Experience in Cascais, Portugal by Sejo

What is it like to live in Cascais? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Cascais is a small town located 20 km from Lisbon and a half-hour by train. It is a small town on the shores of the Atlantic and a seaside resort. It is located on the Costa do Sol which enjoys a temperate climate where the sun shines almost all year round. One can swim between March and November. I recommend Cascais as one of the most beautiful places in Portugal because life is extremely pleasant; it is possible to practice all the sea sports in nearby beaches; and because it is located next to the mountain of Sintra one can also practice all radical sports, including hang gliding, rock climbing, etc.. The town is very pretty, with typical old neighbourhoods and people are very friendly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cascais?

Students, who stay in Cascais, have everything that there is in a European city, with regard to recreation and school facilities, library, cultural center, several museums, and as Lisbon is the capital there can be found everything that makes the reputation of the great capitals. There can also meet other Portuguese and many foreign students who come to study in Lisbon but live in this town and its outskirts.

How much does it cost to live in Cascais?

Cascais is not an expensive city, on the contrary, it is less expensive than Lisbon insofar as housing is concerned; food is affordable and the restaurants are, as everywhere in Portugal, among the most affordable in the Europe.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Cascais? Is there any advice you can give?

It is very easy to find rooms or small apartments for homestay of short to prolonged periods. Can be newspaper ads or go online ads to contact little agency as such as HostalCascaisPortugal that is a student agency that provides housing information made available by house owners.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are restaurants in all price ranges for all types of food, the Portuguese and foreign (Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, Iranian, Italian, French, etc. ).

What places would you recommend visiting in Cascais?

In Cascais, you can visit the museums, there are cinemas and a theater, a casino (the largest in Europe), where there are nightly musical bands, and an international show; there are plenty of bars and discos. Everyone can visit the district that is a very famous area of great wine, with small farming villages. You can go to Lisbon where you can find everything you can find in all big towns of European.

Is it good to eat out in Cascais? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

The food is excellent, both Portuguese and foreign, and the restaurants are really excellent.

Is the nightlife good in Cascais? Where is good to go?

Nightlife here and Lisbon (20 Km) is one of the most fascinating of Europe. You can go to cinema, theater, casino see international shows, clubbing and listening to music in the many bars. Cascais has probably one of the most cosmopolitan nightlife in Portugal.

What advice would you give future students heading to Cascais?

First find accommodation in good families, then going to places like the library, the logistical support center for youth, student associations, cafes, bars and trendy places.