Car & Van Hire in Cascais

The picturesque seaside town of Cascais is a great destination, sure to enchant visitors from across Portugal and beyond. It is known as a popular spot for people living in Lisbon who want to just get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far. The lovely beaches, impressive rock formations and charming cafes are all part of the unique Cascais experience.

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Cascais is a long walk along the seashore. The highlight is the Boca do Inferno, a natural sea arch that has developed thanks to cliff erosion. The name literally translates to Hell's Mouth, which might seem rather overdramatic. However, if you're there on a windy day, you'll see tides of water crashing into the rocks like a volcano mid-eruption, and you'll understand where the name comes from! Do not walk out onto the rocks, as footing can be treacherous. You'll see local fishermen scrambling around with the agility of mountain goats, but visitors are strongly advised to take their photos from a safe distance.

Cascais is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches, including Praia da Conceição, Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Rainha. The last one is very small, so it's worth going early in the morning or late in the evening to have it to yourself. The name means Queen's Beach. When Portugal was still a monarchy, this beach was the private property of the royal family. Cascais was the playground of the elite, with many Lisbon-based aristocrats retiring to their holiday homes here in the heat of the summer. For this reason, you'll see some truly impressive grand mansions on the streets near the beaches.

Make the most of car or van hire in Cascais and pay a visit to the market while you're in town. It is open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, offering the perfect blend of a traditional farmer's market and modern bars and cafes. Pick up some locally grown produce to cook for yourself, or indulge in some tasty snacks and delicious drinks. Of course, one of the major highlights of the market is the seafood selection – it doesn't get fresher than this!

Car hire in Cascais will also let you explore the nearby city of Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its hilltop castle, narrow cobbled streets and countless tile mosaics. While sightseeing, be sure to stop at one of the many bakeries for pastéis de nata, the world-famous local custard tarts.

Cascais is a popular holiday spot. Its proximity to Lisbon means that many people come here for the weekend. This means you can usually expect more traffic heading towards Cascais on a Friday evening and going back to the big city late on Sunday. The rest of the week, traffic within Cascais is not a problem. Some people commute into Lisbon, so vehicles will generally flow in the direction of the city in the mornings and back again after the working day is done.

In the town centre, on-street parking is usually free after 20:00. However, if you plan to spend the whole day at the beach, you will find large car parks to use instead. These are not free, but parking in Portugal is generally considerably cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. On a Saturday or Sunday, make sure you get your spot early – particularly in the summer months. If you are parking on the street, ensure that you always park your vehicle in the direction of the traffic flow. It is illegal to park facing the opposite direction, and fines are common.

If you decide to drive into Lisbon, you'll need to keep a cool head. The city has narrow streets, some one-way systems and a rather chaotic layout, so be sure to use a GPS device or thoroughly consult a map before beginning your journey. You will also be sharing the road with trams, so watch out for them. If you are searching for a parking spot, a pedestrian might wave you over to offer you help. These people are not helping you out of the kindness of their hearts; they will expect a tip for the service. Dismiss them with a wave of your hand if you wish. You may find it easier to park on the outskirts of the city and then continue your explorations on foot.

Portugal has several toll roads between cities. In particular, if you are flying into Lisbon Airport and driving straight to Cascais, you'll have to cross a toll road along the way. When you get onto the highway, you will collect a ticket at the first toll booth you pass. Keep this ticket, as when you exit the highway, you'll pass another toll booth. Here, you can show your ticket and pay the fee. In other parts of the country, tolls are handled with an electronic system instead.