Pros And Cons of Moving to Cascais

Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree

Read the full article here

Cascais has been an excellent option for ex-pats who prefer living close to the capital without dealing with all the chaos. Its peaceful environment with friendly residential neighbourhoods has significantly drawn foreigners with families. But even though there is so much to love about this city, we must outline all the pros and cons of moving to Cascais that you should be aware of before making the big move.

You will understand why this destination is an ex-pat favourite and some drawbacks that it will present your way should you choose to live here. We only want to be candid so that you can make the best-informed decision possible.

Let’s dive right in!

What is it like living in Cascais?

Often described as the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is the beach town of Lisbon. Essentially, this is where tourists come to enjoy the nice weather, sunbathe, and also dive the popular Praia de Carcavelos. 

Life in Cascais combines modern sophistication with a touch of rich Portuguese tradition, which is also why ex-pats love this city.

Cascais has a charming town centre with narrow streets, traditional Portuguese architecture, and colourful buildings. The historic centre offers a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and local markets, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Why are ex-pats moving to Cascais?

Similar to the larger Lisbon area, Cascais is also a cosmopolitan city where people from all over the world converge for different reasons. 

As mentioned earlier, Cascais is an ex-pat magnet. To put this into perspective, 15.4% of its population in 2020 were foreigners with a resident permit, which is impressive considering the national average is currently at 5.4%.

Expats are drawn to this destination because of different reasons. At the same time, some are intrigued by the city’s multicultural scene, while others love the climate or even the rich history packed in this small city. 

Cascais has a rich cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and historical landmarks. The town is home to the Paula Rego Museum, which showcases the works of the renowned Portuguese artist. The Cascais Cultural Center hosts various exhibitions, concerts, and performances throughout the year.

Pros of living in Cascais

Besides Lisbon, Cascais is another excellent choice for ex-pats who would love to live near the capital. This destination blends beauty, history, and luxury, a perfect combo for tourists and ex-pats. 

Before making the big move, take a look at some of the advantages of living in Cascais.

Climate

Because Cascais is located on the western coast of Portugal, the climate here is different from other cities inland. This city experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. 

In winter (December to February), temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C  (46°F to 59°F), while in summer (June to August), temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F).

Most of the rainfall in this city typically happens during the colder winter months. And the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes the climate in Cascais milder than in Lisbon, according to data provided by the Climate Data website. 

Generally, the climate in Cascais is better than in other popular cities around Europe; as advertised, you can expect up to 300 days of sunshine every year. However, you should keep in mind that the climate can change from year to year, so it’s important to keep tabs on reliable weather forecasts to get up-to-date information.

Strategic location

The geographical location of Cascais makes it a great city to live in. To give you some context, this city is about 30 minutes away from Lisbon, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of living close to the capital.  

This proximity to the capital city provides several advantages in terms of infrastructure, transportation, and economic opportunities. But that is not all; as mentioned earlier, Cascais is on the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which also comes with its fair share of advantages.

The coastline provides opportunities for maritime trade, fishing, and water-related activities that you can enjoy with your family whenever you have the time. The beautiful coast also has a role in the city’s tourism industry, making businesses, particularly in real estate, quite lucrative for those willing to invest.

A slower pace of life

If you’re used to a relatively fast and chaotic way of living, you will find Cascais relatively slow and relaxing. Although this city is close to Lisbon’s bustling capital, the vibe here is quite relaxed and laid back. 

Part of the reason for this type of lifestyle is because Cascais is relatively small. This destination has a small-town charm to it, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a generally cosy environment.

While this is true, you should remember that Cascais experiences increased activities during the busy summer months. 

Nonetheless, this destination offers a balance between proximity to urban amenities and the charm of a coastal retreat, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle.

Close to a lot of great beaches

Cascais is known as the Riviera of Portugal for the right reasons. It is close to some of the Lisbon area’s greatest beaches. Here are some of the most popular options available.

Praia da Ribeira

Praia da Rainha

Guincho Beach

Praia do Tamariz

Praia Grande

Praia das Maçãs

Other than the activities you can do on the beaches, other different coastal landscapes, like small coves, cater to different people. 

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, water sports, or family-friendly environments, Cascais provides easy access to a range of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coastline.

A popular destination for international retirees

If you’re looking for a destination to live off your golden years, Cascais is a retiree’s choice for a few reasons. To begin, life’s slower pace is ideal for anyone looking to live in peace and tranquillity. 

Another essential reason why Cascais makes a good retirement destination is the high quality of life. Cascais offers a high quality of life with its well-maintained infrastructure, public services, and healthcare facilities.

The town has excellent medical facilities, including private clinics and a public hospital, ensuring access to quality healthcare services. Also, considering this city has a considerable ex-pat community, there is a welcoming community with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in expat-oriented activities and groups.

To finish reading the article click here