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...

It’s official: the Cascais Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong won’t be going ahead – for now, at least. The event, known for only taking place when conditions are just right for perfect barrels in Carcavelos, originally had a waiting period until March 12. That window was exceptionally extended to March 31, but still, no luck. After a very atypical winter packed with storms, what really mattered was missing: the perfect combination of swell and wind needed to deliver the kind of waves the event is built on. Unlike fixed-date competitions, here it’s the ocean that calls the shots. And this year, despite plenty of movement at sea, conditions never reached the level of excellence required by the organisers – leading to the decision to call it off. But fans and curious onlookers shouldn’t worry, there will still be a Capítulo Perfeito this year. The waiting period has been rescheduled, and the event is now expected to take place between November 1 and December 15. There’s also an exceptional change for surfers: the four finalists from the 2026 edition will receive a direct wildcard into the 2027 event, securing their spot in next year’s main competition in Carcavelos. As the saying goes, better one perfect day in November than two so-so ones in March.

On April 9, Cascais FoodLab, at Mercado da Vila, hosts "A Viagem dos 100 Passos" ("The Hundred-Foot Journey"), an experience that brings together food and literature with little formality, but plenty of flavour. Inspired by the book by Richard Morais, the event takes the story of an Indian family settling in a small French village as the starting point for a dinner that doubles as a journey. On the table, that translates into a menu blending two seemingly distant traditions: the aromatic intensity of Indian cuisine and the classic elegance of French cooking. One of the evening’s highlights is the concept of “duelling stews” – a face-off between two classics: an Indian curry and a boeuf bourguignon. The aim isn’t to pick a winner, but to explore how two cultures meet (and connect) through food. To round off the experience, Richard Morais himself will be there to share stories. The event runs from 7.30pm to 11pm and costs €50. Places are limited, so it’s best not to wait. Booking is via email (info@cascaisfoodlab.pt).

The latest addition to the Coala Festival line-up is Zeca Veloso, who takes to the stage on 30 May with his album Boas Novas, in a concert that closes the first night. But he won’t be alone. He is joined by Branko, performing alongside Brazilian band Tuyo, reinforcing the festival’s spirit: crossing geographies, blending sounds and celebrating the Portuguese language in all its forms. Francisco Romão Pereira / Time Out These new additions join a line-up already packed with big names – Caetano Veloso, Slow J, Bonga, Lulu Santos, João Gomes, Marina Sena, Ana Frango Elétrico and Zé Ibarra – raising the bar for what Fernanda Pereira, Head of Operations, describes as “one of the best editions yet”. Beyond the stage, there are also updates across the site. This year, “the festival is growing in scale, with new food and drink areas, chill-out zones and spaces designed to accommodate a larger crowd”. Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, Av. da República 371 (Cascais). 30–31 May, Sat–Sun. €70–€140 More news: keep up to date with the latest news with Time Out Cascais

Between the blues of Cascais, Oeiras and Lisbon, the Swim Grand Prix returns for two days of open water and long, steady strokes. It’s the biggest open water swimming event in Portugal and, more than a competition, a proper endurance test with postcard-worthy views. There are no pools here, no walls to cling to when it starts to hurt. Just the sea, shifting currents and distances for every level – from seasoned swimmers to those ready to push beyond their comfort zone. On the programme: 20K, 10K, 5K, 3.8K, 1.9K and 1K races, plus Kids events (200m and 400m) for younger swimmers keen to get in on the action. Over two days, the route links some of the most scenic stretches of coastline, with the view keeping you company every stroke of the way. It may look idyllic, but don’t be fooled – this one means business. Registrations are now open. The only question is: are you diving in, or watching from your towel?

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-69aebe24-a108-8392-befe-9f51797e7819-2" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Cascais is gearing up to host one of the standout moments of the next edition of The Ocean Race (formerly the Volvo Ocean Race). Next year, the seaside town will mark the finish line of a new transatlantic leg connecting St. Pete-Clearwater, in Florida, to the Atlantic winds off the Portuguese coast – a journey of around 4,500 nautical miles. It’s the first time this route has featured in the race’s history, a competition that for more than 50 years has tested teams in some of the most demanding conditions on the planet. And it couldn’t end just anywhere: Cascais, with its strong sailing tradition and a marina well used to hosting international competitions, makes a fitting finale. Teams are expected to start arriving from 26 May, with the next leg setting off on 6 June. More than just a race, it’s a spectacle that blends sport, endurance and plenty of ocean. Expect cutting-edge IMOCA 60 boats, mixed crews with mandatory female representation, and the Atlantic as a dramatic backdrop – with Cascais firmly on the finish line.

The line-up for Bossa Market, "the largest gathering of Brazilian culture in Europe", is starting to take shape. The festival has confirmed Vitor Kley as the headline act for its next edition, with a special showcase scheduled for June 6. Known for songs such as "O Sol", "Morena" and "Adrenalizou", the Brazilian singer has become one of the most popular names in contemporary Brazilian pop. In Portugal, the success has been just as strong: "O Sol" went platinum and remains a regular fixture on summer playlists. With more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify, Vitor Kley arrives at Bossa Market with the easy-going, feel-good energy that has become his trademark and which fits perfectly with the spirit of the event. Alongside the artist announcement comes another piece of news: tickets for Bossa Market are now on sale. Those keen to secure their spot at a discount can take advantage of the Early Bird price, available until 25 March.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="42595b33-1712-4361-b29d-6c7713ec318b" data-testid="conversation-turn-17" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> It’s not every day you get to taste pigeon, pheasant or venison in a fine-dining setting. Tomorrow at 7.30pm, Palácio Estoril Hotel is hosting a tasting dinner dedicated to game, where meats less commonly seen in haute cuisine take centre stage in a menu designed for those who enjoy exploring deeper, more intense flavours. *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-69aebe24-a108-8392-befe-9f51797e7819-2" data-testid="conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Throughout the evening, the chef will present each dish and explain the thinking behind the combinations arriving at the table. Everything is paired with wines from Altas Quintas, with producers and winemakers on hand to explain why a particular glass works so well with each course. Expect to leave both full and a little more of a wine connoisseur. The evening begins with a welcome drink. On the menu: partridge escabeche with smoked rabanada, braised pigeon breast with foie gras and celeriac, roast pheasant, and braised venison leg with sweet potato and pomegranate jus. There’s also room for dessert – either Tronco (chocolate puff pastry, molasses brûlée, powdered milk and baco

Spring arrives with longer days and the perfect excuse for lunches that stretch well into the afternoon. In Cascais, that means the return of Feijoada do Bossa, which takes over the Lake House once again on March 29, from 1pm to 6pm. The promise is simple: all-you-can-eat Brazilian feijoada, live music and glasses that are always ready for a toast. But there’s more. Alongside the feijoada, there will be typical snacks and desserts, plus a churrasco tasting between 1pm and 2pm. At the bar, expect a steady flow of wine, caipirinhas, beer and soft drinks. The soundtrack comes courtesy of live performances of Bossa Nova, MPB and Samba, ensuring no one stays seated for long. And because the plan is family-friendly, there will also be activities for younger guests, with games and supervised entertainment. Tickets are already on sale via MEO Blueticket, and group reservations can be made by sending a WhatsApp message (+351 911 779 000). Parking is available, along with a meeting point for van or buggy transfers at the heliport of Hotel Onyria Marinha Cascais – Vignette Collection.

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