So you’ve heard of Cascais and plan to move there, just like many other expats. In fact, over 15% of the population of Cascais consists of foreigners with a resident permit. But which neighborhood will you be living in as an expat in Cascais?
Cascais is still quite a large municipality with four parishes: Alcabideche, Carcavelos and Parede, Cascais and Estoril, and Sao Domingos de Rana.
If you’re going for affordability, the cheapest parishes are Alcabideche and Sao Domingos de Rana. These are not located near the center of Cascais or by the beach, but still provide a high quality of life.
But remember that regardless, Cascais is still one of the most expensive areas to live in Portugal. But also because of this, it features some of the best public hospitals, schools, roads, and infrastructure due to funding.
If you are looking for the best neighborhoods in Cascais all around, you have come to the right place. Let’s take a look at the 5 best neighborhoods to live in Cascais.
1. Costa da Guia
Located between the center of Cascais and Guincho Beach lies Costa da Guia. This neighborhood is known as one of the most beautiful residential areas to live in, featuring mostly apartments but also some houses.
Guia is home to the popular Casa da Guia, a picturesque location that features restaurants and boutiques, all located around a beautiful historic mansion. It provides direct views to the cliffs and ocean.
There are plenty of schools, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, so you will have everything you need around the area. The center of Cascais and Guincho beach are only a 5-minute drive away.
Costa da Guia is located in the parish of Cascais and Estoril. The average price per m2 to purchase a house here in January 2023 was 5,685€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 19.9€/m2.
2. Quinta da Marinha
Quinta da Marinha is perhaps the most exclusive neighborhood in Cascais, tucked away between the sea and the mountains of Sintra Cascais Natural Park.
If you are looking for a luxurious residential area with safety and plenty of green spaces, this is it. But you need to be willing to pay the price, as houses here go for millions of euros. The area is a gated community with security available.
The neighborhood includes two golf courses, a health club, an equestrian center, and multiple 5-star hotels, including the Sheraton. You are also only a 5-minute bicycle ride from the city center and 10 minutes from Guincho.
Quinta da Marinha is also located in the parish of Cascais and Estoril. The average price per m2 to purchase a house in this parish in January 2023 was 5,685€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 19.9€/m2.
However, keep in mind that Quinta da Marinha tends to be more expensive than the average in the parish as it’s a closed private area with large houses and apartments. Finding a house under 1 million euros here is close to impossible.
3. Sao Joao do Estoril
While technically located in the parish of Cascais and Estoril, Sao Joao do Estoril is known as being located in Estoril, a few minutes from the Casino. Sao Joao features gorgeous views of the ocean and access to incredible restaurants, as well as the marginal road which can take you all the way to Lisbon.
The area also boasts a boardwalk along the ocean that is perfect for walks. You can go all the way to the center of Cascais or even towards Parede on the other side. You also have quick access to amazing beaches, particularly Praia da Poca which has calm waters.
Sao Joao do Estoril has its own train station, so you can take the train to Lisbon and be there in 40 minutes or ride to Cascais in less than 10. The train rides along the water, making for amazing views.
This area naturally boasts good public and private schools, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.
4. Birre
Located between Cobre and Areia, Birre is situated in the parish of Cascais and Estoril, around a 5-minute drive from Praia do Guincho. Living here, you experience a suburban life, but you are still close to Cascais center, an 8-minute drive away.
Birre features all the shops, restaurants, and facilities you need while being super close to the A5 highway, which goes to Lisbon and other places. Moreover, you are also extremely close to the private CUF hospital, one of the most popular in the area.
Birre is also close to the Quinta da Marinha, allowing you to be in close proximity to its infrastructure, such as the gym and golf courses, without having to pay the huge property prices of this area.
5. Carcavelos
Last but not least, Carcavelos. Located in – you guessed it – the parish of Carcavelos and Parede, this area is a lot more affordable to live in than the rest of the neighborhoods on this list. But again, you are still in the greater municipality of Cascais, so don’t expect low prices.
Carcavelos is located between Cascais and Lisbon, on the coast. You can take the train to Cascais (10 minutes) or Lisbon (30 minutes) as Carcavelos has its own train station.
Like Sao Joao do Estoril, Carcavelos is situated in front of the marginal, the main road that goes from Cascais to Lisbon.
Carcavelos is known mostly for its sandy beaches and for being a surfing hotspot. Many have been calling it the California of Portugal, featuring a large surf culture, but also a place of great technological innovation.
Nova University holds a modern campus here, and you will also find an international British school called St. Julians.
The average price per m2 to purchase a house in the parish of Carcavelos and Parede in January 2023 was 3,857€/m2. To rent, it costs an average of 16.3€/m2.
