Travel expert Simon Calder has named the Portuguese coastal town of Cascais among his favourite winter retreats, describing it as one of his "favourite Portuguese locations" on his travel podcast. The town, located just outside Lisbon, has been called a "slice of heaven" by holidaymakers.
Mild temperatures and easy access
Cascais enjoys an average temperature of 18C in November and is served by direct flights from UK airports to the nearby Portuguese capital. The picturesque town is also budget-friendly during the cooler months, making it an appealing option for winter travellers.
For those arriving by rail, the journey from Lisbon is straightforward. Travel blogger Caroline from Packthesuitcases noted that "the train takes about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and it's an enjoyable journey along the coast".
A walkable destination
Caroline praised the town's compact size, saying: "a nice walkable size, you don't need to worry about taxis and buses unless you're venturing further afield to things like Cabo da Roca - everything in the town itself is easily reached on foot".
Calder highlighted the town's history and character, stating: "Cascais is the port planted elegantly on the shoreline west of the capital, Lisbon, on what's known as the Portuguese Riviera. It was settled in turn by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and today the centre of Cascais is an intriguing combination of sun-worn houses, cafés, shops and smart hotels."
Beaches and visitor praise
Calder also noted there are "excellent beaches within easy reach of Cascais", providing another reason to consider the town for a holiday.
One Tripadvisor reviewer described the town as "a little slice of heaven", adding: "Cascais is amazing, beautiful coastline, stunning, immaculate beaches and a really charming town. The people are lovely, and the food is out of this world!"
