A stunning vacation destination situated between the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the swanky beach resort of Cascais has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a stylish coastal retreat that attracts Portugal’s travelers alongside high flyers. Its busy marina and 5-star beach hotels lure visitors out of the city to bask on several pristine beaches. Alfresco seafood restaurants, a buzzy nightlife and ocean-side beach hotels make Cascais the ultimate luxury retreat.

Beach Hotel in Cascais: Our picks for luxury hotels in the beautiful suburbs of Lisbon

Cascais: Sun-soaked beaches and designer charm

Only 30 kilometers from the hubbub of Lisbon is a far more relaxed vacation destination that won’t take long to fall for. Rustic coastal villas and contemporary beach hotels in the suburb of Cascais provide an unrivaled retreat on the Atlantic coast, with plenty to explore without having to venture far from base. While the many sandy bays are attractions within themselves, Cascais is also gifted with the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Plan a day admiring the dramatic cliffs that cascade into the Atlantic from the Cabo da Roca viewpoint or stare into the Boca Inferno (Hell’s Mouth). Alternatively, visit the stunning Pena Palace. Perched atop a hill overlooking the lush natural park, the brightly-colored castle is a breathtaking example of Romanticist architecture with sweeping vistas to match. The national park is also home to the Praia do Guincho beach which is the perfect hangout for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The white sands of Carcavelos beach are perfect for sun-seekers looking to relax, and beach hotels along Cascais’s coast are likely to provide private sun loungers for patrons to enjoy. Both Estoril and Cascais town are superb locations for a beach hotel, with access to exquisite beaches and palm-lined promenades. The center of Cascais stands out for its colorful cottages, quaint churches and alfresco dining found all over.

Lisbon: Portugal’s Enchanting Capital

From your beach hotel in Cascais, the enchanting city of Lisbon is only a short train journey away. While there is plenty to see and do in Cascais alone, it would be a shame to skip the capital of Portugal completely. Lisbon is wonderland of striking buildings from thousands of years of Portuguese history. Start your journey with an exploration of Chiado, the city’s theater district full of historic monuments located in grand squares. By night the bohemian area of Bairro Alto attracts the city’s party people and the packed bars regularly spill out onto the street. North of Bairro Alto is the up-and-coming shopping district of Príncipe Real – which is better known for its stylish gay bars and enormous 19th century mansions. To uncover a slice of classic Lisbon do not miss the winding alleyways and terracotta roofs of Alfama. The city’s oldest district, hotels in Alfama will charm you with their access to some of the Lisbon’s most famous sites, such as the São Jorge Castle. From the castle ramparts you can look out over the city sprawl and the Tejo River. All Lisbon’s districts offer a little something for everyone and a visit to the city can only add to any vacation with a Cascais beach hotel.

The Algarve: A Seaside Paradise

Travelers looking to explore more of Portugal’s illustrious coastlines should not skip the exciting Algarve region in the south. While beach hotels in Cascais provide access to vast swathes of sea and sand, beach hotels in the Algarve offer a more rugged and secluded atmosphere depending in where you want to stay. Towns like Albufeira and Portmão offer the ultimate beach retreat with plenty of child-friendly activities, restaurants, bars and resorts – but there’s far more to discover off the beaten track. In Sagres, Cape St. Vincent feels like the end of the world, with a fortress that peers out over an endless ocean which holds memories of Portugal’s rich nautical history. Further east along the Algarve, Lagos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region complete with transparent blue water. Whether you choose a beach hotel in Cascais or a one along the Algarve, you’ll be sure to fall in love with all the wonders of Portugal.