The Foreign Exchange
Expat Exchange
Compass
Expat Exchange
A World of Friend Abroad
Living in Cascais, PortugalJuly 4, 2022

With a population of 214,000, Cascais, Portugal is a favorite spot for many people living in Portugal. "We love Cascais. We can get into Lisbon in about 30 minutes...so we have all the culture we could hope for. The city has dozens of museums, and concerts are also available in Cascais and Estoril only a 4-minute train ride away. We live in Centro so we are just a 6-minute walk from the Mercado da Vila where we get fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, and fish for a lot less than in the states. Also, the quality of the food is so much better! Once you have a fresh egg from a happy hen you can never go back to the supermarket fare we were buying in the states. Though we live in the "city" it Is very safe and clean. (except for dog poop) and we are just minutes from the beach. We love our 1-2 hour walks on dedicated paths that run along the beach. Cascais also offers many benefits to residents ...like free use of the 31 bus routes. We also bought a discounted train pass because we are over 65. Finally, this is an easy place for an American with limited Portuguese language skills to land as nearly all of the population speaks English," described one member.

In this week's issue, we cover 4 FAQ about Living in Cascais, Portugal:

What do I need to know about living in Cascais?

"Don't live in the old town unless you want to deal with an influx of tourists in the summer. Be aware that housing is expensive. Get involved with clubs and organizations as soon as you can. Be aware that living here may spoil you because it's so beautiful and wonderful," said one member.

What are the pros and cons of living in Cascais?

"Cascais is that unusual combination of a picturesque village and vibrant community, a mix of old and new architecture, of cultures, of nationalities and ages. Museums, parks, concerts and restaurants attract us night and day, along with international sailing and equestrian competitions almost all year long. We have single men and women, a welcomed LGBT community, students to seniors who mingle and form life-long friendships.," commented one expat who moved to Cascais, Portugal.

What do expats in Cascais appreciate most about the local culture?

"Kind, helpful and genuinely friendly Portuguese people. The beautiful and, mainly, pristine beaches, forests, villages, towns, rivers and ocean," wrote one member.

What do expats find most challenging?

"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," mentioned another expat in Cascais.