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Day Trips Beyond Lisbon: Cascais, Santa Cruz, Vimeiro, Lourinhã
Description
Wandering Works for Us Podcast
Date: 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)
[11:18] The Citadel of Cascais — repurposed as galleries, restaurants, and shops, Fortress of Our Lady of Light and the statue of King Carlos I at the marina
[13:50] Lunch at Baía de Peixe: a seafood platter for two at €35 per person that was worth every euro
[19:10] Santa Cruz: a beach town with great cliffs, a walkable waterfront, a Saturday market, and a small chapel worth stepping into
[23:30] The accidental discovery — the river trail to Porto Novo beach that led them straight to a Virgin Mary statue on the cliffs
[26:45] Vimeiro and the Battle of Vimeiro Interpretation Center: the first major Napoleonic battle in Portugal and Wellington's first significant victory
[32:30] Lourinhã's surprising dinosaur heritage — and why they recommend the Museu da Lourinhã over the Dino Park (unless you have kids)
[35:30] Areia Branca: one of their favourite local beaches, with restaurant recommendations including West 23 by Chakall, Alta, and Ansom Brewery
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