Summer by Design: Cascais

Six Seaside Venues Making Waves This Season

There are destinations that host meetings, and then there are destinations that seem designed for them. Cascais is one of those places.

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon Airport, this elegant seaside town has become one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for meetings and incentives. The combination of Atlantic views, luxury hospitality, outdoor experiences and a relaxed coastal atmosphere creates the perfect setting for everything from leadership retreats and incentive programmes to client events and executive gatherings.

What makes Cascais particularly special is how naturally business and lifestyle come together. A morning strategy session can be followed by a sailing experience from the marina, a sunset reception overlooking the ocean, or a private dinner in a hidden coastal venue. It is sophisticated without feeling formal, and exclusive without feeling inaccessible.

As summer approaches, we caught up with our Experience Manager, Alida, to discuss the seaside venues currently on our radar.

Her answer wasn’t about the views.

“Beautiful venues are easy to find,” she said. “What matters is whether they actually work for groups. We look at service standards, food quality, accessibility, event flow and how a venue fits into the wider programme. A venue can be stunning, but if it doesn’t deliver operationally, it’s not the right recommendation.”

It’s a perspective that reflects the value of working with a local DMC. Being on the ground means we know which venues consistently deliver, which teams understand corporate groups, and which settings genuinely elevate the guest experience.

With that in mind, here are six seaside venues making waves this summer.

Coconut Beach Club, Cascais

Located beside the marina, Coconut Beach Club is a natural choice for welcome receptions, networking evenings and sunset events. With sweeping Atlantic views and a relaxed beach-club atmosphere, it captures the spirit of summer in Cascais while remaining easily accessible from the destination’s main hotels.

Forte da Crismina, Cascais

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Guincho coastline, Forte da Crismina offers one of the region’s most spectacular oceanfront settings. Ideal for private dinners and exclusive events, it combines a true sense of place with unforgettable Atlantic views.

Palaphita, Cascais

Hidden within the gardens of Casa da Guia, Palaphita offers a completely different perspective on Cascais. Surrounded by greenery and inspired by sustainable design, it is an ideal choice for clients looking for something authentic, intimate and unexpected.

Maré, Cascais

Part of José Avillez’s acclaimed restaurant collection, Maré combines exceptional Portuguese gastronomy with panoramic sea views. For executive dinners and incentive groups, it offers an experience that celebrates both the destination and its culinary heritage.

Leblon, Costa da Caparica

A short journey from Lisbon, Leblon brings a vibrant beach-club energy to summer programmes. Its beachfront setting and laid-back atmosphere make it a strong choice for informal gatherings, sunset celebrations and incentive experiences with a distinctly Portuguese coastal feel.

Arriba by the Sea, Cascais

Contemporary, elegant and positioned directly above the coastline, Arriba by the Sea is perfect for groups seeking a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Whether for a dinner, cocktail reception or social gathering, the connection to the ocean is ever-present.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

The common thread connecting all of these venues isn’t simply their proximity to the sea.

Each has earned its place because it delivers for groups. Exceptional views matter, but so do attentive staff, strong food and beverage experiences, reliable operations, flexibility and the ability to create memorable moments for large-scale events.

As a destination management company, our role isn’t simply to recommend beautiful venues. It’s to understand our clients’ objectives and match them with locations that genuinely support the success of the programme.

In a destination like Cascais, where there is no shortage of stunning settings, knowing which venues truly work can make all the difference.

And that’s what Summer by Design is all about: creating experiences that feel effortless for guests, while every detail has been carefully considered behind the scenes.