Cascais, Portugal
Pros and Cons of Living in Cascais
Last updated on Jan 10, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Cascais, Portugal include its stunning natural beauty, with its picturesque beaches, lush green hills, and stunning mountain views. It is also a great place to live for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports. Additionally, Cascais is a vibrant city with plenty of cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The cons of living in Cascais include its high cost of living, which can be difficult for those on a budget. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded during the summer months, making it difficult to find a quiet spot to relax. Finally, the weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from hot and humid in the summer to cold and wet in the winter.
What are the pros and cons of living in Cascais?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Cascais responded:
"Love the location, beauty of the city, sea, etc. Love that it's so easy to assimilate without knowing the language. Very easy to meet people and make friends. Pre covid - lots of fun activities sponsored by the city of Cascais and in Lisbon. Public transport is great here in Cascais and in Lisbon. Train is easy and inexpensive to get between the cities. Lots of cultural activities here and even more in Lisbon. Good medical services with English speaking doctors. Love that Cascais is small enough to get acquainted with shop keepers and restaurant staff and owners. The climate is quite good a significant portion of the time. Easy to fly to other parts of Europe inexpensively and quickly. Lots of places within Portugal to explore. The seafood and wine. Movies and TV programming in English. Portuguese people are welcoming and tolerant of expats. Shopping at the Mercado for fruits and veggies - and fish, is great. Fruits and veggies taste so much better than in the States. The city of Cascais goes to great effort to keep the city clean, flower beds fresh and everything looking beautiful. Free bus service for residents. Negatives - in normal times the tourist density is bad during the summers. Women's clothing that I like is very scarce. Vitamins and minerals are very expensive. OTC medications are only sold in very small amounts," said one in Cascais.
"Expats and digital nomads living in Cascais appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the area, with its picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush green hills. They also enjoy the mild climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C in the winter and rarely rising above 30°C in the summer. Additionally, the city is well-connected to Lisbon, making it easy to access the capital's many attractions. Expats and digital nomads also appreciate the friendly locals, who are welcoming and helpful. On the downside, the cost of living in Cascais can be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during the summer months," explained one expat in Cascais.
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What do expats in Cascais appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Cascais appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area, with its beaches, cliffs, and forests. The city's vibrant cultural scene, with its museums, galleries, and festivals, is also a draw for expats. The city's excellent transportation links to Lisbon and other cities in Portugal make it easy to explore the country. Finally, the city's excellent food and wine scene, with its traditional Portuguese dishes and local wines, is a great way to experience the culture," said a person living in Cascais.
"Kind, helpful and genuinely friendly Portuguese people. The beautiful and, mainly, pristine beaches, forests, villages, towns, rivers and ocean," explained one expat living in Cascais.
Welcome to Green Breeze, your gateway to unforgettable private yacht and boat rentals in the enchanting Troia and Comporta regions of Portugal. Whether you seek a serene escape on the calm waters of Troia or an adventurous voyage along the picturesque coast of Arrabida, we’ve got you covered. Our fleet offers a selection of meticulously maintained yachts and boats to cater to your every desire. Discover the perfect vessel to suit your dreams, from sleek motorboats to luxurious hybrid yachts.
Welcome to Green Breeze, your gateway to unforgettable private yacht and boat rentals in the enchanting Troia and Comporta regions of Portugal. Whether you seek a serene escape on the calm waters of Troia or an adventurous voyage along the picturesque coast of Arrabida, we’ve got you covered. Our fleet offers a selection of meticulously maintained yachts and boats to cater to your every desire. Discover the perfect vessel to suit your dreams, from sleek motorboats to luxurious hybrid yachts.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Cascais may find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Portuguese is the official language of the country, and many locals may not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the Portuguese culture is very family-oriented, and expats may find it difficult to make friends and build relationships with locals. Furthermore, the Portuguese are known for their laid-back attitude, which can be difficult for expats who are used to a more fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, the Portuguese are known for their strong sense of pride and patriotism, which can be difficult for expats to understand and appreciate," remarked one in Cascais.
"Pace of life and government bureaucracy. Pace of life is easy to adjust...slow down and enjoy. When dealing with government agencies just be prepared for extreme bureaucracy," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Cascais?
- How do I find a place to live in Cascais?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Cascais?
- What is the average cost of housing in Cascais?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Cascais?
- What should I pack when moving to Cascais?
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- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Cascais?
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- Is the cost of living in Cascais high?
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- Why do people move to Cascais?
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