Cascais is a charming coastal town located just 30 minutes away from Lisbon, Portugal. It boasts a beautiful bay, sandy beaches, and a lively marina, which all contribute to the town's reputation as a swanky resort. Cascais offers a perfect mix of modern attractions and historical charm, with an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes as well as traditional Portuguese architecture. It also serves as an excellent base to explore the nearby towns of Sintra and Estoril. Whether you're looking to relax at the beach, enjoy water sports, or indulge in some golf, Cascais has something to offer everyone.

Cascais can be reached by car, train, or bus from Lisbon. The quickest route is by car, taking the A5 highway. However, the train is the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transport, departing from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station every 20 minutes and taking approximately 30 minutes to reach Cascais.

The best time to visit Cascais is during the summer months from June to September when temperatures are warm and sunny skies prevail. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. The shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to visit for those seeking some peace and quiet.

Cascais enjoys a mild and temperate climate year-round, with cool winters and warm summers. January is the coldest month with average temperatures around 11°C and August is the warmest month with average temperatures around 26°C. Rainfall is prevalent in the winter months, and summers are mostly dry.

Accommodation costs in Cascais range from budget-friendly hostels at around €20 per night to luxury hotels and resorts that can cost upwards of €500 per night. Mid-range hotels and apartments can be found for around €75-€150 per night.

Cascais offers a variety of dining options to suit all budgets. Traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) or sardines can be found at affordable prices, around €5-€10 per dish. Mid-range restaurants offer more variety and quality dishes, with prices ranging from €15-€30 per person. Fine dining options come at a premium, with prices starting from €50 per person.

Cascais is considered a safe destination for tourists, with relatively low crime rates. Women traveling alone should exercise normal precautions, and LGBTQ travelers should be aware that Portugal is generally considered quite liberal and open-minded, however, public displays of affection may attract attention.

Cascais has a population of around 206,000 people, with a mix of Portuguese natives and international residents. Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood. The majority of the population practices Roman Catholicism.

Aside from sunbathing at its numerous beaches, visitors can take part in a range of activities like surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddling, and kayaking. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Serra de Sintra nature reserve, with hiking trails and awe-inspiring views. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there are several golf courses in the area. Other popular attractions include the town's museums, art galleries, and other cultural sites.