Here’s a list of 20 fantastic day trip destinations within a 2-hour drive from Cascais, Portugal, where you can enjoy great hikes, beautiful beaches, and delicious food:
1. Sintra
- Hike: Explore the trails around Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and hike up to the Palácio da Pena.
- Beach: Praia da Adraga.
- Eat: Tascantiga for local dishes.
2. Serra de Sintra
- Hike: The Rota das Quintas trail offers beautiful views.
- Beach: Praia Grande.
- Eat: Restaurante Azenhas do Mar with stunning cliff views.
3. Ericeira
- Hike: Trails along the cliffs, such as the Caminho da Ericeira.
- Beach: Praia dos Pescadores.
- Eat: Mar à Vista for fresh seafood.
4. Mafra
- Hike: The Tapada Nacional de Mafra for nature walks.
- Beach: Praia de São Julião.
- Eat: Sete Sóis for traditional Portuguese cuisine.
5. Arrábida Natural Park
- Hike: Serra da Arrábida trails with stunning views.
- Beach: Praia da Figueirinha.
- Eat: Casa do Mar in Setúbal.
6. Sesimbra
- Hike: Trails leading to Cabo Espichel.
- Beach: Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo.
- Eat: O Velho e o Mar for seafood with a view.
7. Azenhas do Mar
- Hike: Coastal trails around the village.
- Beach: The natural pools at Praia das Maçãs.
- Eat: Restaurante Azenhas do Mar perched on a cliff.
8. Cabo da Roca
- Hike: Coastal trails around the Cabo da Roca lighthouse.
- Beach: Praia da Ursa.
- Eat: Refúgio da Roca for hearty Portuguese meals.
9. Berlengas Islands
- Hike: Short trails on the island with amazing views.
- Beach: The small coves around the island.
- Eat: Marisqueira Mirandum in Peniche before heading back.
10. Peniche
- Hike: Coastal walk along the Cabo Carvoeiro.
- Beach: Praia de Supertubos.
- Eat: Xakra Beach Bar for fresh fish dishes.
11. Óbidos
- Hike: Stroll through the medieval walls and surrounding countryside.
- Beach: Lagoa de Óbidos.
- Eat: A Nova Casa de Ramiro for local specialties.
12. Cascais-Estoril Coast
- Hike: Walk the scenic Cascais to Estoril Promenade.
- Beach: Praia da Poça in Estoril.
- Eat: Restaurante Monte Mar in Cascais.
13. Praia da Adraga
- Hike: Clifftop trails with stunning coastal views.
- Beach: Praia da Adraga itself.
- Eat: Restaurante da Adraga right on the beach.
14. Lagoa de Albufeira
- Hike: The trails around the lagoon and dunes.
- Beach: Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira.
- Eat: O Pedreiro in Sesimbra.
15. Costa da Caparica
- Hike: The boardwalk along the coastline.
- Beach: Praia da Mata.
- Eat: Barbas for famous seafood.
16. Cabo Espichel
- Hike: Dinosaur Footprints Trail and coastal paths.
- Beach: Praia das Bicas.
- Eat: O Zagaia in Sesimbra.
17. Foz do Arelho
- Hike: Trails around the Óbidos Lagoon.
- Beach: Praia da Foz do Arelho.
- Eat: Cais da Foz with lagoon views.
18. Tomar
- Hike: Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes park.
- Beach: Praia Fluvial de Vila Nova nearby.
- Eat: Taverna Antiqua for medieval-inspired cuisine.
19. Alcobaça
- Hike: Trails around the Serra dos Candeeiros.
- Beach: São Martinho do Porto.
- Eat: António Padeiro for a traditional Portuguese meal.
20. Nazaré
- Hike: Sítio da Nazaré cliffs and lighthouse.
- Beach: Praia do Norte.
- Eat: Tábua d’Aço for local flavors.
Each of these destinations offers a unique mix of hiking opportunities, beautiful beaches, and fantastic dining experiences, making them perfect for a day trip from Cascais.