Real-life spies, the origins of James Bond, kings who summered by the sea, and Boca do Inferno: discover Cascais through a local’s eyes. Book for €1.50, then decide how much it’s worth at the end.
Fun fact: Ian Fleming spent time in Cascais during the Second World War, surrounded by spies. They say he found inspiration here for James Bond.
Highlights
- Cascais, the spies’ town and the origins of James Bond
- From fishing village to royal seaside retreat
- The Citadel and Santa Marta Lighthouse
- A seaside walk along the Portuguese Riviera
- A spectacular finish at Boca do Inferno
Full description
Cascais has everything you could want in a seaside town… and a history worthy of a spy novel. Once a fishing village, it became the royal family’s summer retreat in the 19th century and a hotbed of secret agents during the Second World War. Your local guide will tell you how Ian Fleming and the spy Duško Popov strolled these streets, and why many believe James Bond was born here. You’ll walk along Praia da Rainha and through the old town, learn about the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, the oldest in Europe, and hear the story of King Dom Carlos, who was in love with the ocean. You’ll discover the Citadel and its 60 years under Spanish rule, the marina, the romantic Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimarães, and the Santa Marta Lighthouse. We’ll finish at the breathtaking Boca do Inferno, with the story that links poet Fernando Pessoa to occultist Aleister Crowley. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your place in the group but doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people leave €15–€20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Estación de tren de Cascais
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point at the main exit, with Praia da Conceição in the background
On foot (3 min)
2Praia da Rainha
Guided visit · 10 min
From fishing village to the royal family’s beach
On foot (3 min)
3Calle Direita
Guided visit · 10 min
The origins of Cascais
On foot (3 min)
4La Cascais de los espías
Guided visit · 10 min
Ian Fleming, Duško Popov and the origins of James Bond
On foot (2 min)
5Heladería Santini
Pass by · 5 min
Portugal’s most famous ice cream (not included)
On foot (3 min)
6Largo Luís de Camões
Guided visit · 10 min
Europe’s oldest alliance and the Duke of Windsor
On foot (3 min)
7Monumento a D. Carlos
Guided visit · 10 min
The oceanographer king and his tragic end
On foot (5 min)
8Ciudadela de Cascais
Guided visit · 10 min
Philip II and 60 years of Spanish rule
On foot (3 min)
9Marina de Cascais
Photo stop · 5 min
A picture-perfect coastline
On foot (8 min)
10Palacio Condes de Castro Guimarães
Photo stop · 10 min
A romantic gem by the sea
On foot (2 min)
11Faro de Santa Marta
Guided visit · 10 min
Lighthouse legends
On foot (15 min)
12Boca do Inferno
Guided visit · 15 min
A finale featuring the story of Pessoa and occultist Aleister Crowley
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 30 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
A walking tour of Cascais lasting around 2.5 hours
Stories, fun facts and recommendations from a local
Not included
Pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–€20 per person)
Admission to monuments (outside visit only) and transport to Cascais
Food and drink
Meeting point
Cascais, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water and sun protection
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you consider fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-wish free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide whatever they consider fair, in cash and in euros only (the average is €15–€20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we cannot accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For larger groups, we require a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monument visits are from the outside only; admission is not included. Drinks, food and transport are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation until the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
