Once a sleepy fishing village, Cascais became a sunny playground for people from Lisbon, just 30 minutes away. In fact, some of Portugal’s most famous people have made Cascais their home, from a former president to national hero Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-famous soccer player.
Today, Cascais is a magnet for international expats seeking a safe, high-quality lifestyle overseas. It offers innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, gorgeous scenery, and more. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Portuguese city more liked by locals and expats.
Indeed, it’s our top choice in Portugal in this year’s Overseas Retirement Index.
The lifestyle in Cascais is laid-back yet vibrant. It sits on a stunning stretch of Atlantic coastline and offers golden beaches, which are the main draw for many.
You’ll find secluded coves that are ideal for relaxation as well as more active stretches where you can surf and do water sports.
In town, there’s a mix of historical features—cobblestone streets, historic architecture, etc.—and modern amenities, like trendy cafés and restaurants.
Portugal’s health care system is highly regarded, schools are excellent, and public transportation is convenient and cheap. For anything that you can’t get in Cascais, Lisbon is only 30 minutes away and easily reached by train.
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Cascais is safe and friendly, with a diverse community of expats that stands out for being so welcoming. It’s especially popular with families, but it also attracts retirees, digital nomads, singles, and professionals of all ages.
English is widely spoken, and it’s easy to connect with social clubs, networking events, language classes, and more. Despite the big international community,
Cascais remains authentically Portuguese, from the local restaurants serving fresh seafood to the festivals and traditions that are kept alive.
Because Cascais is so highly sought after, prices for real estate and day-to-day expenses are higher than in other parts of Portugal. That said, the overall cost of living is still lower than costs in North America, and most expats are happy to pay the price for their above-average standard of living. It’s also easy to establish residency and even citizenship in Portugal.
All in all, this coastal beauty is a top choice if you seek a welcoming community that speaks English, mild and sunny weather year-round, and natural appeal plus modern amenities that combine to provide a balanced and fulfilling overseas lifestyle.
Cascais is expensive relative to other destinations in Portugal, with an average cost of living for two coming in at $3,523, but it’s still more affordable than the average cost of living for a couple aged 65 or older in the United States.
It offers a top-tier quality of life in an attractive, well-maintained coastal city with great weather and strong infrastructure. You can cut down on expenses like health care and transportation, which cost a fraction of what they would in the States.
Rent will be your big-ticket item, although there’s some flexibility if you’re willing to settle outside of the central, high-demand area. Groceries are affordable, including fresh produce and wine. A great bottle doesn’t have to cost you more than $5 here.
Despite being on the Atlantic Ocean, Cascais has a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Atlantic moderates the weather, so temperature extremes are rare.
That said, you should have air conditioning at home to get through the hot summer months. This is the perfect place to be if you want to live in Europe but don’t want four seasons or cold winters. It gets pleasant temperatures plus plenty of sunshine, making it a popular destination year-round.
Portugal offers a high standard of medical care that’s affordable by most expats’ standards (certainly in comparison to U.S. care). You should feel confident about having your health care needs taken care of in Portugal.
In Cascais, there’s a public hospital and a private one. The private hospital, CUF Cascais, is part of a large network of CUF hospitals. The hospital is small but centrally located and easy to access.
Cascais-based Overseas Living Letter contributor Allison Baxley says, “My family and I use this hospital regularly, as our private insurance is accepted by most providers, and it’s quite easy to make appointments with English-speaking doctors.”
CUF does not offer 24-hour emergency services, and the emergency department is quite basic. For after-hours and dire emergencies, you should use the public hospital, Cascais Hospital, located in Alcabideche.
Portugal’s national health service, the SNS, also offers a health line that you can call. It’s a great way to get answers from nurses or doctors quickly and from the convenience of your own home.
Sincerely,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter
P.S. The 2025 Overseas Retirement Index pinpoints the 14 best places for an overseas retirement this year, ranked and rated across 14 categories including health care, cost of living, safety, climate, residency, and more…
