ve got nothing against lying in the sun or filling up on seafood. But there’s so much more to do in Cascais, in the perfect balance between history, nature, and fun. These self-guided walking routes, from Guincho to Estoril, along the coast or through nature, promise to show you another side of the region. For the more adventurous, the following information will be more than enough. And the next time you’re bored at home or complaining about not getting enough exercise, remember that the solution might be right here. All you need to do is put on some comfortable clothes and shoes, pack a bag with what you need (i.e., snacks, water, phone, and camera), and hit the road.

If you think Cascais is all about beaches and fresh seafood, think again. In recent years, the town has cultivated a true cultural microclimate through the creation and development of what is now known as the Bairro dos Museus. The concept is simple and just requires you to take a stroll around the area that houses a collection of art and cultural institutions in the town. This is where you’ll find the best museums in Cascais.

Conceived by the Cascais Municipal Chamber and the Fundação D. Luís I, the Bairro dos Museus allows visitors to easily hop between several neighbouring cultural hubs in a short distance. Ready for a cultural marathon? Don’t miss the Centro Cultural de Cascais, Casa Sommer, Museu Conde de Castro Guimarães, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, and Casa de Santa Maria – all must-visit spots on this cultural itinerary, which also extends to other areas of the municipality.

Carcavelos, in the municipality of Cascais, is often considered the birthplace of graffiti in Portugal. This doesn't mean there weren't kids painting walls in other parts of the country at the same time, but it was here that a more advanced and organised artistic movement developed, particularly with the founding of the PRM Crew in the late '80s. Over the decades, graffiti has influenced pop culture and evolved into what is now known as urban art – large murals painted on building facades or street walls, as well as various artistic works that emerged from this visual urban culture. Today, the Linha is an open-air gallery (thanks to festivals like Muraliza and Infinito, which invite urban artists to bring life and colour to various buildings), and here you’ll find a guide to the best of street art in Cascais.