Swallows fly south for the winter, Lisboetas head west to Belém and Cascais when they feel like a seaside escape. So join one of our local Lisbon hosts to take a day out of the city and head to Belém by tram, followed by a train to Cascais.

You’ll discover historic landmarks like the Torre de Belém, but we won’t lie to you, part of the reason for going there is to indulge in the original Pastéis de Belém - yes, pastries alone make it worth the trip.

And there’s plenty to explore in Cascais, from eclectic art and delicious seafood to Casa das Histórias - dedicated to the artist Paula Rego - and the 17th-century St. Sebastian Chapel Museum, your day will be filled with what you want to see and also what your hosts think you’ll enjoy.

Savor a long and lazy lunch in true Portuguese style - we recommend a seafood feast overlooking the ocean. Then you could always just relax on the beach with some sangria or try surfing if that’s your vibe - we wish we could join you for all of the above!