Best Neighborhoods to Live in Cascais, Portugal

Discerning the best neighborhoods to live in Cascais depends on preferences in lifestyle, convenience, and value.
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April 24, 2024
Ana Fankhauser
April 24, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Discerning the best neighborhoods to live in Cascais depends on preferences in lifestyle, convenience, and value. This guide straightaway digs into the heart of Cascais’s residential enclaves, from the vibrant Historic Center to the serene landscapes of Guincho, providing you with indispensable insights to make your next move. Embark on uncovering your Cascais haven with us.

Overview of Cascais' Best Residential Areas

Should you consider making Cascais your home, rest assured, the town’s diverse neighborhoods can cater to an array of preferences and lifestyles. From the Historic Center of Cascais, which attracts individuals who enjoy living in a central location with high walkability, to Fontainhas, known for its traditional Portuguese ambiance, there’s something for everyone.

For cultural immersion, consider the Historic Center of Cascais, or for a local vibe, Fontainhas could be your pick near the city center or the village center.

Costa da Guia: The Coastal Gem

Costa da Guia: The Coastal Gem

Specifications:

  • Scenic location between Cascais center and Guincho beach, near Cascais Marina
  • Mix of luxury apartments and houses

Pros:

  • Breathtaking ocean views
  • Plenty of amenities

Cons:

  • Higher property prices

Costa da Guia, a picturesque neighborhood nestled between the lively town center of Cascais and the peaceful Guincho beach, offers an array of luxury apartments and houses, with many featuring stunning views of the ocean. As a resident, you’ll enjoy a plethora of amenities, including a picturesque boardwalk that offers direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its wealth of amenities and prime coastal positioning, Costa da Guia is also known for higher property prices, mirroring the demand for its idyllic location on the Portuguese Riviera.

Rating:

  • Location: 5/5
  • Price: 3/5
  • Amenities: 5/5

Quinta da Marinha: The Luxury Enclave

Quinta da Marinha

Specifications:

  • Upscale gated community
  • Range of high-end amenities

Pros:

  • Championship golf courses
  • Comprehensive equestrian center

Cons:

  • Property prices can be high

Quinta da Marinha, synonymous with luxurious, country club-style living, provides an unparalleled gated community experience. As a resident, you can enjoy a range of high-end amenities, including:

  • Championship golf courses like Oitavos Dunes
  • A comprehensive equestrian center for horse enthusiasts
  • World-class wellness facilities provided by the Quinta da Marinha Health Club

The area provides a sense of elevated security and exclusivity, resulting in a safe and luxurious lifestyle. Quinta da Marinha is also near Michelin-starred restaurants such as Fortaleza do Guincho, which offers fine dining with breathtaking ocean views.

Rating:

  • Location: 5/5
  • Price: 3/5
  • Amenities: 5/5

Sao Joao do Estoril: The Picturesque Locale

Specifications:

  • Traditional Portuguese atmosphere
  • Narrow streets and local cafes Pros:
  • Authentic living experience
  • Affordable property prices Cons:
  • Can be crowded during peak tourism seasons

Epitomizing the charm of Portugal with its traditional ambiance, meandering narrow streets, and cozy local cafes, Sao Joao do Estoril is truly captivating. While the neighborhood can be quite crowded during peak tourism seasons, particularly in August, it makes up for it with its relatively affordable property market. Apartment prices range between 300,000 and 600,000 euros, while villas are priced from 500,000 to 1.2 million euros. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic Portuguese lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Rating:

  • Location: 4/5
  • Price: 4/5
  • Amenities: 3/5

Birre: The Suburban Retreat

Birre: The Suburban Retreat

Specifications:

  • Tranquil environment
  • Modern villas

Pros:

  • Convenient access to the center of Cascais and nearby beaches
  • Beautiful gardens and quiet atmosphere in the surrounding green spaces

Cons:

  • Property prices can be high

Birre, an up-and-coming neighborhood, has won popularity for its serene environment and modern villas, while also offering easy access to the heart of Cascais and nearby beaches. As a resident, you’ll enjoy beautiful gardens, a quiet atmosphere, and a balance between peaceful suburban living and accessibility to urban amenities. It’s a great choice for those seeking a suburban retreat without feeling isolated from the vibrant life of Cascais.

Rating:

  • Location: 4/5
  • Price: 3/5
  • Amenities: 4/5

Carcavelos: The Surfer's Paradise

Specifications:

Pros:

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during peak tourism seasons

Carcavelos, often hailed as the birthplace of Portugal’s surfing culture, attracts a mix of locals and foreigners to its vibrant scene. One of the advantages of Carcavelos is its affordability, which includes excellent international schools, making it appealing for families and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The neighborhood stands out for its blend of surf culture and technological innovation, which adds to its distinctive and lively atmosphere.

Rating:

  • Location: 4/5
  • Price: 4/5
  • Amenities: 4/5

Guincho: The Nature Lover's Dream

This dramatic coastline along the Atlantic Coast offers excellent conditions for surfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Pristine natural beauty with picturesque landscapes
  • Adventurous outdoor setting

Cons:

  • Property prices can be high

Guincho, known for its untouched natural beauty and adventurous outdoor activities, boasts a dramatic coastline and ideal conditions for surfing and kiteboarding. Despite its rugged ambiance, Guincho Beach offers amenities such as cafes, restaurants, showers, car parks, and rental facilities for chairs and umbrellas.

The Sintra Cascais Natural Park, encompassing Guincho, affords protection from major development and provides trails for hiking, including a route to Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha. It’s a haven for surfers, kiteboarders, and nature enthusiasts.

Rating:

  • Location: 5/5
  • Price: 3/5
  • Amenities: 4/5

Estoril: The Historic Charm

Specifications:

  • Historic Casino Estoril
  • Luxury properties

Pros:

  • Blend of old-world charm with beach life in a seaside town, including beautiful beaches
  • Splendid gardens

Cons:

  • Higher property prices compared to other neighborhoods, especially for one bedroom apartment options

Estoril, a neighborhood famed for the historic Casino Estoril, luxury properties, and a blend of quaint old-world charm with beach life, radiates a distinctive allure. Monte Estoril offers elegant mansions and lush gardens, with property prices for villas and historic houses ranging from 1 million to over 5 million euros, and apartments priced between 500,000 and 2 million euros.

Areas around Casino Estoril have a mix of entertainment, culture, and leisure, with properties priced between 400,000 euros for apartments and 3 million euros for villas. The luxurious Estoril Sol Residence is noted for luxury apartments starting at 1 million euros with amenities such as 24-hour security and swimming pools, with properties that can exceed 2 million euros.

Despite offering historic charm and luxury living, the cons of residing in Estoril may include higher property prices compared to other neighborhoods.

Rating:

  • Location: 5/5
  • Price: 3/5
  • Amenities: 5/5

Choosing Your Ideal Neighborhood in Cascais

Your personal needs and lifestyle preferences guide your choice of the right neighborhood in Cascais. Some factors to consider include:

  • Walkability and proximity to retail and dining establishments
  • Tranquil environment with modern villas
  • Traditional Portuguese atmosphere
  • Surf culture

Consider these factors when choosing the neighborhood that best suits your preferences.

Regardless, all neighborhoods in Cascais offer a unique charm and quality of life that make living in Cascais a delightful experience, with various Cascais offers to explore.

Understanding the Real Estate Market in Cascais

Expatriates and international investors have a high regard for the Cascais real estate market. Since 2017, property values in Cascais have more than doubled, reflecting its strong appeal to the market. The average price per square meter for property in Cascais was reported at €5,835 in 2023, and while sellers may list higher asking prices, actual selling prices can be lower. Investment in Cascais can be quite lucrative, with an average rental yield of 5.6% and some neighborhoods offering returns up to 5.9%.

With an ongoing increase in value, Cascais real estate is considered a solid investment. The strategic location and desirable reputation of Cascais aid in sustaining the potential for future capital appreciation. Real estate in Cascais is expected to continue its expansion, offering an increasingly diverse range of residential options to fit various investor profiles.

Tips for a Smooth Relocation to Cascais

While relocating to Cascais is an exhilarating journey, it does necessitate some groundwork for a seamless transition. Here are some tips to help you settle in:

  1. Learn Portuguese before moving. This can be beneficial, aiding in daily interactions and faster integration into the local community.
  2. Understand local customs. Familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and traditions of Cascais to avoid any misunderstandings.
  3. Actively integrate into the community. Participate in local events, join clubs or organizations, and make an effort to meet your neighbors. This can significantly enhance the feeling of being at home in Cascais.

Cascais hosts a vibrant and diverse expat community, providing newcomers with an instant network of friends and contacts from around the world. There are active expat groups such as International Women in Portugal and Americans Living in Portugal, which can help new residents settle in Cascais.

During your house hunt in Cascais, make it a point to:

  • Visit properties in person
  • Engage a lawyer to comprehend the rental contract
  • Check for potential issues such as soundproofing, musty odors, and dampness.

Summary

In conclusion, Cascais offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re seeking the coastal gem of Costa da Guia, the luxury enclave of Quinta da Marinha, the picturesque locale of Sao Joao do Estoril, the suburban retreat of Birre, the surfer’s paradise of Carcavelos, the nature lover’s dream of Guincho, or the historic charm of Estoril, there’s a perfect spot for you in Cascais. So why delay? Start planning your move to Cascais today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price per square meter for property in Cascais?

The average price per square meter for property in Cascais is €5,835.

What are some of the top neighborhoods in Cascais?

Consider Costa da Guia, Quinta da Marinha, Sao Joao do Estoril, and Birre as some of the top neighborhoods in Cascais. They offer a great blend of amenities, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant community.

What is the rental yield in Cascais?

You can expect an average rental yield of 5.6% in Cascais, with some neighborhoods even offering returns up to 5.9%. It's a promising investment opportunity.

How can I ensure a smooth relocation to Cascais?

To ensure a smooth relocation to Cascais, focus on learning Portuguese, understanding local customs, and connecting with the vibrant expat community. These steps will help you adapt and feel more at home in your new location.

What should I look for when house hunting in Cascais?

When searching for a house in Cascais, make sure to visit properties in person, hire a lawyer to review rental contracts, and inspect for soundproofing, moldy smells, and dampness. This will help you make an informed decision.

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