The Best Beach Shacks and Bars in Cascais
Cascais is one of Portugal’s most scenic resort towns, known for attracting vacationers who prefer swapping Lisbon’s buzzing social scene for calmer surroundings and a chic touch, but there is still a salty beach vibe and a laid-back ambiance. When the need for cool drinks hits, here’s a selection of the best beach bars in Cascais. Many are also open during the day, making them perfect coffee spots with a view to hang out at.
Bar Baluarte
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub
Cozy with an easygoing mood, Bar Baluarte is a typical beachside café perfect for sipping on cocktails while enjoying the seaside. At night, music brings this locals’ favorite bar to life, and it’s a popular place to dance the summer nights away in Cascais. Bar Baluarte is also easy to find, located just across the way from the Baía do Peixe seafood restaurant.
Brisa Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub
Located at the Praia da Duquesa (‘duchess beach’), Brisa Bar is a nice spot to eat seafood by the beach. Visit for a seaside lunch or dinner, go solo with a book and enjoy a coffee, or choose Brisa bar for drinks with friends.
Bar Praia da Rainha
Bar, Pub Grub
Bar Praia da Rainha is a charming beach shack located on the idyllic Praia da Rainha (‘queen’s beach’), one of the area’s more popular and beautiful little rock-rimmed beaches. Take a break from sunbathing and swimming to head to the terrace for beer, cocktails, and/or lunch, but remember to bring cash, as the bar doesn’t accept plastic.
Duche Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub
Duche Bar is another spot on the Praia da Duquesa, located next door to Brisa Bar, and, like its neighbor, it is a great choice when looking for lunch at the beach. Unsure what to try? One recommendation is the grilled sardines, a staple in Portuguese gastronomy that’s especially popular during the summer.
Skipper Cascais Bar
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub
Overlooking the Cascais Marina, the Skipper Bar’s bright windows provide customers with a view of the boats bobbing lazily as they dine or relax with a drink. This nautical-themed restaurant and bar opens at 10am every day (except Wednesdays) but closes after lunch (at around 3pm), so plan to head over early if you want to check it out. The fairly simple and straightforward menu highlights steaks, hamburgers, toasted sandwiches, and salads.
Escotilha Bar
Bar, Pub Grub
Sit on the terrace and catch the sun’s warm rays while sipping on a cool drink, or enjoy a freshly cooked meal either inside or out; either way, visiting the Escotilha Bar is a great idea. Like the other spots on this list, the view is pretty spectacular (after all, it is in Cascais) and previous customers have enthused both about the service and the menu.