Estoril is a town ten minutes from Cascais and part of the municipality of Cascais.
Estoril is known for their casino and the Hotel Palacio because both appears in James Bond’s, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Estoril does not have a downtown like Cascais does. It’s a residential area with many business spread throughout.
The “paredão” is the famous boardwalk that allows you to walk to Cascais by the sea in about 15 minutes. It’s a gorgeous path and it was part of my morning walking routine when I lived there.
Estoril is quieter than Cascais. The traffic isn’t as bad but it’s not great either. It’s a challenge to find parking spots.
There are some older apartments, brand new large condos, houses and something for everyone if you take time to look.
There are great restaurants near the Casino, by the boardwalk walking to Cascais and walking towards Parede.
The boardwalk is the best place to spend time. It’s meditative, you will see the best sunsets, enjoy the ocean and beach life and you will see many other ex-pats (or immigrants) on their walks too.
What is life like in Estoril for an ex-pat (or immigrant)?
As the town does not have a downtown you won’t have a small town life. You can got to Cascais for that.
You will need to meet your neighbors or be flexible and meet people in the towns nearby.
If you are a woman living alone or with your family, consider joining IWP. International Women in Portugal. They provide many events that will allow you to meet other foreign women.
Join the golf club, or the tennis club if you play golf or tennis. There are different walking and hiking groups in Portugal and IWP also provides these.
Look for classes, workshops and volunteer for something you are passionate about.
Be patient. You will meet many people but making friends takes time.
My apartment
Plants and flowers became a hobby during my first year in Estoril.
Despite the snug size of my apartment, I lucked out with not one but two charming terraces—one in the back and another in the front of the apartment. I transformed these spaces into lush havens filled with vibrant plants.
Flowers from the Cascais market.
I bought tons of flowers from the Cascais market and spent hours creating flower arrangements. The result?
Flowers, watercolor by Marguerite
My apartment became a cheerful haven, full of beautiful plants and flowers.
I painted watercolor flowers, so there were flowers everywhere!
Hiking in Portugal
Hiking in Portugal
The highlight of my Estoril experience, however, was undoubtedly hiking. I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra Haan, the guide from Sintra Hikes, who, accompanied by her fabulous long-haired chihuahua, Amy, led me on hikes across the scenic hills of Sintra.
I could not join a group because I have shallow breath and can’t keep up with experienced hikers. I have stamina and I can walk/hike for more than three hours without any issues but I am slow going up.
I hired Sandra to be my private guide and she helped me work with my shallow breath. I got a lot better in just a few months. But I am not confident about going out with a group.
I stayed in Estoril for two years. I started to go more and more to Lisbon in search of galleries and museums, workshops and I missed the city life.
Red Lisbon tram.
I enrolled in an art school in Lisbon. The Lisbon-bound train became my regular commute, and soon enough, I decided to relocate to the city
I love living in Lisbon and have my fingers crossed for a long-lasting love affair with this vibrant place. Given my penchant for change, we’ll see how enduring this chapter is!
Being a single expat woman over 50 in Lisbon is fantastic! There are so many things to discover and you are surrounded by history. It’s a lovely feeling.
Lisbon
Lisbon, my little slice of charming chaos!
Lisbon is a walking city. Yes, you can walk to many neighbourhoods but many people don’t consider it a walking city because of the hills.
Some hills have short tram rides to the top of the hill and some have elevators inside stores. There are ways to get around the hills and use them for downhill walking.
The metro, bus and city trams work well and are usually on time.
Nowadays you have to be more attentive with pickpockets but the rides feel safe.
Night walks? I love to walk around the city at night but I don’t do it that much. The city does not feel that safe anymore.
Dining solo?
I have always been respected and well treated when eating alone.
No awkward toilet-side seating or being hid behind a column.
Lisbon has many theatres, classical music concerts and operas. If you miss the NY Met opera you can go to the Gulbenkian Museum and listen to the streaming opera. It’s a lot of fun. People dress up to go and others go in jeans. You can get a snack during the break and it’s a fun event.
Summers are for rock and roll and other types of music. There are lively summer concerts all over the country.
The art school made me feel grounded and helped me feel at home in Lisbon quickly. I had a place to develop my creativity a few times a week and met some interesting people. It was fun to meet artists from different parts of the world and local ones.
Urban walks: My two favorite walks are by the water. The best one is from Chiado to Belem. I can walk by the water the whole time and the view are great. I go towards Marvel sometimes but I am not that wild about those views.
Classes and workshops
There are more and more workshops popping up and I find myself having to choose carefully. The city has changed so much in the last ten years. I am very happy to be here and to see all the positive things going on.
I absolutely love my new home! It’s in a more relaxed area of Lisbon, the best part? No daunting uphill battles or treacherous descents when I step out of my building—pure luxury! Oh, and to add to the perks, there’s a bustling market, parks, restaurants, and I’m near the mall, Amoreiras. My area does not have a metro stop yet but it does have many buses.
I’m totally hooked on walking through the city, and lately, I’ve added a dash of purpose to my walks. Now, I’m on a mission to uncover the hidden gems—quirky boutiques, cozy coffee nooks, artsy ateliers, you name it! Lisbon is like a treasure chest that reveals its secrets over time, and trust me, the best way to unlock its charm is by exploring it on foot.
There are many art school, art galleries and museums.
If you want to practice your sketching, join an urban sketching group. It’s a great way to get to know the city.
Many museums offer drawing and painting workshops.
If figure drawing is your thing, check out the Lisbon Drawing Club.
There are many ceramic studios for you to learn pottery.
Marguerite at the Museu do Oriente, Lisbon
Cinema in Lisbon
For the cinema enthusiasts: I have a treat for you! The Cinemateca Portuguesa. This is where you go to see classic films from all over the world! And you must go upstairs to the cafe for a drink or a cup of tea. It’s a gorgeous building.
There are other fabulous cinema houses throughout the city: Cinema Sao Jorge near Av. Liverdade, Cinema Ideal in the Chiado, and Cinema Nimas in the Saldanha area.
Where to eat in Lisbon
Explore the tascas, those charming mom-and-pop restaurants scattered across the city.
Go into the residential neighborhoods for an authentic taste of Portuguese cuisine and family vibes.
In Lisbon, we don’t mess around when it comes to tascas – it’s like a serious affair! People are fiercely loyal to their local tascas, especially for family events.
As for me, I’ve got my go-to tascas – Taberna do Quelho, A Ladeira, and a couple more that I will be sharing with you soon.
Lisbon has incredible Michelin chefs, and Michelin recommendation spots.
Shrimps from the fabulous Michelin Guide restaurant: Essencial in Lisbon
Where to shop in Lisbon
There are fantastic boutiques catering to the wonderful young crowd and incredible little shops tailored for women over 50, and yes, many overlap!
When it comes to fashion for women over 50, it’s all about embracing a timeless, confident style.
Soul Mood is totally in sync with that vibe! They’ve got the fashion game on point for everyone. They have the perfect blend of discreet skirts and tops. This is one of my favorite boutiques.
Soul Mood has beautiful accessories, they’re not just accessories; they’re little pieces of art that can brighten up any top!
Soul Mood is located near the Carmo Convent, so it’s the perfect post-cultural-visit shopping stop!
Lost in India is the perfect store for the Bohemian in you. It’s in the Principe Real area.
Traces of Me is in the Chiado and offer chic Bohemian and gorgeous styles and fabric. They make beautiful silk scarves.
Looking for unique jewelry or art to wear? Galeria Reverso.
For 50 + lifestyle inspiration, get our ebook: 7 Easy Steps to Create a Happier Life.
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Updated November 2025
FAQ Expat life in Lisbon
I don’t think it’s easy, but if you are patient and careful about getting all your documents in order in can be a pretty smooth process.
Follow all the instructions!
Be patient.
It depends. Sorry, vague answer.
If you get involved with your community you will feel at home.
Social life:
If you focus on networking and join several expat groups you will have the opportunity of meeting many people.
Learning Portuguese
Many find leaning Portuguese is too hard and they give up. I think it’s important to learn the language of the country where you live. You will feel more at home!
Make an effort to learn the Portuguese habits and customs as soon as you land.
Learn to cook with local food and spices.
Make an effort to say hello to neighbors.
It depends on what kind of a person you are and how you look at connections.
If you put a lot of effort in networking you will meet people.
It’s easier for couples than for singles but don’t give up!
It will be easier to meet expats than Portuguese people.
Take your time to get to know the city where you live.
Learn the language.
Pick a cafe and go there a few times a week. People will get used to seeing you and some may even start chatting.
Join workshops and classes.
Work on your hobby or start a new hobby.
Join foreign expat groups.
Do things that you like to do on your own so that you won’t feel lonely all the time and for you to fill fulfilled.
Volunteer in something you are passionate about.
Exercise. This has nothing to do with feeling at home but you will feel better!
Look for a walking group.
Keep a journal to vent your frustrations, doubts and write about your victories.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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2 Responses
Hello!!!
Wonderful knowledge, adventure, and pictures.
I am heading back to Lisbon on 22 October for 2 weeks. I am ready to start my retirement visa. I’m looking on where to live. 64 is knocking on the door, been single for a long time.
Wishing you a fantastic trip and hope you will have time to go on a few day trips to get to know the country.