What’s life really like when you live in Cascais? From cost and community to culture, our essential guide cuts through the charm to give you a clear view of the expat lifestyle in this sought-after Portuguese haven. Discover what draws people to live in Cascais, and see if it aligns with your expectations for a new home abroad, all without fluff or sales pitches.
Key Takeaways
- Cascais, known as the Portuguese Riviera, attracts expats with its perfect blend of old-world charm, modern conveniences, and an active coastal lifestyle, including a range of water sports and outdoor activities.
- The town offers a welcoming expat community, ample housing options, quality international schools, and excellent healthcare services, ensuring a smooth transition and high quality of life for new residents.
- Cascais provides a unique balance for those working in Lisbon with a convenient commute, as well as favorable conditions for remote workers and digital nomads seeking the charm of coastal living with city amenities.
The Allure of Cascais: Why Expats Love It
Cascais, colloquially known as the Portuguese Riviera, seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern conveniences, nestled amidst sun-drenched beaches and scenic landscapes. The mild climate, featuring breezy summers and mild winters, only adds to its allure. But what truly sets Cascais apart is its large and vibrant expat community. This friendly and welcoming community ensures a ‘soft landing’ for many expats, making the transition to life in Portugal a lot smoother.
Cascais, conveniently near Lisbon, provides an ideal equilibrium between a laid-back beachfront ambiance and the lively rhythm of a significant European capital. Easy access to Lisbon provides expats with an opportunity to enjoy the amenities of city life while living in a tranquil coastal town. This unique blend of city life and coastal living is what attracts many expats to Cascais, making it an increasingly popular destination for those looking to experience the best of Portugal.
Embracing the Coastal Lifestyle: Activities and Attractions
More than just stunning environs, Cascais promises an active coastal lifestyle with its plethora of activities and attractions. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or a culture buff, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied in this picturesque town.
Beaches and Water Sports
Water sports enthusiasts find a sanctuary in Cascais. The Atlantic coast is dotted with beautiful beaches, each offering its own unique charm and a wide range of water sports activities. Some popular water sports in Cascais include:
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
There’s something for everyone.
Guincho Beach, in particular, is a paradise for surfers. Known for its strong winds and rugged surfing conditions, it provides thrilling experiences for surf enthusiasts. The calm waters of Conceição and Duquesa beaches, on the other hand, offer ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more relaxed water sport.
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
Next to Cascais, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a beloved spot for those in search of outdoor adventures in a safeguarded setting. The park offers a network of hiking and biking trails where you can immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra within the park showcases a unique mix of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The historic center of Sintra, part of the park’s heritage, features structures that maintain their authenticity and exhibit a range of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance, adding to the park’s appeal.
Cultural Attractions and Events
Cascais offers more than serene landscapes and outdoor pursuits; it’s also a cultural and historical epicenter. The town is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums and the historic Casino Estoril. The Cidadela, originally a fortress and later converted into a summer residence for the royal family, is another testament to the town’s historical allure.
Throughout the year, Cascais becomes a cultural hotspot, hosting live music events, entertainers, and sporting events, including the much-anticipated Cascais Summer Festival. These events provide expats with a chance to engage with the local customs, festivities, and meet other expats, further enriching their experience of living in Cascais.
Expat Living Essentials: Housing, Education, and Healthcare
Residing in Cascais offers:
- Scenic vistas
- Lively community
- Cultural happenings
- Diverse housing choices
- Stellar educational establishments
- Holistic healthcare services
All of these contribute to a superior quality of life in Cascais, with Cabo da Roca being one of the many attractions.
Housing Options
Regardless of whether you’re an individual professional, a couple, or a family, Cascais presents a spectrum of housing choices to accommodate various needs and financial capabilities. From apartments in the city center to suburban villas, there’s something for everyone.
The average cost to purchase a property in Cascais is €5,835 per square meter, while renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment can cost under €1,000 per month. For larger families, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center typically rents for about €2,875 monthly, while the same apartment outside the center averages around €2,200 per month. Regardless of your budget, you’re sure to find a place that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
International Schools
Expat families in Cascais benefit from a comprehensive assortment of international schools, catering to diverse educational predilections and cultural origins. These schools provide a quality education for children of all ages, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.
Cascais is home to several international schools, including:
- Aprendizes
- The Brave Generation Academy
- The International Christian School of Cascais
- The International Preparatory School
These schools offer a range of learning environments and curricula, from bilingual to British and American curricula, catering to the diverse needs of the expat community.
Healthcare Services
In terms of healthcare, Cascais delivers exhaustive services, safeguarding the well-being of its inhabitants. The town boasts world-class healthcare facilities, such as the Cascais Hospital, which caters to a range of healthcare needs for both private and public patients, including those with international health insurance.
Further enhancing the healthcare services in Cascais is the proximity to Lisbon’s healthcare facilities. The ClinicaCUF network ensures that access to healthcare services is convenient for residents in and between Lisbon and Cascais. Additionally, a wide array of pharmacies are present in Cascais, offering prescription drugs at lower costs.
The Cascais Expat Community: Networking and Support
A major perk of relocating to Cascais as an expat is the large expat community. This sizable and dynamic group provides a network of support, helping new arrivals settle in and navigate their new environment.
Expatriates in Cascais can connect with others via online platforms such as Facebook groups, specifically Expats Cascais, and the InterNations community. Social groups, such as International Women in Portugal and Americans Living in Portugal, provide expatriates with venues to meet and engage in shared interests. Moreover, InterNations Cascais offers a platform to discuss concerns, ask questions, and receive recommendations, enriching the expatriates’ knowledge base on living in Cascais.
Working in Cascais: Job Opportunities and Remote Work
Cascais isn’t just a splendid place to reside, it’s an excellent place for work as well. The town offers a robust job market, primarily in the tourism and service industries, with many positions requiring English-speaking skills.
For those working in Lisbon, Cascais offers the perfect residential option. The commute time between the two cities is about one hour during rush hour traffic, making it feasible for professionals to live in Cascais while working in Lisbon. The trend of digital nomadism and remote work is also on the rise in Cascais, thanks to the lower wage scale in Portugal and the feasibility of building an income online.
Language and Culture: Adapting to Life in Cascais
Residing in Cascais provides the chance to dive into the Portuguese language and culture, as well as the opportunity to speak Portuguese. Learning the local language can significantly enhance the integration experience for expats.
Cascais offers diverse language learning options, with tutors providing personalized lessons to suit different learning preferences. Beyond language, expats are encouraged to immerse themselves in local customs and cultural activities, helping them connect more deeply with the community and the Portuguese way of life.
Comparing Cascais to Other Expat Destinations in Portugal
Compared to other expat locales in Portugal, Cascais distinguishes itself with its superior living standards, varied international community, and closeness to Lisbon.
Choosing between Cascais or Lisbon depends on personal preferences, as both locations offer a different pace of life. However, the living costs in Cascais are high and similar to those in Lisbon, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more tranquil lifestyle while still having access to a major city.
Transportation and Connectivity: Getting Around Cascais and Beyond
The convenient transportation options make it simple to travel between Cascais and Lisbon. The train service running from the central Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon to the center of Cascais is the preferred means of public transport, offering a comfortable and efficient way of commuting between the two cities.
Besides the train, there are other means of transportation in and around Cascais, including public transport facilities and ride-sharing services. The Lisboa Card offers visitors complimentary train rides between Lisbon and Cascais, making it particularly convenient for tourists.
Whether you’re exploring the city or commuting to Lisbon, getting around is easy and hassle-free from Lisbon Portela International Airport.
Summary
In conclusion, Cascais offers a unique blend of a relaxed coastal lifestyle and the vibrancy of city life. With its welcoming expat community, diverse activities, and high standard of living, it’s no wonder that Cascais is increasingly becoming a popular choice for expats in Portugal. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, immerse in culture, or simply relax by the beach, Cascais has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cascais?
The cost of living in Cascais is high, with property prices at an average of €5,835 per square meter and renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment costing under €1,000 per month. So, it's important to budget accordingly if you're considering living there.
What job opportunities are available in Cascais?
In Cascais, job opportunities are mainly in the tourism and service sectors, with a strong demand for English-speaking skills. Consider exploring roles in these industries for potential employment opportunities.
What is the expat community like in Cascais?
The expat community in Cascais is large and vibrant, offering plenty of opportunities to connect and engage with others through online platforms and social groups. It's a great place for expatriates to meet and share their interests.
What are the transportation options in Cascais?
In Cascais, you can easily get around using the train service to Lisbon, public transport, and ride-sharing services. Enjoy convenient transportation options for exploring the area.
How can I learn Portuguese in Cascais?
You can learn Portuguese in Cascais through personalized lessons with tutors who cater to different learning preferences. Good luck with your language learning journey!
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