Living in Cascais Portugal: Relaxed With Plenty of Things to Do

With the beach on your doorstep and Lisbon just a short train ride away, Cascais makes it easy to combine outdoor living with access to culture, dining, and travel. It’s the perfect base for anybody who wants to relax, yet be within arm’s reach of various activities and larger cities.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at living in Cascais as an expat, the plenty of things to do and how it compares to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city.

You’ll also learn more about:

• Cascais quick facts
• Who is Cascais best for?
• Cost of living in Cascais
• Cascais’s Health and Safety
• Pros and cons of living in Cascais

Cascais Quick Facts

Life in Cascais is relaxed and coastal. The town strikes a rare balance between sophistication without being flashy and scenic without feeling remote. Here are a few quick facts about the region to give a snapshot of the region.

Cascais is also known for being clean, safe, and family-friendly, with good healthcare, reliable public services, and a walkable layout.

It’s not a nightlife hotspot, and most bars and restaurants wind down earlier than in Lisbon, but for many residents, that’s part of the appeal. Even in the busy summer months, life in Cascais feels manageable.

If your version of ideal living includes sea air, a strong sense of place, and easy access to both nature and city life, Cascais offers exactly that—without the intensity of bigger cities or the isolation of smaller towns.

Who is Cascais best for?

Cascais suits a wide range of lifestyles, but it’s especially appealing to those looking for a slower, seaside pace without giving up city access. It works well for retirees on the Portugal D7 Visa who want mild weather, walkable streets, and a strong healthcare system.

Families are drawn to the safety, international schools, and easy outdoor living. For remote workers and digital nomads on the Portugal D8 Visa, it offers a calm, comfortable base with good infrastructure and just enough buzz to stay inspired.

That said, Cascais may not be the right fit for anyone seeking a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. It’s more relaxed than Lisbon and has a residential feel. Cascais hits the mark if your priority is space, nature, and a higher quality of life close to the capital.

Cost of Living in Cascais

Cascais is one of the more expensive places to live in Portugal, but for many, the quality of life justifies the higher price tag. Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses in the region for basic items and services:

Housing is the most significant expense. Long-term rentals, especially in central Cascais or near the beach, come at a premium.

A one-bedroom apartment in a central location can easily cost more than €1,000 per month. At the same time, two-bedroom or villa-style properties range significantly higher depending on size, location, and amenities.

If you’re looking for better value, areas slightly outside the center, like Alcabideche or Tires, offer more space for less.

Dining out tends to be pricier than in smaller Portuguese towns, though you can still find affordable local spots if you know where to look.

Groceries are comparable to other parts of the country, especially if you shop at local markets or mid-range supermarkets. However, imported goods and organic products may come at a higher cost.

Transport is straightforward and relatively affordable. Many residents rely on public transport or simply walk or cycle. The train to Lisbon is efficient and inexpensive, making commuting or occasional city trips easy without owning a car.

That said, having a car is useful if you plan to explore the region regularly or live outside the main center.

Healthcare costs are manageable, especially if you qualify as an expat or resident for Portugal’s healthcare system. Many expats opt for private health insurance for quicker access to services, and private clinics in Cascais are widely used and well-equipped.

Good to Know: Cascais is not a budget destination, but it does offer good value if you’re looking for safety, location, and lifestyle in one place. The costs reflect the demand, but many expats find it worth the trade.

Getting Around in Cascais

Cascais is compact and easy to navigate, which means many residents get by without a car, especially if they live near the town center.

Most daily errands can be done on foot or by bike, and the town’s layout is flat enough to make walking simple. Local buses connect different neighborhoods and nearby areas like Estoril and Carcavelos.

The train to Lisbon runs regularly from Cascais station to Cais do Sodré, making it easy to commute or plan day trips without needing to drive. If you do have a car, parking can be tricky in summer but more manageable in the off-season.

For short rides around town, taxis and rideshare apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used and affordable.

Cascais’s Health and Safety

Cascais is one of the safest places to live in Portugal, which is already one of the safest countries in Europe.

The town has a calm, low-crime atmosphere that appeals to families, retirees, and solo expats alike. Violent crime is extremely rare, and most issues, if any, are limited to petty theft in tourist-heavy areas during peak season.

The police presence is visible but not intrusive, and local emergency services are reliable.

Healthcare in Cascais is also a strong point, as the area is well served by both public and private healthcare facilities. The public hospital in Cascais is modern and well-equipped, and residents registered with Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) can access care at low cost.

For those who prefer private care, Cascais has several reputable private clinics and hospitals, including CUF Cascais and Hospital de Cascais, both of which offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.

Many expats opt for private health insurance to complement public coverage, which gives them access to a wider choice of doctors and more flexibility with scheduling.

Pharmacies are widely available, and pharmacists can often help with minor health concerns without a doctor’s visit.

Things to do in Cascais

Small enough to get around on foot but big enough to keep things interesting, there are plenty of things to do in Cascais, including markets, museums, golf courses, and excellent restaurants. If you’re after an adventure, there are several spots where you can go rock climbing, mountain biking, or do water sports. Here are five things that should top your must-see list:

1. Old Town: Cascais’ old town is easy to enjoy. Cobbled streets, tiled houses, and small squares give it charm without being overly touristy. Olive oil shops and cafés offer plenty of places to stop, and it’s compact enough to explore on foot. Visit early or late to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

2. Praia da Rainha: Praia da Rainha is small but perfectly placed between cliffs near the center. Its calm waters make it ideal for a quick dip, and being steps from shops and restaurants makes it very convenient. Arrive early in summer, as this beach fills up fast.

3. Cascais Promenade: This scenic coastal path connects Cascais to Estoril. It’s flat, easy, and popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass beaches, cafés, and plenty of good viewpoints. Go at sunset for cooler temperatures and great light.

4. Boca do Inferno: Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) is a dramatic cliff formation just outside Cascais. Waves crash through the rocks, making it especially striking on windy days. It’s easy to access and worth a short stop. It is located within walking distance of the town, as it’s only 15 minutes away, and has nice views en route.

5. Cascais Marina: The marina mixes sleek yachts with casual dining. It’s a nice change from the beaches, offering waterside restaurants and relaxed bars. In the evening, it’s a social spot for locals and visitors alike. Visit at sunset for the best atmosphere and views.

Living in Cascais vs Lisbon

Choosing between Cascais and Lisbon comes down to what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Both offer strong infrastructure, coastal access, and international communities, but the day-to-day experience in each place feels quite different.

For example, Cascais is slower, calmer, and more residential. Living in Lisbon, on the other hand, is faster-paced, busier, and more energetic. It is a full-fledged capital city, after all.

Here’s a quick comparison between the different areas:

Living costs: Daily expenses are fairly similar. Lisbon tends to be pricier for housing, but Cascais also commands high rent, particularly for long-term properties.

Property: In Lisbon, you’re more likely to find apartments, often in older buildings. Cascais offers more variety and easier parking access.

Transport: Lisbon has better public transport overall, but Cascais is well-connected by train, and many locals get by without a car.

Community: Cascais has a strong expat presence, particularly among families, while Lisbon’s community is more diverse in age and lifestyle.

Employment: Lisbon has a wider range of job opportunities as it’s the country’s business and startup hub. Cascais is better suited to those who work remotely, are semi-retired, or don’t need daily access to an office.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cascais

Cascais is certainly one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Portugal, but as with any city around the world, there are positives and negatives to the area. For example, it can get very busy during tourist season.

Advantages

Coastal lifestyle: You get the best of both worlds, beaches, green space, and relaxed living, all within 30 to 40 minutes of Lisbon by train or car.

Quality of life: The entire Cascais is clean, safe, and walkable. The region offers great weather, good healthcare, and a laid-back pace that appeals to families, retirees, and remote workers.

Expat community: There’s a large international population here, so it’s easy to find English-speaking services, meet other expats, and settle in quickly.

Outdoor living: From the beach to cycling routes and coastal paths, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities, whether you’re into surfing, walking, or just relaxing by the sea.

Infrastructure: Reliable public transport, good schools (including international options), and a wide range of cafés, shops, and restaurants make daily life convenient.

Disadvantages

Cost of living: Cascais is one of the pricier places to live in Portugal, especially when it comes to rent, dining, and day-to-day expenses.

Seasonal crowds: It gets busy in summer. Tourist traffic can make beaches and the town center feel crowded, especially on weekends.

Limited nightlife: If you’re looking for a buzzy after-hours scene, Cascais is fairly quiet. Lisbon is close, but it’s a separate trip.

Housing competition: Good properties, especially long-term rentals, get snapped up quickly. Demand is high year-round, particularly in central areas.

Less “local” feel: With a strong expat presence and plenty of visitors, parts of Cascais can feel less traditionally Portuguese compared to smaller towns nearby.

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