Cascais is known for its stunning coastline, charming streets, and excellent seafood, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore Portuguese cuisine through dedicated food tours. The city offers a range of options, from intimate tasting experiences to scenic boat cruises with local flavors. We especially like the Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour, which combines delicious tastings with storytelling that reveals the cultural stories behind each bite. This tour is perfect if you enjoy learning about local traditions while savoring authentic dishes. The Cascais: Private boat with skipper, fuel, food and drinks offers a different experience — sailing along the coast with Portuguese snacks, wine, and the chance to swim during the trip, ideal for those seeking a relaxed, scenic adventure on the water.
Below, we’ve summarized two distinct types of food experiences in Cascais: immersive walking tastings in nearby Ericeira, and private boat cruises that combine sightseeing with delicious bites. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Portugal’s flavors, so read on to find out which suits your travel style best.
1. Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour
At around $119.22 per person, this private food walking tour offers a wonderful way to get a taste of Ericeira’s culinary and cultural heritage in about four hours. The tour kicks off at Casa da Fernanda, where you’ll enjoy a coffee and regional pastry called “ouriço,” learning about the significance of coffee and pastries in Portuguese culture. Next, you’ll explore the Mercado Municipal da Ericeira, walking through stalls filled with fresh fish, vegetables, and local produce, illustrating how seafood and market ingredients shape regional cuisine. The tour continues through picturesque streets to a local restaurant, where you will sample products from different Portuguese regions paired with a good red wine. The experience offers a mix of storytelling, tasting, and sightseeing, giving a genuine look at how artisanal fishing and local traditions influence cuisine.
This tour is especially well-suited for food lovers who want more than just tasting — they want stories, history, and a sense of place. The guide’s storytelling makes each stop memorable, and the inclusion of wine adds a convivial touch. With a high rating of 5.0/5 from seven reviews, travelers report that this tour offers authentic, flavorful experiences that deepen understanding of Portugal’s culinary diversity. The only potential downside: it’s a semi-private, walking-based experience, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in immersive food experiences combined with cultural insights, this tour offers excellent value for those who appreciate storytelling along with tastings.
2. Cascais: Private boat with skipper, fuel, food and drinks
For around 2 to 4 hours of sailing, this private boat experience offers a luxurious, personalized way to enjoy Portugal’s coastal flavors. The boat is exclusive for just 2 or 4 people, ensuring intimacy and flexibility. As you sail along the Lisboa and Estoril Coast, your skipper will take you to scenic spots, with the option to include a swim during the trip. The highlight is the onboard Portuguese snacks and wine — think local cheeses, charcuterie, and regional wines carefully selected to complement the sea views. The experience is very customizable, making it perfect for celebrations, romantic getaways, or just a relaxing afternoon.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on private, tailored experiences. It’s not just a cruise — it’s a chance to see the coast from the water, enjoy fresh air, and indulge in local flavors without the crowds. The only drawback could be that it’s weather-dependent, so flexible scheduling or good weather is recommended. The positive review praising the hosts’ hospitality and knowledge confirms it’s a memorable, VIP-style adventure that combines scenic beauty with culinary delights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a private, relaxed day on the water with stunning views and Portuguese snacks. It offers exceptional value for personalized service and a memorable experience.
How to Choose Between These Food Tours in Cascais
When deciding between these options, think about what kind of experience fits your travel style. If you love exploring a charming fishing village, savoring local wines, and hearing stories about Portuguese history, the Ericeira Tastings Tour is a fantastic choice, especially if you enjoy walking and discovering local markets. Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed, scenic outing with the chance to unwind on a private boat while sampling regional snacks, the Cascais boat cruise provides a personalized, scenic experience with the added bonus of swimming and enjoying the sea.
Budget and time are also important — the Ericeira tour lasts about four hours and costs roughly $119, making it a full, in-depth experience. The boat trip offers more flexibility with shorter or longer options, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Consider the weather too; a boat cruise is best on clear days, while the walking tour can be enjoyed rain or shine with appropriate gear.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Both tours have excellent reviews, so your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer exploring on foot or sailing along the coast.
Final Thoughts
Cascais offers a variety of ways to experience authentic Portuguese cuisine, from immersive tasting tours to scenic boat cruises. The Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour is perfect for food lovers looking for cultural stories and rich flavors, while the Cascais boat cruise with skipper suits those wanting a relaxed, private day on the water with delicious bites and stunning views.
For travelers eager to learn about local fishing traditions or enjoy a scenic sail with Portuguese snacks, these experiences stand out as top options. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable ways to taste and see Portugal’s coast. Whether you’re a foodie, a romantic couple, or a curious traveler, Cascais’s food tours promise authentic bites framed by beautiful scenery, each offering an unforgettable taste of Portugal.
