Time Out and Visit Cascais

Halloween celebrations extend from 28 October to 1 November, but the settings are not haunted houses, dark forests or graveyards. Rather, they are much more pleasant places to spend an out-of-this-world Halloween...

The 17th edition of the Mesa Marcada Awards 2025 brought together around 500 guests at the Estoril Congress Centre and, as tradition dictates, crowned national talent – with Cascais making its presence felt on the gastronomic stage. Among the local honours, the Special Restaurant of the Year Cascais award went to Kappo, the omakase-inspired restaurant led by Tiago Penão in the heart of the town. The recognition comes a year after Izakaya took home the same trophy, confirming that, around these parts, Japanese cuisine isn’t a passing trend, it’s serious business. Cascais also shone on the entrepreneurial front. Miguel Garcia was awarded the Lexus Special Restaurateur of the Year prize, acknowledging his track record and consistency at the helm of projects such as Bougain, Café São Bento Cascais and Corleone. Each with its own distinct style, these venues help cement Cascais as a singular destination for dining out. And when it comes to serious cooking, the Chef No. 1 2025 distinction can’t be ignored. José Avillez returned to the top of the list of favourite chefs with Belcanto. In Cascais, meanwhile, he stands out with Cantinho do Avillez and Maré, two spots bearing his signature in a more relaxed setting, just steps from the sea. Beyond Cascais, there’s plenty more to savour. The 2025 edition of the Mesa Marcada Awards highlighted a host of other national winners – from restaurants in Lisbon and Porto to rising chefs across the country. All told, it was more than an awards

Carnival is also best enjoyed at the table – fork in one hand, caipirinha in the other. Feijoada do Bossa returns to Cascais with a special Carnival edition, taking over the Lake House at Onyria Quinta da Marinha. From 1pm to 6pm, the lakeside setting becomes the meeting point for anyone who takes Brazilian food (and partying) seriously. The formula stays the same – because you don’t mess with a winning team: all-you-can-eat Brazilian feijoada, classic snacks, traditional desserts and a churrasco tasting between 1pm and 2pm. To wash it all down, there’s an open bar with wine, caipirinhas, beer and soft drinks. The soundtrack comes courtesy of Samba do Serginho, serving up Carnival tunes made for dancing without choreography – just good vibes and happy feet. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. Kids are welcome and get their own activities, with games and playtime supervised by monitors. As for the dress code, it couldn’t be simpler: the more colour, sparkle and Carnival spirit, the better. Tickets are sold exclusively online, with no sales at the door. Anyone wanting to book a table or organise a group can do so via WhatsApp or email. The meeting point and parking are at the Heliport of Onyria Marinha Cascais – Vignette Collection, with transport to the venue provided by van or buggy.

Save the date: Bossa Market is back in Estoril for another full weekend dedicated to Brazilian culture. On June 6 and 7, head to FIARTIL for a trip to Brazil without ever leaving the coast. Over two days, Bossa Market delivers a deep dive into the Brazilian universe, bringing together live music, food, art, fashion, wellbeing and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. With Portuguese roots and a Brazilian soul, the event celebrates the historical and cultural ties between the two countries in a creative, high-energy setting. The numbers speak for themselves. Last year’s edition welcomed more than 12,000 visitors, featured 120 brands – from fashion to crafts, not forgetting food – and hosted around 80 artists on the Bossa Stage, with a music programme spanning Bossa Nova, MPB, Samba, Forró and DJs. More than just a market, Bossa Market is the kind of place you’ll want to linger – discovering new brands, listening to music, tasting flavours and wandering around at an unhurried pace. Here, culture and commerce go hand in hand in a relaxed environment, with a carefully curated line-up that gives space to small and medium-sized businesses and a distinctly Brazilian lifestyle. Sustainability also plays a role, with practices such as reusable materials, waste management and an emphasis on conscious consumption. Brand applications open from 4 February via the official website, with selected participants contacted by April. Tickets go on sale in March, when the countdown also begins

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-693afce9-a0f8-8329-a293-86158bf60d99-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-204" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> There are signs locals know all too well. The swell lining up, the distant thud of waves detonating offshore, the beach filling up before breakfast – that’s the tell-tale warning that the Cascais Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong might be about to start. The competition returns between 12 January and 12 March, staying true to its founding principle: it only runs on the best day of winter. They call it the perfect day. For almost eight years now, Carcavelos beach has turned into a stage for the world’s best tube riders – Portuguese and international – but 2026 raises the bar. Alongside the main event on the Cascais coast, still very much the heart and soul of Capítulo Perfeito, the competition expands to two bucket-list surf destinations: Praia da Barra, in Mozambique, and Desert Point, Lombok, in Indonesia. The rule is the same everywhere: no heat without exceptional conditions. The line-up doesn’t disappoint either. The 2026 edition brings together some of the biggest names in the tube-riding universe: Joel Parkinson, Rob Machado, Bruno Santos, Balaram Stack, Soli Bailey, Tosh Tudor and more. This year also marks a historic milestone, with Anne dos Santos becoming the first international female surfer to be

Feeling peckish? Been craving a (very) big slice of bolo-rei? We’ve got just the plan. On December 14, Pestana Cidadela Cascais is handing out slices of the season’s most traditional cake to anyone who stops by. Yes, you read that right: it’s not just for looking at – it’s for eating. The idea is simple and very welcome: bringing locals (and anyone else in town for the day) together for a sweet, relaxed, unmistakably Christmassy moment. Just show up and claim your slice. Things step up a notch at 17.00, when a flashmob takes over the square (no spoilers, but trust us: it’s worth sticking around). Bring the kids – especially the ones with a sweet tooth – and those friends who never say no to a treat. Praça de Armas, Pestana Cidadela Cascais. December 14. Free

On Friday, 5 December, we did exactly what any sensible person would do when told “there’s a Christmas dinner at Don Alfonso 1890 Cascais”: we went. Not to see the lights, nor to debate the best bolo-rei, but to put the restaurant’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus to the test. The setting is exactly what you’d expect: Don Alfonso’s relaxed elegance wrapped in the warmth of the Legacy Hotel Cascais. Nothing over the top – just comfort, colour and that easy-going sophistication people say makes this the perfect backdrop for the season. We started with the Christmas Eve menu (€95), and there was no hesitation here: the Goat’s Cheese Puff Pastry with pistachios and maple syrup disappears in seconds. The Prawn Lollipop with coconut and lime sauce will leave you wondering why we don’t eat prawns like this more often, and the Octopus with Smoked Paprika Purée and olive powder proves that some combinations don’t need much to shine. Then came a Velvety Prawn Cream that does exactly what it should: warming, rich and spoon-by-spoon comforting. The main course shouts Christmas: Cod with Serra Cheese and broa crust, served with chickpea mash and cabbage – a polished take on Portuguese classics without losing what makes them tradition. To finish, there’s a Christmas Dessert Buffet, which also includes cheeses and fresh fruit. The good news? No arguments about who gets the last slice. For Christmas Day lunch (also €95), the line-up changes but the generosity stays the same. Seared Sca

At Corleone Ristorante al Mare, winter isn’t just a season – it’s an invitation. Since 2024, this seaside favourite has become a must for anyone who appreciates Italian food done “properly”, and it’s just unveiled its brand-new winter menu. In the hands of chef Nuno Tomé, with consultancy from Italian chef Piero Gammauta, the menu becomes a journey across Italy, wrapped in exactly the kind of comfort cold days demand. First up: antipasti. The Arancini land on the table golden and crisp, filled with mushroom-and-sage risotto and served with a gorgonzola sauce that practically requires a hunk of bread for mopping. The Crudo di Tonno, cured in citrus salt and topped with mascarpone, is fresh and fragrant. The classic Burrata comes paired with three basil textures, while the Carpaccio Tartufato brings that irresistible trio of veal, parmesan and truffle. On to the primi, where old-school favourites meet new plates full of Italian soul. The Amatriciana now uses spaghettoni to hold on to that rich guanciale-and-pecorino sauce, while the Pasta alla Norma opts for mezze maniche to scoop up the aubergine and tomato exactly as it should. On the indulgent side of the pasta menu, the Linguine all’Aragosta now features a whole lobster tail and a more robust bisque – but the real showstopper this winter is the new Gnocchi alla Camponese: veal ragù, vegetables, tomato and gratinated mozzarella. Comfort on a plate. In the secondi, the Italian classics keep the warmth coming. The Milanese all

Sheraton Cascais Resort has decided to dress for the occasion and, on 6 December, it transforms into a true celebration as it hosts the first edition of its Christmas Market. And the best part? Entry is completely free, which means you can pop in “just for a little wander” and end up leaving with presents for the whole family, a cup of mulled wine in hand and a photo with the bearded old chap himself. From 10.00 to 21.00, the resort fills with lights, music and seasonal aromas, with national brands ranging from handmade jewellery to natural dog snacks (yes, even your four-legged friend gets a gift this year). There are hand-printed textiles, crochet pieces, crystals, handmade footwear, fresh produce and even Argentinian cuisine for those who fancy a break from the classics. And if you’re someone who never misses a toast, Copo na Mão will be serving cocktails to brighten the afternoon. And if you’re coming with the family, you’ll be pleased to know there’s no shortage of activities: a Kids’ Club, tile-painting, Father Christmas’s official arrival, photos, the switching-on of the tree and even a gospel choir to lift the spirits. When the market closes, no one needs to head home. The party continues with a special Christmas dinner at the Glass Terrace restaurant, prepared to end the day with warm hearts and full bellies. Dinner runs from 19.00 to 23.00 and costs €48 per adult and €24 for children aged 4 to 12. If you needed one more reason to get into the Christmas spirit, Shera

We know how tricky these end-of-year school breaks can be. All the kids at home at once, eating more than usual and bursting with energy. That’s why we have the perfect solution for calmer parents and entertained children. Cascais Routes is reopening its Kids Nature Sports Centre with a programme packed with outdoor adventures. Trust us, they’ll come home so tired it’ll be “dinner, brush teeth, bed”. From December 15 to January 4 (with a strategic break on December 25 and January 1), the programme is designed to turn the school holidays into a daily adventure – free from screens, shopping queues, or toys scattered around the living room. Everything takes place in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with a simple idea: get kids closer to nature and help them discover what their bodies can do once they leave the sofa. Activities include surfing, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, natural gym, skateboarding, team games, and even lessons about the local environment – always supervised by qualified instructors and always outdoors. The format is flexible to fit the usual family chaos at this time of year. You can opt for the full week (five days) from 9.00 to 17.00, including lunch. If you don’t want to commit to so many days, you can choose individual days with the same schedule and lunch included. There are also half-day options, in the morning or afternoon, without lunch. Sibling discounts are available (just contact Cascais Routes). It’s the perfect program

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-6916f5d4-c7c4-8329-9eec-678e5367e86e-13" data-testid="conversation-turn-96" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Cascais isn’t just a summer getaway. It’s a coastal area full of stunning views and hidden corners just waiting to be discovered. To explore it properly, there are tours for every taste. Whether by bike, car, with local guides or in a group, here are some ideas for those days when a more offbeat adventure calls. By land With Cascais Happy Tours, it’s all about strolling through the town on foot and seeing everything up close. If you want a bit of everything, opt for a general tour that takes you through the best neighbourhoods. For those curious about the town’s history, there are tours of royal retreats and the summer residences of the local nobility. And if you want to discover the local food scene, try the gastronomic tour, which stops at spots offering authentic regional flavours. Walking might tire you out, but think of all the views you’d miss if you were sitting in a car! By sea Not everyone is ready for the waves, so why not explore the coast from Sintra? The Lisbon Bike Tour starts in Sintra, passes the Pena Palace and Peninha, before reaching Cabo da Roca, where you can feel the breeze and see the waves whi

Working in Cascais is a whole different story. And the CoWorking Cascais Visitor Center – the space by Turismo de Cascais designed for remote workers, creatives, and digital nomads – is open and has spots available. Here, the Wi-Fi is fast, the atmosphere calm, and inspiration comes from the uninterrupted sea view you can enjoy during your breaks. It’s right on Cascais Bay, with a diverse crowd, people from all over the world, and a mix of professions sharing the same space. If you’re already convinced, there are several plans starting from €15/day. The best part? Unlike many other coworking spaces, this one has life all around. Literally. Step outside to stretch your legs, and within minutes you’re at the town market or Casa Viana, where the dishes take you on a culinary trip to Brazil. Feeling peckish for something sweet? Check out the new Pão com Coração, offering traditional pastries and global-inspired treats to make every break even better. And there’s PAUL, right next door, perfect for breakfast – or an afternoon snack to keep your energy up. If you’ve been working from home and can’t face staring at the same wall another day, the CoWorking Cascais Visitor Center might be exactly what you need. Bring your laptop – and comfy shoes for lunchtime strolls. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-t

It’s true, Cascais keeps racking up the accolades. The five-star Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, perched between the Atlantic and the town, has just won the “Best for Meetings & Events” award at the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. In plain English? When it comes to picking a beautiful, efficient spot with the right view to discuss (and seal) deals – or celebrate achievements – this is the place to be. The Grande Real Villa Itália was already crowned “Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel” last year. Now it adds the title of best venue for events to its collection. Weddings, corporate retreats, gala dinners, intense brainstorms… you name it. The hotel offers naturally lit rooms, conference halls for up to 400 guests, and gardens and terraces overlooking the sea, perfect for relaxed chats that end with everyone smiling. And if your day has been a whirlwind of meetings, the spa is there to help you unwind. This isn’t a small-time award: the hotel stood out among contenders from the UK, Spain, and Italy. And it’s not just us saying it—Cascais really does have the very best.