Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, Lourinhã

Wandering Works for Us PodcastDate: 2 May 2026

Title: Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, Lourinhã

Summary of Episode

Looking for the best day trips from Lisbon? In this episode, we explore five destinations within easy reach of the capital — from the upscale coastal town of Cascais to the dinosaur fossils of Lourinhã, a Napoleonic battlefield at Vimeiro, and one of our favourite beaches on the Silver Coast. Three years of living in Portugal and we're still finding new places to love.

In part one of their day trips series, they wander through the upscale-but-welcoming coastal town of Cascais (including a stunning seafood platter at Baía de Peixe), explore the charming beach town of Santa Cruz, uncover the little-known Napoleonic battlefield at Vimeiro, geek out over dinosaur fossils in Lourinhã, and sing the praises of Areia Branca, one of their favourite beaches on the Silver Coast. Lesser-known doesn't mean less worth visiting.

Grab your car keys.

Key Topics

[03:10] Why Cascais deserves more than a half-day stop — and why Shelley and Beth almost missed it after three years of living in Portugal

[04:35] Getting to Cascais: driving vs. the commuter train from Lisbon (both about 40 minutes)

[05:40] The best bakery find in Cascais: Padaria Brunch & Specialty Coffee

[06:15] Walking the Cascais waterfront — the ocean path, Boca do Inferno rock arch, and what they'd do differently next time

[08:40] Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães and the gorgeous Parque Marechal Carmona (peacocks, turtles, and chickens who ignore the "do not feed" signs)