Cascais History: From Fishing Village to Coastal Stronghold
Cascais history traces back to the 12th century, initially a small fishing village providing Lisbon. Its strategic coastal location later transformed it into a vital defensive point.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Cascais with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Make your stay in Cascais complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We loved our tour with Constança! It was the perfect way to kick off a week in Cascais. The tour was a great balance of food, wine, learning and sightseeing! We had our toddler and baby with us and didn’t feel rushed, but still experienced a ton. 10/10 highly recommend!! Constanca also sent us a bunch of recommendations for things we asked about after the tour, which was so helpful for the rest of the week! "
"Constança was an absolutely incredible tour guide! From the moment the tour began, it was clear how passionate and knowledgeable she is about the history and culture of Cascais. She shared fascinating stories and insights that brought the town to life, and she knew all the best local food spots—places we never would have found on our own. The tour was the perfect mix of delicious food, historical context, and leisurely walking through the beautiful streets of Cascais. Every stop felt thoughtfully chosen, and Constança made the entire experience feel personal and engaging. She also offers tours in Sintra, and after such a great experience, my husband and I are already planning to join her for that next time I’m in Portugal. It was truly a memorable day, and I can’t recommend this tour enough. I’ll absolutely be back—and I hope to see Constança again!"
"How well done Constanca. No words can capture our delight at the tastings you curated for us in the backdrop of the history and culture of the region. We will recommend you further for sure."
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Cascais with locals
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Discover the charm of Cascais, a captivating coastal town near Lisbon, Portugal. Explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty with our private tours.
Cascais history traces back to the 12th century, initially a small fishing village providing Lisbon. Its strategic coastal location later transformed it into a vital defensive point.
Cascais culture blends traditional Portuguese heritage with maritime influences. The town's vibrant festivals, local crafts, and music reflect this unique mix, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
Fresh seafood dominates Cascais cuisine, with "Arroz de Marisco" (seafood rice) a must-try. Pair it with local wines like "Vinho Verde" for an authentic culinary experience.
King Carlos I of Portugal transformed Cascais into a royal summer retreat in the late 19th century, solidifying the town's reputation as a prestigious destination.
Unforgettable Cascais experiences await! Explore with our expert local guides. Book your private tour now and discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local culture, and create lasting memories. Spots are limited, so don't miss out - book your personalized Cascais tour today!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Constança was a brilliant guide and showed us some amazing hidden gems and local delicacies! Best food tour we have ever done!!!"
"Having arrived in Cascais the previous day we met with Constanca the following day to get good ideas of things to do and where to eat. A lovely and very knowledgeable lady who made us all feel T ease and took us around Cascais and into a lovely local restaurant off the beaten track. Would highly recommend "
"Silvia was a wonderful guide and driver for our day trip out of Lisbon. She had a great itinerary planned but was flexible and wanted our input. She gave us great food recommendations at each of the stops. We would highly recommend Silvia!"
"Bom dia Constanca, Thank you very much for you tour through Cascais and showing us your town through the locals eyes 👀. You provided us extensive information about the history and your food choices were excellent. The time just flew by. Obrigado e beijo, Robert "
"My family had a really nice day touring Cascais with Constanca! It was our first time visiting the city and we learned so much from her. We covered lots of areas and tried so many foods, all in a super relaxed manner. We were able to linger and enjoy so many aspects of the city. Thank you so much - we can't wait to visit again!"
"Constança was absolutely great! We booked a food tour with her and she was super accommodating as we had our 9 month old and 3 year old. We have been in Portugal for a week already so we had eaten most of the popular dishes so we were happy to try new and VERY tasty options. We loved her recommendations and she even offered to share the recipe of our favorite Portuguese dish from the tour. Highly recommend! "
"We are so happy we chose to spend our first night in Cascais with Constanca! She was the perfect host and truly showed us the hidden gems of this beautiful place. She was so knowledgeable about the history of the area, and a delightful person all around :)"
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.