Immerse yourself in the charm of Casa da Guia, a unique seaside gem nestled along the cliffs between Cascais and Guincho.
With a vibrant architecture, stunning ocean views, lush terraces, and inviting dining atmospheres that make the place so special, is really worth a visit.
A Glimpse into Casa da Guia
A Storied Past
Originally inaugurated in 1895 by D. José Saldanha Oliveira e Sousa, the Marquis of Rio Maior, Casa da Guia was built in the hopes that Cascais’ healing sea air would restore his ailing wife’s health. Sadly, she passed away before ever residing there.
Construction extended over many years, so much so that only the foundations were visible for nearly a decade.
The property passed to his daughter, D. Maria Teresa, the Countess of Alcáçovas, who enriched it with exquisite tile decorations and expansive plantings—though only a few of the hundreds of planted trees survived.
Reopened in 1999 after an extensive restoration by architect Cláudio Wanderley, the nineteenth-century palacete now pulses with life, welcoming visitors into its historic halls and verdant expanse.
Location & Atmosphere
Perched right on the cliffs with sweeping views of the Atlantic, Casa da Guia offers magical sunrise and sunset panoramas.
It lies at a strategic point along the coastal route, easily accessible on foot, by car, bus—or even via the scenic bike path connecting the marina to the Guincho.
Gastronomy
With options ranging from gourmet restaurants to casual kiosks, it’s a culinary haven for every mood—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sunset drinks.
Whether you seek refined dining or a relaxed bite with a view, Casa da Guia delivers.
The venue features a variety of options:
- Os Prazeres da Carne – Grills & steakhouse
- Paladar da Guia – Fondue, tapas, petiscos
- LOVit – Sushi & Japanese fusion
- Grelhas – Seafood and grilled Portuguese dishes
- Confeitaria da Guia – Café with pastries, savory toasts, and sweets
- Palaphita – Amazon-inspired cuisine in a forested setting
- Bistrô na Guia – Casual Mediterranean fare and crepes
- Majestic Burguer – Burgers, açaí, snacks
- Friends Açaí – Açaí bowls, sandwiches, quick meals
- Hot Dog Fusão – Creative hot dog versions
- Gusto Pizzaria – Italian-style pizzas
- Gelateria Italiana Fabio Lupi – Italian gelato and desserts
- Dona Ana Bahiana – Authentic dishes from Bahia, Brazil
- Sandocas – Smoked meat sandwiches cooked 13 hours
- Casal Wanderley – Wine-focused (Alentejo vintages)
- Kocoalot – Tropical drinks and healthy Brazilian plates
Palaphita Cascais: A Lush Escape at Casa da Guia
An Amazonian Oasis by the Sea
Palaphita Cascais brings a slice of the Amazon to the cliffs above the Atlantic.
Set amid the trees of Casa da Guia, the space feels like a tropical hideaway—with wooden structures that arc gracefully around the existing forest and transparent domes blending nature and design.
It’s an example of architecture guided by nature, preserving trees and using eco-conscious materials like recycled and biodegradable fibers.
The name “Palaphita” refers to traditional Amazonian stilted dwellings—a fitting inspiration
Dining here goes beyond taste—it’s rooted in sustainability. Many ingredients come from the on-site aromatic garden—think cherry tomatoes, thyme, eggplant, and carrots.
Blending Brazilian and Portuguese flavors, the menu offers standout dishes like:
- Dadinhos de Tapioca (crispy tapioca cubes with cheese and spicy honey)
- Pica-pau variado including shrimp and octopus
- Modern plates such as vegan moqueca (Cunhã Poranga), shrimp curry with coconut and caramelized onions
- Desserts like tapioca squares, cashew cheesecake, and traditional chocolate mousse
Palaphita is more than a restaurant—it’s a venue. It hosts themed parties like #PalaSaturday, #PalaSunday, carnival events, and live samba or DJ performances.
Shops & Services
Casa da Guia offers an array of boutiques and specialty stores tucked among its gardens, terraces, and historic palacete.
Casa da Guia is more than just a collection of shops—it’s a curated experience that invites you to wander, discover, and indulge in style, wellness, design, and local craftsmanship.
Whether you’re on the lookout for a plant to brighten your home, a unique fashion piece, or a gourmet treat, you’re bound to find something memorable here.
Here’s a curated list of stores worth exploring:
Solo Unhas – Nail care and beauty salon
ARQ1to1 – Architecture and decoration services
Atempo – Antiquarian bookstore and rare volumes
Cinderella Blues – Women’s fashion & home décor
Emporium Gourmet – Organic and gourmet food products
ENGY – Fashion and living design
F-Luxury – Luxury market magazine
Harajuku – Fashion design boutique
Loja da Guia – Two locations: one for women’s fashion, the other for surf/streetwear styles
MIX – Fashion and accessories
PIPED – Design objects and accessories
PharmaGuia – Parapharmacy & aesthetic treatments
R.Rodyner Gallery – Art gallery and shop
Textura Store – Fashion & accessories
Medical Skin Clinic – Aesthetic medicine services
Planthiza – Plant shop—everything for plant lovers!
Tabacaria da Guia – Tobacco shop, newspapers, and magazines
Evviva – Custom high-quality furniture
Guia Lounge – A relaxing space for lounging and celebration
Granado – Classic Brazilian perfumery (est. 1870)
Leisure & Community
Beyond shopping and dining, the venue features serene gardens, terraces, and a charming open-air amphitheater that overlooks the ocean.
It’s a place made for relaxed strolls, casual gatherings, or peaceful reflection.
Visiting Essentials
- Opening Hours
- Shops & Palacete: 10:00–19:00 (Oct–Apr) | 10:00–20:00 (May–Sept)
- Restaurants: Open up to 23:30 or even 02:00, depending on the establishment
- Location: Avenida Nossa Senhora do Cabo, 101, Cascais, 2750-374, Portugal
- Getting There: Easily reached by car, public bus, walking, or biking along the scenic coastline
- Vibe: A scenic escape blending heritage architecture, vibrant social life, and laid-back relaxation—ideal for solo outings, family visits, or romantic escapes.
Why Visit Casa da Guia?
- Historic charm meets modern vibrancy in a beautifully restored 19th-century estate.
- Coastal beauty: cliff-side views make every moment Instagram-worthy.
- Versatile offerings: whether you’re there for food, shopping, relaxation, or atmosphere, there’s always something to enjoy.
- All-day destination: breakfast with a view, lunch, cocktails, boutique browsing—perfect for a full-day outing.
Casa da Guia is more than a destination—it’s an experience.
Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture, ocean vistas, fine food, or boutique shopping, it invites you to slow down and savor the best of Cascais.
Watch the video of our visit to Casa da Guia on our Instagram channel:
Looking for hotels to stay near Casa da Guia? Click here to check our Selection of Cascais hotels!