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Retire in Cascais, Portugal | Expat Exchange
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Praia do Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal

Retire in Cascais, Portugal

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Nov 09, 2024

Summary: Cascais, Portugal is a popular destination for retirees due to its stunning beaches, mild climate, and vibrant culture. The weather in Cascais is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. There are several retirement communities in Cascais, offering a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. The cost of a nice two-bedroom home in Cascais is typically around $400,000 USD, while a nice three-bedroom home can cost up to $600,000 USD.

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What is it like to retire in Cascais?

"Cascais is a popular destination for retirees due to its mild climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. There is an active expat community in the area, with many retirees from all over the world enjoying the relaxed lifestyle. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Cascais Cultural Centre, the Cascais Municipal Museum, and the Cascais Historical Museum. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as golf, tennis, sailing, and horseback riding. For those looking for a night out, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. Cascais is a great place for retirees to enjoy a relaxed and active lifestyle," remarked one retiree in Cascais.

"There is a very active expat community, especially for women. There are many cultural attractions in the Lisbon area with lots of recreation. Lisbon has a lot of nightlife opportunities and transport to Lisbon is very easy from Cascais," said a retiree who moved to Cascais, Portugal.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"I'm very new to this, but, so far, it's wonderful. It's everything I hoped for - and more. I would encourage anyone with a sense of adventure and desire - to go for it," remarked one retiree in Cascais.

"Retiring abroad is an exciting opportunity to start a new life and experience a different culture. Be sure to do plenty of research on the area you are looking to retire in and ask yourself key questions: Is my pension and other sources of income enough to sustain me? What other costs will I incur or will I need to account for? What is the healthcare system like? What are the local laws and regulations? Be mindful that when you retire abroad, you are relinquishing the safety nets and support networks of your home country, and it is essential to build a new support system. Additionally, make sure to get to know the culture and learn the language to help facilitate day-to-day communication and local integration. Finally, research your visa requirements - the visa and paperwork process can be quite rigorous and varies depending on the country. Despite the hurdles, the experience of retiring abroad can be incredibly rewarding and liberating," said a retiree who moved to Cascais, Portugal.

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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Cascais?

"Adjusting to using public transportation instead of a car, setting up a household in a country where I don't speak the language, and starting the process of making friends and learning the language," commented one retiree living in Cascais, Portugal.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Cascais is the cost of living. Although the cost of living is lower than in many other European countries, it is still higher than in many other parts of Portugal. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Portuguese. Furthermore, the climate in Cascais can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters, which may be difficult for some to adjust to. Finally, the healthcare system in Portugal can be difficult to navigate, and it is important to have a good understanding of the system before retiring in Cascais," explained one retiree living in Cascais.

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Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Cascais?

"Retiring in Cascais offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The mild climate and stunning natural beauty of the region make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The area is also known for its vibrant culture, with a wide range of activities and attractions to explore. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an affordable place to retire. Additionally, the friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to make new friends and build a sense of community," explained one retiree living in Cascais.

"I love living by the sea, utilizing the Mercado for shopping, learning new things almost every day, being challenged and energized by my new home. I'm really enjoying getting to know people from many countries and seeing the similarities and differences. I'm also enjoying all the walking I'm doing since I've chosen to not have a car," said one retiree in living in Cascais, Portugal.

What are healthcare services like in Cascais?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Cascais. They wrote:

"There is a CUF private hospital in Cascais. So far, the care is excellent and the prices are a fraction of what they would be in the US," said one retiree in living in Cascais, Portugal.

"Cascais offers a wide range of healthcare services for its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) and is free for all citizens. Private healthcare is also available, with a variety of clinics and hospitals offering a range of services. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Cascais Hospital, which provides specialized care for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic illnesses. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and health centers offering a variety of services, such as vaccinations, physical therapy, and mental health services," explained a retiree in Cascais.

How do I meet people in Cascais?

When we asked people living in Cascais about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Americans in Portugal ([email protected] and on facebook) offers social activities to mark the US holidays and some informational meetings on taxes or similar topics during the year; International Women in Portugal is also helpful on a broad basis related to settling in," remarked one retiree in Cascais.

"Expats in Cascais often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and surfing. Expats can also join local language classes, book clubs, and wine tasting groups. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local markets, and exploring the city's many restaurants and bars. Expats can also join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Cascais," said a retiree who moved to Cascais, Portugal.

What is life like in Cascais?

When we asked people living in Cascais what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Cascais is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor activities such as surfing and hiking to cultural attractions such as museums and galleries. Additionally, the city is well-connected to the rest of Portugal and Europe, making it easy to travel to other destinations," explained one retiree living in Cascais.

"All of the things you mention. There is a wide range of social activities and sports but a lot of young families with children. The city provides many fun activities and festivals during the year," said one retiree in living in Cascais , Portugal.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Cascais?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Cascais, they said:

"After basic research using internet sites, so you understand the cost of living and ease of speaking English, spend time here--two weeks or so--before making any commitment. Renting for a few months or longer is most common and affords the flexibility to try other towns, as the life style varies quite a bit between city and village or rural life. This is not a dirt-streets beach town; it is historic, relaxed, casual yet chic," said a person in Cascais.

"Cascais is a popular destination for expats looking to retire in Portugal. Before making the move, it is important to understand the cost of living in the area, the availability of healthcare and other services, and the local culture and customs. Expats should also research the local climate and the best time of year to visit. Additionally, it is important to understand the Portuguese language and the visa requirements for living in Portugal. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local real estate market and the process of buying or renting a property in Cascais," remarked one retiree in Cascais.

What type of recreational activities are there in Cascais?

"Cascais is home to a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The beaches of Cascais are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. The town also has a number of parks, including the Parque Marechal Carmona, which features a lake, gardens, and a playground. For those looking for a more active experience, there are several sports facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a skate park. The town also has a number of cultural attractions, such as the Cascais Cultural Centre, which hosts a variety of events and exhibitions. Finally, the town has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs," wrote one person in Cascais.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Cascais?

"Cascais is a popular destination for expats, and there are plenty of places to buy groceries and do other shopping. The main shopping area is the Centro Comercial Cascais, which is a large shopping mall with a variety of stores, including supermarkets, clothing stores, and electronics stores. For fresh produce, the local farmers' market is a great option, with stalls selling local fruits, vegetables, and other products. For more specialized items, there are several specialty stores, such as the Cascais Gourmet, which sells a variety of gourmet foods, and the Cascais Wine Shop, which offers a selection of Portuguese wines. Additionally, there are several supermarkets in the area, such as the Pingo Doce and the Continente, which offer a wide selection of groceries and other items," said one retiree in Cascais.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Praia do Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal
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