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Cascais, Portugal: Everything You Need To Know
Cascais is a coastal town in Portugal’s Lisbon District. It’s known for its picturesque beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
What used to be a fishing village in Roman times, has evolved into a popular tourist destination over the years. It’s also become a sought-after residential area for both locals and foreigners.
Some of the country’s wealthiest and most famous citizens call Cascais home, including the President of Portugal.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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Offering innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, gorgeous scenery, and more, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Portuguese city more liked by long-time locals and newbies alike.
Cascais has always been an area of interest. Recently, the city reopened ancient Roman tunnels in the city center for the public to see.
You can see the influence of Arabic occupation within the names of nearby neighborhoods—Alcoitão, Alcabideche, and Aldeia de Juzo.
As a strategic coastal area always on the defense from pirates and foreign conquests, forts and bastions were built to defend it, including the Citadel of Cascais. With connecting roads built throughout the 1800s, the town flourished.
When King Luís chose Cascais as his holiday location in 1870, infrastructure improved, the rich and royal inundated the town, and the social scene exploded.
This early tourism led to the development of the entire coast leading back to Lisbon, known today as the Linha de Cascais, including the first railway connections.
With beautiful beaches within walking distance from the train station, Cascais is an easy beach daytrip destination from Lisbon.
Cascais, Portugal, also has cultural and entertainment events happening often, more and more restaurants opening, and constantly tops list after list of best places to live and visit in this country.
A couple could live very well in Cascais on a budget of about US$2,470 per month and comfortably on a budget of about US$2,100.
Here’s a closer look at what your expenses will likely look like if you choose Cascais as your new home.
Reaching Cascais from Lisbon is easy. There are several ways to go about it, depending on where you’re coming from. If you’re landing at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, the simplest way is to hire a car service or take a taxi. A car service usually runs about 35 euros one way, while a taxi can range up to 60 euros depending on traffic. The one-way journey takes about 30 minutes.
If you rent a car, you’ll make your way to the A5, which runs between Lisbon and Cascais. The A5 is a toll road, so make sure you ask for the Via Verde transmitter. Having that will make your life a lot easier while zooming around on all the perfectly maintained toll roads of Portugal.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind a slightly longer ride, you can make your way to the coastal road (N6) that runs from Lisbon to Cascais. Along the way, you’re likely to pass Torre de Belem, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, and many other iconic sights.
Taking public transport from the airport is doable but a bit cumbersome and involves several transfers and some walking. You’ll need to take the metro from the airport to Cais do Sodre Station on the Lisbon waterfront.
After 40 minutes of taking in the sights of the coastal ride, you’ll arrive at Cascais Station just outside the historic center. There are usually taxis at the station ready to take you to your final destination, or the bus terminal is just a few minutes’ walk. You can also order an Uber or Bolt.
If you’re arriving luggage-free, exit the train station, pick a direction—either toward the beach promenade, known as the Paredão, or toward the historic center, Cascais Bay, and marina—and start walking.
Getting a visa, and later a residence permit, to remain in Portugal for an extended period is a rather straightforward process. However, depending on where you’re from, it can require significantly more bureaucratic hoops.
Portugal also offers a wide variety of interesting and appealing residency types, including a golden visa, a digital nomad visa, are more.
For retirees, the Passive Income Visa (also known as the D7 Visa) is the most relevant. It’s not a retiree-specific visa, but it’s the option most retirees use to live in Portugal long term.
These are the basic requirements:
A couple could live very well in Cascais on a budget of about US$2,470 per month and comfortably on a budget of about US$2,100.
Here’s a closer look at what your expenses will likely look like if you choose Cascais as your new home.
Because there are a lot of expats looking to move here, many rentals get priced for expats—much higher prices than locals would typically pay. It’s wise to be wary of any rental that seems unfairly priced.
Not all landlords are created equal. When looking for rental properties, remember one thing: if something doesn’t feel right, move on. No home is worth the headaches a bad contract or shady landlord can bring with it.
The rental market is extremely tough right now, and that’s the exact time when some may try to take advantage of someone new to Cascais or Portugal. That said, be prepared to go above and beyond for the place you love.
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | €650 | With a 3% to 4% mortgage. (It’s difficult to get a mortgage unless you deposit comparable funds in a Portuguese bank account.) |
| HOA Fees | €75 | Average cost, depending on the unit size and value as well as property amenities. |
| Property Taxes | €37.5 | About €450 annually. This price varies depending on location. |
| Transportation | €250 | For a month of gasoline. Price of a 2018 used car is roughly €20,000. |
| Gas | €50 | For heating and cooking. |
| Electricity | €75 | |
| Water | €25 | |
| Cell Phone | €30 | Includes two lines, 5GB data per line, unlimited texts per phone, and 5,000 minutes per line with NOWO. |
| Internet | €35 | |
| Cable TV | 100 | Subscription services like Apple TV, Netflix, etc. |
| Household Help | €192 | For six hours of cleaning per week at €8 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €484 | Monthly cost for eating out twice a week: €320 (€40 per meal for two). Local drinks twice a week: €120 (€5 per drink). Movie theater trip twice a month: €44 (€11 per ticket). |
| Groceries | €500 | Basic items for a couple that cooks often. |
| Gym Membership | €80 | |
| Medical Appointment | €20 | For a GP visit at a private hospital. |
| TOTAL | €2,603.50 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €2,500 | Three-bed, two-bath, 200-square-meter home with a pool and small garden. Rent includes all utilities plus internet and garden maintenance. |
| Transportation | €200 | For a month of gasoline. Price of a 2018 used car is roughly €20,000. |
| Gas | – | Included in rent. |
| Electricity | – | Included in rent. |
| Water | – | Included in rent. |
| Cell Phone | €30 | Includes two lines, 5GB data per line, unlimited texts per phone, and 5,000 minutes per line with NOWO. |
| Internet | Included in rent. | |
| Cable TV | €100 | Subscription services like Apple TV, Netflix, etc. |
| Household Help | €192 | For six hours of cleaning per week at €8 per hour. |
| Entertainment | €484 | Monthly cost for eating out twice a week: €320 (€40 per meal for two). Local drinks twice a week: €120 (€5 per drink). Movie theater trip twice a month: €44 (€11 per ticket). |
| Groceries | €500 | Basic items for a couple that cooks often. |
| Gym Membership | €80 | |
| Medical Appointment | €20 | For a GP visit at a private hospital. |
| TOTAL | €4,106 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €900 | One-bed, one-bath, 50-square-meter home. |
| Transportation | – | Public transportation is free for Cascais residents. |
| Gas | €50 | |
| Electricity | €50 | |
| Water | €40 | |
| Cell Phone | €33 | |
| Internet | €33 | |
| Cable TV | €33 | |
| Entertainment | €160 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant. Lunch on weekdays is usually the cheapest option in local restaurants (roughly €20 per meal). |
| Groceries | €250 | All local-brand items only, shopping at markets and grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | €1,549 |
Cascais offers innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, gorgeous scenery, and more. For anything that you can’t get in Cascais, Lisbon is only 30 minutes away and easily reached by train.
The Paula Rego Museum is officially known as Casa das Histórias. This is an art museum dedicated to the works of Paula Rego, a renowned Portuguese-British artist.
Here you’ll find a collection of her work including paintings, drawings, prints, and more.
The building itself is considered to be a masterpiece. It features bold geometric shapes, minimalist lines, and a unique interplay of light and shadow, all complementing the artwork on display.
The Cascais Cultural Center is a hub for arts and culture. It promotes and supports a wide range of artistic disciplines such as dance, visual arts, theater, and more. The building that houses this cultural center is historic and is known as the Condes de Castro Guimarães Palace.
The Cascais Cultural Center has several exhibition spaces where visitors can view contemporary art, photography, and other visual arts.
Exhibitions rotate throughout the year and feature various local and international artists.
The center also has a versatile auditorium and stage for performing arts events and a dedicated cinema space known as the Cinematica.
Keep an eye on the Cascais’s Cultural Center throughout the year and you’ll get the chance to take part in the many workshops, courses, and educational programs for all ages.
Boca do Inferno is a dramatic cliff formation that has become a popular tourist attraction. The name literally translates to “Hell’s Mouth.”
Located about 2 kilometers from the town center on the western edge of Cascais, Boca do Inferno is a natural formation created by the ocean’s erosive forces on the land over time. From here, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean along with the rugged coastline.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, this is a great place to visit. Here you’ll be able to walk a well-maintained path that leads visitors along the cliff’s edge. This is also a stunning place to head to and enjoy the sunset.
Photographers will find this a great place for scenic shots. This is also a popular place for jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a protected natural area in the western part of the Lisbon District. It’s known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems that covers an area of about 145 square kilometers. It also has a variety of landscapes with rugged mountains and lush forests.
Outdoor lovers will fall in love with the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
It has a network of well-marked trails for you to explore. They lead to scenic views, ancient ruins, and natural landmarks. And, it’s a great place to enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Whether you’re an outdoorsy person, a music lover, a sports person, or an avid reader, Cascais offers no shortage of activities and events year-round.
Parque Marechal Carmona is also known as Parque Palmela. It’s located just a short walk from the Cascais Train Station in the center of the town making it super accessible for residents and visitors.
The Parque Marechal Carmona covers about 49 acres of land with lush green spaces and polished gardens.
It also has playgrounds specifically for children. In short, it’s a very popular spot to see families bring their kids to get some fresh air.
Also, you’ll find small animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and several bird species.
Throughout the year, the park hosts various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. This is also a popular space for fairs, markets, community gatherings, theater shows, concerts, and more.
Mercado de Vila, just like the Parque Marechal Carmona, is in the center of town just a short walk from the Cascais Train Station. This market has been here since the 19th century––originally built in 1871––and was used to sell fresh produce and seafood.
Nowadays, however, it’s where people go to purchase baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, olive oil, honey, and much more. Plus, if you’re looking for a souvenir for your loved ones, you’ll be sure to find a little something made by local artisans.
The Mercado de Vila is a great place for you to visit and purchase your weekly specialty goods and organic produce. Most importantly, if you get a bit hungry, there are also food vendors here offering you the chance to taste the delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Portugal is known for its world-renowned blue flag beaches. Stunning golden coastlines, clear blue water, and sunny days, visiting the beach while you’re in Cascais is a must.
You can enjoy anything from lounging around on the sand to water sports and activities.
These are some of the beaches you should considering visiting: Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach), Praia da Conceição, Praia do Guincho, Praia da Cresmina, Praia do Tamariz, and Praia do Abano.
The Cascais Historic Center is located near the Cascais Bay, easily accessible on foot and very close to the town’s main beach areas. It has narrow, cobbled streets and colorful buildings with traditional Portuguese architecture.
If you’re interested in history, this is a great place to visit.
At the Cascais Historic Center, you’ll find prominent structures such as the Cascais Citadel, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the Town Hall, and King Umberto II of Italy’s former residence.
Here you’ll find a diverse range of restaurants, cafés, shops, boutiques, and more. The Cascais Historic Center also hosts events and showcases exhibitions throughout the year.
The expat community in Cascais is probably one of the best in Portugal. There is always someone willing to help, offer advice, or simply connect with you over coffee or a glass of vinho verde.
Several groups plan local meetups, and the area-based groups on Facebook are a wealth of information.
Cascais offers a high quality of life on a budget. It has modern infrastructure, excellent health care facilities, it’s incredibly welcoming to foreigners, and the town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
This town offers its residents a laidback lifestyle as well as outdoor activities so you can enjoy an active and healthy retirement.
People who call Cascais home come from all over the world; it’s very diverse.
Portugal in general has a health care system known worldwide as topnotch. However, you need to become familiar with your specific needs along with up-to-date health care requirements at the time of your move.
Firstly, Cascais has two hospitals: one public, one private.
The private hospital, CUF Cascais, is part of a large network of CUF hospitals. The hospital is small but centrally located and easy to access.
CUF does not offer 24-hour emergency services and the emergency department is quite basic. For after-hours and dire emergencies, you should use the public hospital.
The public health option is Cascais Hospital, located in Alcabideche. Expansive in size, it’s the largest hospital near Cascais.
The SNS is a telephone and online-service of the Portuguese National Health Service. It’s a great system to get answers from nurses or doctors quickly and from the convenience of your own home.
Portugal in general is known as a safe country with low crime rates.
Most people who choose to move to Portugal do so with the country’s relative safety in mind. Yes, some petty crimes and scams take advantage of tourists, expats, and the elderly.
Overall, if you do not go out of your way to make yourself a target, you can rest assured that crime rates here in Cascais are negligible.
In short, Cascais is safe and friendly, with a diverse community of expats that stands out for being so welcoming. It’s especially popular with families, but it also attracts retirees, digital nomads, singles, and professionals of all ages.
Practice these basic precautions when out and about in Cascais and you should be fine:
Cascais specifically has a lot going for it when it comes to weather. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with temperatures rarely going below 57°F (14°C) or above 82°F (28°C).
Most importantly, Cascais’ proximity to the ocean gives it a distinct advantage when it comes to weather. The breeze coming off the Atlantic keeps the temperatures comfortable and dry in the summer.
One of the reasons people started flocking to Cascais was to escape the heat and humidity of Lisbon. A good dehumidifier (or two) is a necessity pretty much year-round, but especially during winter.
When it comes to the weather in Cascais keep in mind the insulation (or lack thereof) of your home.
It’s important you plan how to keep it warm if it does not have central heating—most homes don’t. Because Portuguese houses are built to keep the heat out—not in—the interiors can be cold in the winter, often colder inside than out.
The summer in Cascais is from June to August, the fall (autumn) runs from September to November, winter is from December to February, and spring runs from March to May.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
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Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, sailing, golf, and surfing. The town also offers upscale dining, museums, and parks.
The name Cascais derives from the word cascal, which means shell.
Summertime in Cascais means you should pack a swimsuit and sunblock. Plus, bring a light jacket and jeans since Cascais can get windy in the evenings.
Yes, you can drink tap water in Cascais, Portugal.
Cascais is quite possibly one of the most diverse cities in Portugal. And as such, you will hear English (as well as many other languages) being spoken everywhere.
Although they can be quite modest about it, the large majority of Portuguese residents in Cascais speak an impressive level of English.
Most offices and shops have at least one person available who speaks English, and if you get stuck, there are usually bystanders willing to help translate in a pinch.
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