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...

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.

The cold has arrived, but things are about to heat up in Cascais. Bossa’s Feijoadas are back – twice over – on November 9 and December 7. Get ready for two afternoons of great food, live music and Brazilian vibes at Lake House, Quinta da Marinha. Leave your coat at the door and get into the rhythm. The feijoada is served freely, alongside classic starters and desserts, and the open bar keeps everyone’s glass full – think wine, beer, caipirinhas and soft drinks. The soundtrack? Live bossa nova, MPB and samba, guaranteed to get you showing off those dance moves you’ve been practising. It’s a family affair too, with a kids’ area packed with activities and supervised fun, so grown-ups can enjoy their feijoada without distractions. Both editions run from 1pm to 6pm. On December 7, things take on a festive twist – the perfect excuse to gather your friends and celebrate before the Christmas chaos kicks in. Save the date and grab your tickets (for 9/11 and 7/12) early to keep things hassle-free.

This year, little trick-or-treaters don’t need to go door to door to fill their buckets with sweets. Bora Bowl, a new spot in town serving açaí, ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes and Brazilian snacks, has got it all covered. From 2pm on October 31, a pumpkin in-store will be inviting everyone to try their luck. You might pull out a treat or a trick – so choose wisely. The lucky ones who land a treat can claim some delicious prizes, including: two 240ml bowls for the price of one, two 375ml Ovomaltine or Paçoca milkshakes for the price of one, 10% off 500ml or 750ml bowls, 10% off chicken or beef coxinha bowls, or even a free paçoca. If you get a trick, don’t worry – you can still build your own sweet consolation prize from more than 35 toppings packed with flavour. Praça do Junqueiro 17D, Carcavelos. From 2pm.

Think the best time to catch up with friends or head out with the family has passed? Think again. For lovers of good drinks and great vibes, Palaphita is the place to be. The “Wine Not?” nights (16, 23 and 30 October) promise to make Thursdays extra special, celebrating the best of wine. On 20 October, the “Aurora Boreal Palaphita” will bring Northern magic to Cascais with a stunning light show for an unforgettable evening. The next day, 21 October, it’s time for the “New Moon Night”, the perfect excuse for a romantic evening under the new moon. Because Palaphita also means party, the weekends of 18–19 and 25–26 October are unmissable, with barbecues, live music and the perfect seaside view to go with them. Got a four-legged friend you hate leaving at home? Wednesdays are for you: the “Pet Friendly” nights (22 and 29 October) welcome dogs to join the fun. And for a midweek treat, Tuesday 28 October is “Burger Tuesday”, with irresistible flavours on the grill. To wrap up the month in style, don’t miss “Palaphita Meetpoint” (17, 24 and 31 October), the Friday hangout with Pala DJ and the much-loved “Sunset Connect in Cascais”, where you can dance the day (and night) away. Who said summer had the monopoly on sunsets and themed nights? Get ready to snack, sip and dance till you drop, Palaphita-style.

When autumn arrives, it always brings two things: cooler weather (though it’s taking its time this year) and hearty, flavour-packed comfort food. This time, it’s all about the Feijoada do Bossa – a true celebration of Brazilian flavour, served with lakeside views, live music, and endless caipirinhas. From 13.00 to 18.00, expect a lunch that turns into a party: all-you-can-eat feijoada, Brazilian snacks and desserts, an open bar with wine, beer and soft drinks, and an atmosphere that’ll transport you straight to Brazil without leaving Cascais. The soundtrack? Bossa Nova, MPB and Samba, of course – and the promise is simple: you’ll leave full, happy and humming a tune. Tickets are available here, so you won’t have to think about it when you arrive.