Located northwest of Cascais, the neighborhood of Birre is part of the civil parish of Cascais and Estoril — one of the most sought-after residential areas in the municipality. Nearby you’ll find other well-regarded neighborhoods such as Aldeia de Juso, Areia, and Cobre. The entire region is known for its peaceful atmosphere, while still offering close proximity to downtown Cascais, beautiful beaches, and the natural beauty of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park to the north. With quiet streets, spacious homes, and a privileged location, Birre attracts families and investors alike, standing out as one of the most desirable areas in Cascais.
Birre is known for its low-density residential profile, composed mainly of detached houses, contemporary villas, and small gated communities. The absence of tall buildings and the carefully landscaped streets contribute to its calm and elegant character. You’ll find wide open spaces, well-kept gardens, and an abundance of greenery. It’s common to see residents walking their dogs, riding bikes, or enjoying a relaxed stroll. Unlike more touristy parts of Cascais, Birre remains peaceful, without crowds or late-night noise.
Where is Birre?
Living in Birre means being less than 10 minutes from iconic spots like the Cascais Marina, Casa da Guia, the historic center, and the beaches along the Atlantic coast. Its proximity to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Guincho Beach makes it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, cycling, or hiking. At the same time, Birre is close enough to enjoy all the cultural, culinary, and commercial life that Cascais has to offer.
The neighborhood also offers excellent road connections — just minutes from the A5 highway (linking Cascais to Lisbon), the N9 national road, and the scenic coastal road Avenida Marginal. That makes it easy to reach Lisbon, Sintra, and even Oeiras.
Rising value and investment potential
In recent years, Birre has gained visibility in Cascais’s luxury real estate market. The growing demand for spacious homes with gardens — partly driven by post-pandemic lifestyle changes — has led many buyers to favor residential neighborhoods like Birre over more central zones. A wave of new modern homes and high-quality renovations has raised the standard of the local offering, making Birre attractive for both long-term rental investments and capital appreciation through future resale.
Why is it called “Birre”? The origin and curiosities behind the name
Birre is an unusual name, and its etymology has long been debated. One of the most accepted theories links it to the pig farming activity that once dominated the area. The word “birre” would have referred to breeding boars used by local farmers to inseminate their sows. It’s believed that locals used to say “Vamos ao Birre!” — meaning “Let’s go to Birre!” — as a reference to the place where this prized boar could be found.
Interestingly, the neighboring district of Cobre, located east of Birre, is also believed to have gotten its name from the same agricultural context. In this case, “Cobre” would derive from “cobrição,” a Portuguese term meaning mating — specifically referring to female pigs that had been inseminated. The proximity of these two neighborhoods with such names offers a glimpse into Cascais’s rural past, long before the area’s transformation into a high-end residential zone. These quirky etymologies are part of the region’s hidden history, still reflected in the names and identity of its neighborhoods.
You can explore more about the origin of neighborhood names in the municipal archive: Toponymy of the Municipality of Cascais.
Looking to explore real estate opportunities in Birre and the surrounding area?
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to live, a lifestyle upgrade, or a solid real estate investment in one of Cascais’s most established neighborhoods, Birre is a smart choice. CAP International, a real estate agency specializing in properties in Portugal, offers a curated selection of exclusive homes in Birre. Get in touch with our team to discover the best opportunities and make the most of everything this remarkable neighborhood has to offer.