Why Retire in Cascais? Getting to Know Portugal’s Most Treasured Seaside Town

Cascais, the endearing seaside town a short 30-minute drive to the west of Lisbon, is one of the stand-out spots in Portugal. Should you visit this seaside town on the Portuguese Riviera, you’ll be welcomed by intricate architecture, charming restaurants, and lovely beaches.

So, why retire to Cascais? Within striking distance from the Portuguese capital city, you can enjoy all the perks that come with being located near a cosmopolitan city while being situated in a quieter location with the ocean on your doorstep; Cascais offers a high quality of life, rich in water sport activities, golfing opportunities, and with some of the best restaurants anywhere in the country.

In this article, we’ll get under the skin of Cascais, providing you with everything you’ll need to know should you be considering spending your golden years in one of the most beautiful spots in Europe.

An Introduction to Cascais

If you head to Lisbon and move west out of the city center and along the Portuguese Riviera, you’ll wind up in Cascais, Portugal’s most sought-after seaside destination. With yachts bobbing in the harbor, charming winding streets, and a relaxed vibe, it’s very easy to fall in love with the town.

From being a small fishing village, from the 1870s onwards, Cascais became the summer resort and bathing spot for Portuguese royalty. They would settle in the Palácio da Cidadela, turning the governor’s old quarters into the Royal Palace. This led to many nobles relocating here, with many palaces, restaurants, and places of leisure being developed here.

Cascais’s allure has continued, with many celebrities having snapped up property in the area, from Madonna, who has property close by in Sintra, to Ronaldo, who is in the process of completing his new home in Quinta da Marinha, set to be the most expensive property in the country. Should you be looking to retire in style, it may not come any better than relocating to Cascais.

Why retire in Cascais?

A high quality of life, an excellent healthcare system, and financial security are three of the most important factors to consider when planning on retiring to a new country.

Should you choose to reitre in Portugal, and more specifically Cascais, you’ll find the town boasts a high standard of living at an affordable cost and top-quality healthcare options. Below, we provide a snapshot of the benefits of retiring to Cascais. We will delve into these in greater detail later in the article.

• Beautiful climate: Cascais enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, making it possible to enjoy the great outdoors for much of the year.
• Excellent healthcare options: Portugal ranks 21st position in Numbeo’s mid-year 2024 Healthcare Index, with top-quality, affordable private healthcare options.
• Activities galore: Whether you are a keen golfer or water sports enthusiast, you’ll find an array of activities to get involved with. There are also tennis clubs, badminton clubs, and more to get involved in. Plus, some of the best beaches in the country can be found here.
• High quality of life: Cascais offers a high standard of living with well-maintained infrastructure and a range of amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
• Proximity to Lisbon: Located just a short drive from Lisbon, Cascais provides easy access to the capital city’s vibrant cultural scene and Lisbon Airport (also called the Humberto Delgado Airport or Lisbon Portela International Airport). Just a short train journey along the coast and you are directly in Lisbon’s city center.
• Welcoming expat community: Cascais has a friendly and active expat community, making it easier for retirees to integrate and establish their network.

Where to Live in Cascais

Cascais is now the home to expats from across the world who have come to this corner of Portugal to make the most of the town’s relaxed pace of life, stunning beaches, and beautiful properties – many of which come with ocean views.

In this section, we’ll arm you with a quick rundown of the top places in Cascais and on the Portuguese Riviera to consider.

Cascais and Estoril

Cascais, with its rich history, palaces, and mansions, is, in some ways, a museum suspended in time. You won’t have to stretch your imagination far to picture Portuguese royalty from years gone by enjoying the brilliant coastal town.

Should you be looking for luxury properties in Cascais, both the town itself and Estoril are the top spots in the region to opt for. Estoril is a town just to the west of Cascais, with its prominence growing in the 20th century as a luxury retreat for European royalty and celebrities. One of Estoril’s main attractions is its beautiful Casino Estoril. Casino Estoril is one of the largest in Europe, which has inspired many, including Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, who spent quite a bit of time there. The town is also home to the Autódromo do Estoril, a renowned motorsport circuit that has hosted numerous prestigious racing events.

Cascais has ample history, with palaces and mansions that remind you of a previous era, which you can see firsthand in the Cascais historic center. Walk up the coast, and you can find the often-windy Praia de Guincho, a rugged surfing beach. Both Cascais and Estoril are home to a wide selection of golf courses, in addition to opportunities to enjoy water sports activities. Should you simply wish to relax on the beach, you will be spoilt for choice, given the many stunning beaches to be found in the Cascais area, including Praia da Poça, Praia da Azarujinha, and Praia da Conceição.

Two of the best neighborhoods to retire in this part of the country include Monte Estoril, renowned for its luxury properties and tranquil ambiance, and Quinta da Marinha, which boasts exclusive golf courses and breathtaking coastal views.

Alcabideche

Situated to the north of Cascais and Estoril and close to Sintra, Alcabideche is a peaceful parish with more affordable properties than you would find in Cascais or Estoril. Sintra was the first European site that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses 960 hectares and is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Particularly for retirees looking to enjoy their retirement out in nature, this is a great location to choose, with stunning scenery and many pristine beaches that do not get the heavy footfall of tourists that you tend to find in Cascais in the summer months, such as Praia da Ursa and Praia da Adraga.

For keen golfers, Penha Longa Resort is a standout, while those simply looking for peace and quiet will find Alcabideche to be the perfect location, where it’s possible to recharge and relax in style.

Carcavelos and Parede

In between Cascais and Lisbon, on the Portuguese Riviera, Carcavelos is well known for its sandy beach and relaxed pace of life. For those looking to be perfectly placed – or cannot decide – between city and beach life, then Carcavelos may be just the ticket, where you’ll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

You’ll find stunning properties here, with detached houses that lead down to the beachfront. While the area can get busy in the summer months as locals and tourists flock here, as you move back from the waterfront, you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Just to the west of Carcavelos is Parede, where you will find fine-dining restaurants and terrace bars by the River Tagus alongside the Avencas and Parede beaches, perfect for enjoying stunning sunset views.

São Domingos de Rana

Located behind Carcavelos and Parede, you will find São Domingos de Rana, an old parish and an area that has long been associated with fertile soils and spring waters. Further back from the waterfront, you will be able to avoid the summer rush of tourists and locals to the beaches while also being within walking distance of them. You can easily reach Lisbon, just a short 20-minute drive away.

You will find charming properties here, many of which have typical Portuguese architecture but modern interiors. Properties are also more affordable here than in other locations on the Portuguese Riviera, such as Cascais and Estoril.

How to Retire to Cascais? Residency Options

Portugal offers attractive pathways to residency for retirees, such as the Portugal D7 Visa (also known as the Portuguese retirement visa or the passive income visa) and the Portugal Golden Visa, where you can secure residency in Portugal by investing in the country. While there are other visa options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, we will focus on the D7 Visa and Golden Visa here.

If you are a non-EU citizen, the D7 Visa and Golden Visa are two excellent options, with Portugal being known for being one of the easiest EU countries to relocate to. If you are an EU citizen, you will simply need to register at your local town hall after three months of living in Portugal.

Below, we delve into detail on these residency options, making your move to Portugal seamless. Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, would also be more than happy to discuss your options and guide you through the relocation process.

Should you move to Portugal, the first step is to get a NIF (Portugeuse tax number). Alongside this, we highly recommend that you open a Portuguese bank account so that you won’t have to face foreign transaction fees.

The D7 Visa (Portugal retirement visa)

The D7 Visa, also known as the retirement visa or passive income visa, is designed for retirees and other expats who can financially support themselves in Portugal through passive income. To qualify, applicants need to have a minimum passive income of €820 per month from sources such as pensions, retirement savings, real estate, or financial assets.

The application process starts at the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s home country. Once approved, applicants receive a temporary residency permit and must schedule an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration Agency (AIMI) at an official immigration service office to obtain a two-year residency permit, which can be renewed for an additional three years.

After holding a valid temporary residence permit for five years, retirees can apply for permanent residency. They may also seek Portuguese citizenship, provided they meet the legal requirements, including passing a Portuguese language test and having a clean criminal record.

Portugal Golden Visa

Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa offers non-EU citizens a pathway to residency through various investment options, including qualified investment funds, job creation initiatives, or contributions to artistic and cultural projects. Among these options, Portugal Golden Visa investment funds have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among American nationals.

One of the key benefits of the Golden Visa program is its minimal stay requirement of only seven days per year, allowing you to maintain Portuguese residency without needing to relocate to Portugal.

Quality of Life in Cascais

From world-class golf courses – seven courses in total – to an array of water sports activities, hiking and biking trails, yoga, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the world that hug the Portuguese coastline, there is always something to enjoy, no matter your interests. The weather also makes it possible to make the most of the lovely weather and activities on offer throughout the year.

And when it comes to the food scene in Cascais, you’ll have to experience it to believe it. Whether you are into fine dining, comfort food, international or local cuisine, or a mix of everything, Cascais will not disappoint. Particularly if you are into seafood, the fact that Cascais is perched on the Atlantic Ocean means access to some of the best seafood in the country.

Cost of Living in Cascais

The cost of living in Cascais remains affordable by Western European standards, although prices have been creeping up in recent years.

When compared with London, UK, the cost of living in Cascais is around 40 percent cheaper, with restaurant prices being 39 percent lower and groceries being almost 29 percent cheaper. Comparing this picturesque town to the cost of living in Washington DC in the USA, the cost of living is almost 41 percent lower in Cascais, while restaurant prices and groceries are 50 percent and 46 percent lower, respectively.

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe and while Cascais is one of the more expensive towns in the country, it remains an affordable place to live or retire to. You should be able to stretch out your pension further here, with everything from groceries to healthcare generally costing you less. When grocery shopping, you will find fresh produce at local markets, with supermarkets also sourcing much of their produce from Portugal.

Property prices in Cascais

The Cascais real estate market is thriving and has been moving from strength to strength in recent years. Should you be looking to snap up a stunning property in Cascais, property prices here are generally more affordable than in other locations in Western Europe despite being one of the pricier parts of Portugal. Below is an overview of property prices in this part of Portugal.

You will also find diverse housing options, including villas, apartments, and other property types. When considering investing in Cascais real estate, we highly recommend seeking the assistance of a real estate professional to guide you through the process, alongside having a real estate lawyer in Cascais to assist you with the legal intricacies of the property market.

When buying property in Cascais, you will also need to take into account property taxes in Portugal that will fall at the time of purchase and on an annual basis.

Healthcare in Cascais

Portugal’s healthcare system is highly regarded on the global scale, ranking 21st in Numbeo’s Health Care Index, surpassing many countries such as the USA (38th), Switzerland (25th), and Germany (23rd).

The country’s healthcare performs well in aspects including skill and competency of medical staff, speed in completing examinations and reports, equipment for modern diagnosis and treatment, accuracy and completeness of report filing, friendliness and courtesy of staff, satisfaction with cost, and convenience for location.

Public healthcare

Portugal provides universal health coverage at a low cost through its publicly funded National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS), ensuring that Portuguese citizens and legal residents have access to affordable healthcare for essential needs, accidents, and illnesses. If you are over 65, the SNS is completely free.

Private healthcare

In addition to the public healthcare system, Portugal has numerous private healthcare options available nationwide. If you retire abroad to Cascais, you will find private healthcare services and insurance to be relatively affordable, especially when compared to the costs in the USA.

Opting for private healthcare typically results in shorter wait times compared to the public sector, and private healthcare professionals often have better English proficiency, catering to English-speaking expats.

It’s important to note that private health insurance is mandatory as part of the residency visa application process. Once residency is obtained, individuals can choose to maintain their private insurance should they so wish. Should you consider senior living homes or retirement communities in Portugal, many will have on-site medical professionals or partnerships with local private healthcare providers.

Lifestyle in Cascais

The Cascais lifestyle is unparalleled. Royalty, celebrities, and expats from across the world have come to adore this splendid seaside town, embracing the high quality of life, beautiful beaches, and relaxed pace of life. While you will have to experience the relaxed lifestyle yourself to fully appreciate what is on offer, we’ve outlined below some key activities and things to experience in Cascais.

• Festivals and events throughout the year: From the Cascais summer festival to Jazz festivals, such as COOLJAZZ, you’ll be able to enjoy magical events in Cacais, whether you are into food festivals, music, or cultural events. Other festivals that you should not miss include the Cascais Christmas Village, the Festival of the Sea (Festas do Mar), and Chefs on Fire. The international ATP tennis tour also arrives at Estoril each year, where you can enjoy world class tennis from the best players in the world.
• Beautiful beaches: Along the Portuguese Riviera and up towards Sintra, you’ll discover stunning beaches hugging the coastline.
• World-class golf courses: With a total of seven championship golf courses, keen golfers will be in their element, while beginners will quickly be able to learn the craft. Some of the best include the Quinta da Marinha Golf Course and Penha Longa Resort.
• Water sports galore: Whether you are looking to go paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, or even kite surfing, you’ll be able to make the most of living close to the ocean with an array of water sports activities to enjoy.
• Stunning natural beauty: With the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on your doorstep and an array of stunning beaches, such as Praia do Guincho and Praia da Tamariz, nature lovers will be in their element. Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point in continental Europe, can also be found here.
• Rich cultural heritage: Cascais boasts incredible museums, including the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a charming art museum, and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, where you can see some of the finest architecture in Cascais, while nearby Estoril features the Museu da Música Portuguesa. Pena Palace and the Moorish castle in Sintra are also well worth a visit, center points of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is worth wandering around the Cascais historic center to marvel at the intricate architecture and designs of the buildings. 

Safety in Cascais

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking seventh in the 2024 Global Peace Index. Alongside this, a recent study by Global Citizen Solutions has placed Portugal as one of the best countries to retire to, ranking in second position in their Retirement Guide for US Citizens. In Cascais, there are very low crime rates, welcoming locals, and a relaxed pace of life. Even by Portugal’s very safe standards, Cascais is one of the safest parts of the country to relocate to.

Climate in Cascais

Cascais boasts a pleasant climate, with a coastal breeze preventing it from becoming uncomfortably hot during the summer months. Winters are mild, making beach trips feasible year-round. The typical temperature range in this area spans from 15 Degrees C (59 Degrees F) in the colder months to a peak of 24 Degrees C (74 Degrees F) during the hottest period, which is usually August.

Getting Around and International Travel

It is easy to get around and about from Cascais with well-connected train and bus networks linking the town to Lisbon and nearby areas, ensuring easy and convenient travel. Frequent direct trains to and from Lisbon make commuting to the capital hassle-free. You also have the international airport in Lisbon, making international travel easy.

Taxes for Retirees in Portugal

Although you cannot retire tax-free in Portugal, the Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program previously offered significant tax benefits to foreigners. While this program has been discontinued, it may be reinstated in some form soon.

As a tax resident in Portugal, you will be required to declare your worldwide income each year and pay taxes in Portugal, including income tax. If you are an American relocating to Portugal, you may encounter double taxation due to US tax regulations. Regardless of your home country, to effectively manage your personal tax situation and plan your finances, we strongly recommend consulting with tax specialists to ensure your tax affairs are properly handled.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We have helped countless retirees and expats from all walks of life snap up the property of their dreams in Portugal. From scouting out properties all the way through to property acquisition, we provide a service tailored to your exact requirements. Should you be seeking out your dream home in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch.