Praia da Duquesa

The basics

Thanks to its location just a few minutes from central Cascais, you can combine an afternoon on Praia da Duquesa with other attractions, such as the Centro Historico de Cascais, full of museums and notable architecture, and Santa Maria House Museum, set inside a 20th-century coastal villa. You can also cruise past the beach on a private sunset catamaran ride or try your hand at paddleboarding, which the calm waters are ideal for.

Things to know before you go

• Be prepared for a cold dip; even at the height of summer, the Atlantic waters of this beach remain icy.

• There are several restaurants and bars behind the beach, ideal places to stop for lunch or a sunset cocktail.

• Ramps leading down to the beach mean it is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to get there

Praia da Duquesa is just a 3-minute walk from the Cascais train station; from Cais do Sodre station in Lisbon, you can take the train for 40 minutes, riding along the seaside. Cascais’ compact center makes it an easy place to explore on foot.

When to get there

While you can visit the beach anytime, it’s best to go early in the morning to secure a spot, especially during the busy summer season. During the off-peak months of April to May and October to November, you can expect pleasant weather without as many other vacationers.

What to eat in Cascais

Thanks to the town’s ocean setting, Cascais’ food scene is full of fresh seafood made even more succulent by the cold water. Must-try dishes include octopus ceviche and salted cod croquettes, crisped to perfection in the deep fryer.