Things to Do in Cascais in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Cascais
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find accommodations 25-40% cheaper than peak summer months, with the best deals typically appearing when you book 4-6 weeks out rather than last-minute
- Morning temperatures around 12-15°C (53-59°F) are ideal for hiking Sintra's hills or cycling the coastal paths before the midday warmth kicks in - locals actually prefer April for outdoor activities over the scorching summer
- The Atlantic is warming up to around 16°C (61°F), which sounds cold but is actually when the surf schools start their busiest season because the waves are consistent without the summer crowds fighting for space
- Portuguese families haven't started their beach holidays yet, so you'll have Guincho and the smaller coves largely to yourself on weekdays - the restaurant terraces overlooking the ocean are wonderfully empty at lunch
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable and can blow in from the Atlantic with almost no warning - the rain itself is usually brief but the wind that comes with it can shut down boat tours and make beach days miserable
- Ocean swimming is genuinely cold unless you're accustomed to northern European waters - you'll see locals in wetsuits even for casual dips, and most tourists who jump in without one last about five minutes
- Evenings require layers because temperatures can drop 7-8°C (12-14°F) once the sun sets, especially in coastal areas where the Atlantic breeze picks up - that romantic sunset dinner terrace might leave you shivering if you're not prepared
Best Activities in April
Sintra Palace and Garden Tours
April is legitimately the best month for Sintra's palaces and gardens. The gardens at Pena Palace and Monserrate are in full spring bloom, temperatures stay comfortable for the steep climbs between sites (you'll be doing a lot of uphill walking), and morning mist often creates that fairytale atmosphere everyone hopes for. The variable weather actually works in your favor here - cloudy days make for better photos without harsh shadows on the colorful palace facades. Weekday mornings before 10am are noticeably quieter than afternoons when day-trippers arrive from Lisbon.
Coastal Cycling Routes
The coastal path from Cascais to Guincho Beach is 9 km (5.6 miles) of dedicated bike lane with ocean views the entire way, and April weather is ideal for it - warm enough that you won't freeze in the coastal wind, cool enough that you won't arrive drenched in sweat. Locals ride this route year-round but April through June are the sweet spot before summer crowds pack the path. The route is completely flat except for one small hill near Boca do Inferno. Wind can be strong in the afternoons, so morning rides (8-11am) are noticeably easier. Budget 90 minutes round-trip at a leisurely pace with photo stops.
Surfing Lessons at Guincho Beach
April is when surf schools ramp up operations because the Atlantic swells are consistent but not overwhelming - typically 1-2 meters (3-6 feet), which is perfect for beginners. Water temperature around 16°C (61°F) means you'll wear a full wetsuit (provided by schools), which actually helps with buoyancy and makes learning easier. The beach is exposed and windy, but that's what creates the waves. Morning sessions (9am-12pm) have cleaner conditions before afternoon winds get choppy. You'll see far more locals than tourists in April, which means the lineup isn't crowded and you'll get more waves per session.
Cabo da Roca Hiking
Cabo da Roca is mainland Europe's westernmost point, and the clifftop trails here are spectacular in April when wildflowers cover the headlands. The main coastal trail runs 4 km (2.5 miles) from the cape to Praia da Ursa, with dramatic Atlantic views the entire way. April weather is ideal because summer heat makes this exposed coastal hike exhausting, while winter storms make cliff edges genuinely dangerous. That said, wind can be fierce even in April - gusts regularly hit 40-50 km/h (25-30 mph), so this isn't the day for a sun hat. The trail involves some scrambling over rocks and steep sections, so proper footwear matters. Allow 2-3 hours for the round trip.
Lisbon Day Trips
Cascais is 30 minutes from Lisbon by train, and April is an excellent month for exploring the city before peak tourist season overwhelms neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. The weather is comfortable for walking Lisbon's steep hills - you'll be doing a lot of uphill walking on cobblestones. Tram 28 is noticeably less crowded in April than summer months, though it's never exactly empty. Morning departures (8-9am) let you see major sites like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery before tour groups arrive around 10:30am. The train from Cascais runs every 20 minutes and costs 2.30 euros each way with a Viva Viagem card.
Seafood Restaurant Experiences
April is prime time for percebes (goose barnacles), which are harvested from the rocks around Cabo da Roca and are considered a delicacy - they look bizarre but taste like concentrated ocean. Local restaurants along the Cascais marina and in the old town serve them simply steamed, typically 35-50 euros per portion. This is also when fresh Atlantic fish like robalo (sea bass) and dourada (sea bream) are at their best. Restaurants with outdoor seating are comfortable for lunch but require a light jacket for dinner once the sun drops. Weekday lunches are noticeably quieter and sometimes offer better value menus than dinner service.
April Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Holy Week falls in April most years (dates shift with Easter), and while Cascais isn't as elaborate as cities further south, you'll still see religious processions through the old town and special services at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. The atmosphere is more subdued and local than touristy - this is primarily for Portuguese families. Many restaurants close on Good Friday, and some shops have reduced hours throughout the week. If you're here during Semana Santa, the Sunday markets are particularly lively with special foods like folar (traditional Easter bread).