The best things to do in Cascais in March

Born in 1996, it has been bringing art to Cascais ever since. Now, as it celebrates 30 years, Fundação D. Luís I – the institution behind the management and programming of the Bairro dos Museus – is marking the milestone with a special exhibition at the Centro Cultural de Cascais (CCC). The show brings together a line-up of Portuguese and international artists who, in one way or another, have left their mark on the foundation’s journey. “Each work highlights a significant moment in our programming while simultaneously opening up new possibilities for interpretation and engagement with audiences”, reads the press statement.

Pack the tissues: Cinema Cruzeiro is dedicating March to melodrama, with five free screenings at Auditório Carlos Avilez in Estoril, taking place every Monday. The season opens on 2 March with Wuthering Heights, the classic big-screen adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel. Also on the line-up are cult favourite Rebel Without a Cause, directed by Nicholas Ray, and Todd Haynes’ lush 1950s homage Far from Heaven, starring Julianne Moore.

Auditório Carlos Avilez. Avenida das Acácias, 2 (Estoril). 2, 9, 16 and 23 March (Mon) 9pm (Rebel Without a Cause screens at 6pm). Free entry

The surf contest at Carcavelos Beach – poised and waiting for the perfect conditions to roll in – once again puts Cascais front and centre on the international wave map. Keeping its signature invitational format, the competition stands out from the crowd and, as usual, kicks off the municipality’s sporting calendar in style. There’s no fixed date just yet (it’s all about waiting for that ideal swell), but stay alert: it’s set to go down at some point this month.

Praia de Carcavelos. Free entry

Spring, summer, autumn or winter – there’s no season Maria Guedes misses. Four times a year, you’ll find her (along with her handpicked edit of fashion, homeware and lifestyle brands – more than 100 of them, almost all Portuguese) taking over FIARTIL. Expect the usual winning formula: plenty of browsing, good vibes and solid food and drink options to keep you fuelled between stalls. The first edition of 2026 lands this month.

FIARTIL, Av. Amaral (Estoril). 21–22 March (Sat–Sun)

Cascais Citadel is set to open “Retratos Contados”, an exhibition dedicated to broadcaster António Sala and his 60-year career. One of the most recognisable voices in Portugal, Sala became a household name thanks to his long-running radio shows and prime-time TV appearances, helping to shape the country’s broadcasting landscape over six decades. The show features photographs, caricatures and personal objects charting the presenter’s life, from childhood through to the present day. There’ll also be a guided tour led by Sala himself, alongside curator Nelson Mateus.

Cidadela de Cascais (Cascais). 18 March–12 April. Free entry

After its debut last year, two days dedicated to celebrating and rethinking Portuguese cuisine are back, bringing together chefs, academics and curious food lovers. This year’s theme shines a spotlight on Cozinha Saloia, the traditional cooking of the region surrounding Lisbon.

Centro Cultural de Cascais and Cascais Food Lab (Cascais). 26–27 March (Thu–Fri) Various times. Various prices