Cascais Wow Factor
Cascais has a glamorous atmosphere with a lively yet relaxed feel to the resort. It is located just to the west of thriving Lisbon, so it combines the convenience of living near a large city with the comfort and pace of a smaller town. It must be why so many are looking for Cascais property for sale.
The capital is just 40 minutes away by road and rail from Cascais. Many international residents are happily living in Cascais – an areas of Portugal that’s been popular with overseas guests for centuries. Below, we cover ten key points about its many attractions. We also look at the practicalities of buying property there and settling into the area.
Cascais was home to King Edward VIII in 1940.
He was one of many royals from across Europe who found a haven in Portugal during the second world war. However, these royals were following 600 years behind the footsteps of the Portuguese aristocracy, who built the city’s castle back in the 1300s. It is also popular with people taking up employment at Lisbon’s multinational companies and tech start-ups. It’s also a great choice for retirees who want to enjoy the sun and sand but want easy access to city culture. Maria Bravo of agency IAD Portugal describes Cascais as a “small fishing village that retains its traditional features.” She also comments that it doesn’t feel overpopulated.
Cascais property for sale benefits from being close American, German and Swedish schools. Bravo comments that the local schools are excellent quality. Cascais can undoubtedly get busy, especially when the town centre is thronged with day-trippers from Lisbon, or attendees from events at the upscale marina. However, much of the time the pace is calm and relaxed, giving residents the best of both worlds.
You have the choice of taking the oceanfront road (the marginal) or relaxing on the train. The train tracks hug the coast for most of the way, making for a wonderfully scenic journey (sit on the left of the train facing Cascais for the best views). Trains between Cascais and Portugal’s capital are frequent and inexpensive.
While it’s important to remember that Cascais isn’t as far south as Portugal’s Algarve, the area still delivers warm weather for much of the year. The long summer runs from May to October, with average highs between 22 and 28 Celsius. Higher temperatures than that are far from unusual, but the Atlantic breeze does much to increase the comfort factor.
Cascais attracts residents from far beyond Europe
Many people move to the area for work. This is mainly because Lisbon has emerged as a major hub for start-ups and tech firms since the financial crisis, with companies like Google, Uber and Mercedes all making it their home. Some people have even gone as far as describing Lisbon as “the California of Europe” due to its flourishing start-up scene.
Cascais excels in its choice of restaurants. As well as traditional Portuguese options, there are places that reflect the area’s cosmopolitan clientele. Some stand-out choices include: A piri piri chicken restaurant with a rapid turnover of simple, tasty food. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the place is packed in the summer, with people enjoying churrasco chicken, chips and cold beer.
A short drive out of Cascais town centre, and right at the other end of the scale! This Michelin-starred restaurant is part of a stunning historic hotel, overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic. The menu changes daily, and local seafood features heavily. A Thai restaurant with several outdoor tables.
Perfect when you fancy a change from Portuguese fayre, this restaurant offers authentic and spicy Thai food. It enjoys a solid local reputation. Cascais’ municipal market opens six days per week. Silver Coast. It’s at its busiest in the mornings, but there’s still some activity until mid-afternoon. This is perfect if you’re a late riser! The main town market offers everything from meat and fish to snacks and baked goods.
Beyond Cascais itself, there are plenty of other markets in the municipality. These include regular events in Carcavelos, Parede and Estoril. All of them offer an enticing glimpse of day to day Portuguese life. While plenty of people choose to flop down on the sands of Cascais’ golden town beaches, many locals have a favourite that’s a little more out of the way. Why not have a look at the listings we have for property for sale Cascais.