Cascais beach and waterfront buildings

I, along with many other people, love Cascais, and for good reason. This pretty coastal resort town is easy to get to by train from Lisbon and there are loads of things to see and do. If you want to spend a few days there, perhaps using it as a base instead of Lisbon, you’ll find a range of luxurious Cascais hotels, boutique guesthouses and stylish apartments.

To help you make the decision as to where to stay, I’ve drawn upon my experiences of visiting and staying in Cascais and insider knowledge of the most reliably fabulous acommodations.

Using my very picky vetting process, here are my top picks for the best places to stay in Cascais, in no particular order of ranking:

Wherever possible, I choose accommodations that follow sustainable practices, as indicated by the number of leaves (3 is the top score). No leaf simply means that I can’t verify their current efforts regarding sustainable travel but I love the property.

Luxury hotels in Cascais

Given its long-standing popularity among the moneyed set, there is no shortage of luxury accommodation in Cascais.

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Pousada Cidadela Cascais view from superior room of marina
Pousada Cidadela Cascais view from superior room

This 5-star hotel, located in a renovated 16th century citadel complex, features an indoor pool with marina views plus an additional lawn-surrounded exterior swimming pool. Art plays an integral role in the hotel; not only are there studios and galleries surrounding the courtyard but often noted artists are given free reign to decorate rooms and public spaces. Book your stay now.

The Albatroz Hotel

This superb 5-star hotel has an enviable beachfront location with sea views and all the comforts you’d expect plus very handy free parking. Recent renovations to this historical property mean there are various room styles to choose from. Click to check availability, room options and special packages at the Albatroz.

If history is more your thing, stay in this 17th century fortress at Guincho and enjoy a sunset dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant. The vaulted stone ceilings in guest rooms and decorative stone arches around public spaces make this a special place to stay. See photos and check availability at the Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho.

Chairs and plants at Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Hallway, Cascais
Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho Hallway, Cascais
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

This eye-catching 5-star hotel, facing the beachfront, has an outdoor pool and strikingly individual rooms. If you stay in the modern wing you’ll literally be sleeping in a work of art. The natural light filtering through the exterior artwork is quite something. Rooms in the original townhouse are also spacious and bright, due to the large windows and high ceilings. Choose a room now.

Furniture, plants and picture of artist at Artsy Cascais Hotel lounge
Artsy Cascais Hotel lounge

Beautiful boutique hotels in Cascais

Pergola Boutique Hotel

This delightfully pretty, family-run boutique hotel is adults-only and well-located for the historical centre and beaches. The historical mansion is surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. Check availability at Pergola and grab a room if you can as they get booked up quickly.

Pergola Boutique Hotel Cascais
Pergola Boutique Hotel Cascais

Stay at a renovated aristocratic residence with views of Cascais bay and the beach. All rooms have a beautiful interior and are spacious and comfortable. You can enjoy contemporary Portuguese gastronomy at the hotel restaurant and there is free private parking available on site, which is a definite bonus. See photos and book your room.

Charming guest houses in Cascais

Villa Vasco da Gama

Named after one of Portugals’ most famous explorers, Vila Vasco da Gama is centrally located and great value for money, especially with the free use of their bikes. The villa surrounds an outdoor pool in attractive lawned gardens. Click to check availability and current prices.

Casa Vela

This charming guesthouse offers colourful and spacious rooms all with lovely large windows. Enjoy the pool and fountain in the beautiful gardens. All accommodation comes with themed colors and matching accessories. Check the photos and reviews.

Swirly pavements in Cascais
Swirly pavements in Cascais

Apartments In Cascais

While there are several apartments privately rented by owners in Cascais, I prefer the security of managed apartments these days, which is what most of these are.

In The Summertime

Living room In The Summer Apartment, Cascais
In The Summertime Apartment, Cascais

A sleek and sophisticated apartment close to Praia da Ribeira de Cascais. You’ll find a contemporary living space with walls of glass and swathes of moody navy blue. Sleeps up to 4 people. Check out more photos here.

Green Sustainability leaf for hotels
Green Sustainability leaf for hotels

Select an apartment with a terrace or garden view at Casa da Fonte. The place is full of character and charm and you’ll have everything you need for a short or long stay. Take a look at the photos to see what I mean.

Bela Vista Palace Apartments

Choose from a variety of stylish apartments at Bela Vista Palace Apartments. All kitchens are fully equipped and some apartments come with a terrace or balcony. Check availability for your dates.

Over Orange Roofs

Views from Over Orange Roofs Apartment, Cascais
Over Orange Roofs Apartment, Cascais

A charming apartment with a shaded terrace overlooking the orange roofs of Old Cascais. Throughout there’s a nice bohemian touch and is within easy walking distance of the marina. Choose your dates.

Sta Catarina – Cascais Beach Apartments

If you’re looking for a two-bedroomed apartment then this is for you. Accommodation is clean, bright and nicely furnished. Very handy for both train station and beach. Choose your apartment.

A word on medium to long-term rentals in Cascais

Given its proximity to Lisbon and unique and varied charms, Cascais is popular with expats as well as holidaymakers. Rents are correspondingly high and you’ll struggle to find medium-term rentals that span the holiday months.

Some apartment owners will consider longer rentals in low season but you’ll need to negotiate directly or, if they are listed on AirBnB, you may find a discount offered for stays over 28 nights.

Over to you. Please share your thoughts in a comment.