Living in Cascais, Portugal: The 2026 Ultimate Guide for Expats

Is Cascais a good place to live?

Yes, Cascais is often considered a great place to live, thanks to its beautiful beaches, superior quality of life, and cultural richness.

Living in Cascais is ideal for those who want easy access to Lisbon, luxurious amenities, and world-class golf courses. You have a large promenade (the Paredão) for morning runs and a charming historic center filled with cafes.

Cascais is an excellent location for families, with international schools and various education options all within walking distance. There are local markets in the area, such as the Rua Mercado, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can find clothes, handmade crafts, and fresh seafood at affordable prices. The Portuguese people are very welcoming and often speak English.

Retire in Cascais

Cascais is a premium European coastal destination for retirees due to the town’s mild climate, pristine beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. You can retire in Cascais if you want water sport activities, modern amenities, and authentic Portuguese charm.

Although Cascais sits on the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it doesn’t feel quite as stifling as a classic Mediterranean city, like Rome in Italy or Athens in Greece. Summers are warm and partly clear, with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) and 26°C (79°F) during the peak season. Extreme heatwaves of 40°C (104°F) are very rare compared to inland Portugal.

This is the biggest surprise for most people. Even though the air is warm and the sun is out, the Atlantic water stays quite chilly, even in August. Occasionally, you’ll see morning mist rolling in from the ocean that clears up by midday.

Winters are cool, rainy, and partially cloudy. The average daily high temperature is 17°C (63°F), which is relatively comfortable for seniors. The coldest month in Cascais is January, when temperatures drop below 11°C (51°F).

Cascais boasts a well-connected public transportation system, featuring buses and trams. You can easily travel to Lisbon via the scenic 33-minute train line, which takes about 30 minutes.

The area has access to quality Portugal healthcare at some of the best hospitals in the country, like CUF Hospital Cascais or the public Hospital de Cascais, which adds to the town’s popularity. Retirees enjoy the authentic Portuguese experience and large expat community.

Cost of Living in Cascais

Cascais is an expensive place to live in Portugal. However, for many expats, the high price tag is worth it due to the stunning natural beauty, world-class golf courses, and modern amenities. What used to be a small fishing village has become one of the prime locations for Portugal luxury real estate.

The average property prices in Cascais are €7,260 ($8,494) per square meter. There are plenty of luxury properties to choose from, including waterfront homes, villas, modern apartments, and detached houses.

If you’re interested in investing in Cascais real estate, a buyer’s agent, like Goldcrest, can research the property market and negotiate the best prices based on your budget. We can also introduce you to local contractors, lawyers, and tax advisors.

If you are not yet looking to purchase a property, you will also find many apartments to rent in Cascias, Portugal. When it comes to the monthly rent, a one-bedroom apartment costs €972 ($1,137) outside central areas, or €1,376 ($1,610) in the city center. For a three-bedroom apartment, you can expect to spend €3,368 ($3,941) in the central parts or €2,231 ($2,610) outside central locations.

The table below covers the typical costs of living in Cascais, Portugal

Source: Numbeo

Where to live in Cascais

Wondering what are the best places to live in Portugal? Cascais stands at the top of the list for many digital nomads, families, retirees, and luxury buyers.

Here are the top locations for living in Cascais municipality:

• Cascais historic center: Charming traditional Portuguese architecture. This area is at the heart of the Portuguese Riviera. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with colorful houses, boutiques, and Michelin-star restaurants. It is the best place to live for those who want access to the Cascais train station and picturesque beaches, like Praia da Rainha.
• Quinta da Marinha: Ultra-luxury and high security. This is a massive elite resort area featuring world-class golf courses (Oitavos Dunes), equestrian centers, and modern luxury villas. It is the ideal location for high-net-worth individuals seeking complete privacy. Even celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo are planning to have a home here. You can read more about this football star in our article about Ronaldo’s house in Portugal.
• Bairro do Rosário: Highly residential and peaceful. The area is filled with flat streets perfect for walking dogs or strollers. It has a great “village” feel with local bakeries and pharmacies. It is the perfect spot for long-term expats who prefer to be near international schools and the seafront promenade (Paredão).
• Guincho area: Untamed natural landscape and strong Atlantic currents. The area is well-known for the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and famous Guincho beach, which is great for surfing. It is an excellent place to live for nature lovers and digital nomads who prefer outdoor activities.
• Birre, Areia, and Bicuda: Quiet, upscale suburbia. These areas feature various luxury properties, including modern villas with private pools and gardens concealed behind stone walls. They are popular among families who want more space, while staying a short distance away from the highway to Lisbon.
• Carcavelos and Parede: Youthful, active, and coastal. Carcavelos has a “California” feel due to its massive surf beach and the Nova SBE university campus. Parede is more traditional, known for its healthy “iodine-rich” air, local fish market, and friendly locals. They are popular locations among remote workers, students, and Lisbon commuters.

Still don’t know where to live in Cascais? Some of the most popular locations to purchase real estate in the Cascais municipality include Carcavelos, Alcabideche, São Domingos de Rana, and Monte Estoril. Our guide provides more details on Estoril, Portugal real estate.

Many foreigners often consult with a buyer’s agent or a real estate agent in Cascais when they need a detailed market analysis before they buy or sell property.

Things to Do in Cascais

Cascais is small enough to explore on foot, but it’s full of things to keep you entertained. There are plenty of markets, and high-end restaurants to experience the ultimate Cascais, Portugal lifestyle.

Here are the top six things you should see:

1. Boca do Inferno is a dramatic cliff formation with strong waves and powerful ocean currents. It is a great place for sightseeing, photography, and walking.
2. Cascais Marina is the largest yacht harbor on the Riviera, distinguished by its sleek, sophisticated atmosphere. It features high-end boutiques and waterfront restaurants with prime views. Visit on a weekday afternoon for a relaxed stroll or a sunset cocktail without the weekend crowds.
3. Praia da Rainha is one of the best beaches in Portugal, tucked between cliffs in the town center. Once the private retreat of Queen Amélia, its crystal-clear, calm waters are perfect for a quick swim. Arrive early in the morning to claim a spot before the summer rush.
4. Mercado da Vila is one of the best produce markets in the country. Here, locals and tourists enjoy fresh ingredients, cultural events, and luxury dining. The most popular festivals and fairs are the Cascais Wine Market, Beer and Petiscos (tapas) festivals, and the Chocolate Market.
5. Cascais Promenade is a 3km scenic area that connects Cascais to Estoril, offering a flat, sun-drenched path above the sea walls. It features several ocean-side cafes and saltwater pools. Many prefer to visit the area during the early morning to join locals for a jog or walk.
6. Old Town is the historic heart of Cascais. It stands out for its Calçada Portuguesa (the iconic black-and-white limestone mosaic pavements), the pink houses, and purple bougainvillea. It feels like a living postcard.

Check out our article: Five Fantastic Hikes Portugal Has for You.

Pros and Cons of living in Cascais

Cascais is one of the most stunning and peaceful places in Portugal. But, like anywhere else on the globe, the area comes with a couple of disadvantages. Here is a list of the pros and cons of living in Cascais.

Pros

• Coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches for surfing, outdoor activities for hiking, and a promenade for walking
• High quality of life with excellent safety standards
• Family-friendly environment with modern infrastructure
• Easy access to Lisbon by car or train
• A large and diverse expat community

Cons

• Rental and property prices are very high for the average buyer
• Busy during peak tourist season
• Slow bureaucracy
• Difficult to find parking
• Slightly windier and a few degrees cooler than Lisbon

Why are expats moving to Cascais?

So, is Cascais a good place to live for expats? Living in Portugal as an expat has become the choice of many foreigners and wealthy families. Cascais has a lovely weather, clean roads, and peaceful lifestyle.

You will also find many digital nomads and successful entrepreneurs enjoying Cascais living. The area is very close to Lisbon, and it is luxurious and exclusive. It’s also a wonderful place to raise a family, close to nature, with widespread access to national parks in Portugal and beaches that aren’t isolated from urban cities.

Several international schools in Portugal offer an excellent quality of education. Some excellent international schools in Cascais include Aprendizes, IPS Cascais, and St Dominic’s International School.

In addition to this, living in Cascais means living in a well-developed European city that is safe, offers quality education and healthcare. It gives you a life of sophistication and luxury while still enjoying Portugese culture. However, some might find the cost of living in Cascais a bit high, particularly if you’re on a budget.

Whether you’re moving alone or with a family, Cascais has a charm that is difficult to ignore. Take a look at our guide to Portugal Immigration to learn about the different visa options available to you.

Is Cascais safe?

Yes, living in Cascais, Portugal, is extremely safe. In fact, it is one of the safest municipalities in the country with low crime rates. The town itself is also a very secure residential area where women, children, and tourists feel comfortable walking alone at night.

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks 7^th globally for its superior security. Cascais is very well maintained with great sidewalks and well-lit areas.

Living in Cascais and Working in Lisbon

Commuting from Cascais to Lisbon is one of the most popular lifestyle choices in Portugal. It allows you to work in a major European capital while enjoying a resort-style seaside town.

There is a dedicated direct coastal train that connects Cascais Station to Cais do Sodré (Lisbon’s central hub for the metro and ferries). The trip takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Trains run roughly every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes late at night. During morning and evening rush hours, trains run every 12 to 15 minutes.

Driving from Cascais to Lisbon offers flexibility. You can take the A5 motorway, which is the fastest route. But it can get very congested during rush hour. For those who prefer a beautiful coastal drive with no tolls, but a slower ride, the Avenida Marginal (N6) can be an excellent choice. However, with fuel, tolls, and high parking fees in Lisbon, driving is much more expensive than taking the train.

Whether it’s better to be living in Lisbon or Cascais depends on your personal preferences. Both locations offer something different in terms of the pace of life and living costs. Check our article on the cost of living in Lisbon for more information.

Goldcrest: How we can help you?

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent situated in Portugal. We can research the property market on your behalf, find the best places to get your dream home, and negotiate prices. We also offer rental services for long-term rentals.

Contact us today if you need help with your Portuguese property. We can connect you to a team of experts, such as tax advisors, real estate lawyers, and local contractors. With our help, you can make a smart investment.